Join Our Team
We are taking applications for the Spring Semester! Deadline to apply Thursday, December 7, 2023, 11:59pm.
Dancing Classrooms is a 10-week social and emotional learning (SEL), arts-in-education program teaching partner dance to children during their school day. Our mission is to build social awareness, confidence, and self-esteem in children through the practice of social dance. Founded in 1994, Dancing Classrooms has been featured in several films, including the award-winning documentary Mad Hot Ballroom and Take the Lead starring Antonio Banderas.
Dance for Life is a senior wellness program for active seniors, ambulatory memory-care elders, and their caregivers. Dance for Life weaves together music, storytelling, and partner dance to focus on four key areas:
Building physical strength and flexibility
Improving balance to reduce the risk of falls
Expanding social connections
Increasing cognitive focus to delay or diminish the effects of dementia
Watch our videos to learn more:
Who We Look For
Ideal Teaching Artists are those who:
Have experience working with children and adults,
Possess a good sense of humor, rhythm, and ample patience,
Can command a classroom and also work well in a team,
Want to build social awareness, confidence, and self-esteem in children, and help older adults build and maintain physical and cognitive abilities, through partner dance,
Respond to communications within 24 hours,
Have reliable transportation.
Applicants of color and multilingual speakers are especially encouraged to apply, as we serve a highly diverse student population. Dance, theater, or teaching experience is a plus, but ballroom dance experience is not necessary. All training in the Dancing Classrooms and Dance for Life syllabi and teaching methodology is provided.
Auditions, Training, and Schedule Requirements
We will conduct an informal phone interview to answer questions about the program and allow us to see if you are a good fit. Applicants then may be invited to audition. Auditions for applicants will be held in Minneapolis on Saturday, December 9, from 12:30-2:30pm and, Tuesday, December 12, 7:00-9:00pm. Address will be given with the invitation to audition. Training will take place January 15-19 from 9am to 5pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center. Training commitment is non-negotiable; please do not apply if you are unable to commit to attending all of the training.
Applicants must be able to commit to a ten-week residency of two to five days per week, for at least two sequential semesters, along with bi-weekly hybrid/in-person staff meetings and occasional events. Dancing Classroom takes place during school or after-school hours (8am-5pm), while Dance for Life may be scheduled during day, evening, or weekend hours. We serve schools and organizations within the seven-county Twin Cities metro area. A Teaching Artist may be in more than one school or organization per day.
Compensation
Teaching Artist pay starts at $30 per class taught (includes lesson prep time), pursuant to attendance at required biweekly staff meetings. Staff meetings and events are paid at $15 per hour.
Employment Requirements
Due to the uniquely close proximity of partner dance, Heart of Dance highly recommends all staff to be fully vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. Teaching Artists are required to undergo a background check upon employment.
