Location: New York City
Employment Type: Part-Time/Contract

About Dance Culture LLC:
At Dance Culture LLC, our mission is to transform dance education by centering African Diaspora cultures and providing innovative learning experiences. Since our founding in 2019, we have empowered dance educators through specialized programs designed to connect cultural history with modern pedagogy, offering residencies, workshops, and professional development across NYC schools and communities.

Our approach is grounded in the belief that dance education should celebrate diverse cultural voices, enriching students and teachers alike. Through practical, immersive experiences, we help educators bring a meaningful understanding of cultural roots into their teaching, fostering an inclusive environment where students feel connected to the global tapestry of dance traditions. Dance Culture LLC is committed to building a supportive, forward-thinking community, where educators can access resources, gain insights into decolonized teaching practices, and deepen their impact on students across all learning levels.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and insightful Professional Development Coordinator to support our mission of transforming dance education by centering African Diaspora cultures and providing innovative learning experiences. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of African diasporic dance pedagogy, a conscious approach to teaching practices that centers Africanist ways of knowing, and extensive experience in dance education across diverse age groups.

As the Professional Development Coordinator, you will play a role in shaping and expanding our educational programs by integrating research, curriculum development, and best practices in culturally responsive teaching. Your work will directly contribute to our goal of fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments that celebrate the cultural richness of the African Diaspora.

 

Key Responsibilities:

-Develop and implement strategic initiatives to enhance Dance Culture’s educational programs, ensuring alignment with our mission and values.

-Conduct research on African-diasporic dance forms and educational practices, applying findings to curriculum development and Artist Educator training.

-Design professional development workshops that reflect a decolonized approach to dance pedagogy and support educators in adopting inclusive, student-centered teaching methods.

-Collaborate with Artist Educators to create culturally responsive lesson plans that honor the historical, cultural, and sociopolitical contexts of dance traditions.

-Communicate complex educational theories effectively to diverse audiences, including Artist Educators, students, and community partners.

-Stay informed about current trends and developments in dance education, particularly those related to African diasporic traditions, and integrate them into Dance Culture’s programming.

-Mentor and support Artist Educators in refining their pedagogical practices and deepening their cultural knowledge.

-Oversee program evaluations and assess the impact of educational initiatives to inform future strategies and improvements.

-Assist with grant applications, fundraising efforts, and strategic partnerships to support program growth and sustainability.

 

Qualifications:

-Minimum of 10 years of extensive experience in dance education, with a focus on African diasporic dance forms and their pedagogical frameworks.

-Deep comprehension of the historical, cultural, and sociopolitical significance of African Diaspora dance traditions.

-Strong foundation in education theory and the ability to communicate pedagogical concepts effectively to diverse stakeholders.

-Experience conducting and applying research on dances of the African Diaspora and educational practices in various forms, including academic, experiential, and community-based approaches.

-A conscious approach to teaching that challenges Eurocentric norms and fosters inclusive, culturally affirming learning environments.

-Proven ability to design and lead professional development initiatives that empower educators to connect cultural history with modern teaching methodologies.

-A degree in Dance Education or a related field is highly valued, with additional research experience considered an asset.

-Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills to effectively coordinate programs and collaborate with diverse teams.

 

How to Apply:

Applications will be reviewed starting February 7th; for best consideration please apply before then. Interested applicants should submit the following materials to info@danceculture.co:

 

     -A resume or CV detailing your experience in dance education, research, and curriculum development.

     -A cover letter outlining your approach to decolonized teaching, your experience in researching and teaching African-diasporic dance, and your commitment to inclusive education.

     -Optional: Portfolio materials such as curriculum samples, research publications, or video links showcasing educational initiatives.

 

Compensation:

Compensation is commensurate with experience and will be determined by the completion of projects alongside Dance Culture staff.

 

Equity and Inclusion Statement: 

Dance Culture LLC is committed to fostering equity in the arts. We strongly encourage individuals of the African Diaspora, particularly those with expertise in African-diasporic dance forms, to apply. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, cultures, and identities, valuing lived experiences and diverse perspectives in shaping creative and educational spaces.