Job Details

Dance Instructor

The Dance Instructor plays a vital role in advancing the YMCA's mission of strengthening community by connecting youth to their potential, purpose, and one another. This position is responsible for leading high-quality dance instruction that creates a safe, positive, and nurturing environment where children can build confidence, develop skills, and experience a sense of belonging.

Through intentional relationship-building with participants and families, the Dance Instructor supports youth development outcomes while fostering a welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined culture grounded in the YMCA's core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment that fosters belonging and confidence among participants.
• Plan, organize, and implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate dance instruction within established program guidelines.
• Ensure daily class operations run smoothly, including schedules, supplies, materials, and space readiness.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organized program environment that supports physical and emotional safety, including ADA accommodations where appropriate.
• Support and collaborate with program staff and volunteers as assigned.
• Build positive, professional relationships with parents and caregivers, maintaining clear and consistent communication.
• Engage families as partners and connect them to the YMCA community.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and required program documentation.
• Demonstrate and model the YMCA's mission, values, and Y-Voice behaviorswelcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.
• Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, safety standards, and employee handbook guidelines.
• Conduct oneself professionally at all times, both within and outside program settings.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and organizational events.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the YMCA's mission and goals.

YMCA Competency Areas:

• Communication: Communicates clearly, respectfully, and professionally with youth, families, and team members.
• Engaging Community: Creates meaningful connections with participants and families that foster belonging and engagement.

Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA Job Description

• Emotional Maturity: Demonstrates patience, professionalism, and sound judgment in busy or challenging situations.
• Responsibility & Accountability: Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards while taking ownership of assigned responsibilities.

Qualifications:

• Previous dance experience in an instructional or performance-based setting required.
• Experience working with children or youth preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to plan and deliver age-appropriate dance instruction.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience working with diverse populations preferred.
• Understands that the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Required Training and Certifications (or willingness to complete within designated timeframe upon hire):

• YMCA-approved Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Certification
• Emergency Procedures Training
• CPR and First Aid Certification

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Ability to plan, lead, and actively participate in dance and movement-based activities.
• Ability to stand, move, and demonstrate movements for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, move, or carry up to 25 lbs. using proper technique.
• Work in a team-oriented environment with open communication regarding youth, families, or staff concerns.
• Work environment noise levels vary and are typically moderate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.