Dance Teaching Artist

Part Time Lead Dance Teaching Artist

Status: Seasonal, Summer 2023 with the possibility of Fall through June of 2024

Compensation: DOE $45 – $60 per instructional hour

About Us:

Santa Barbara Dance Institute (SBDI) was founded in 2005, to help all individuals foster tenacity, a standard of excellence, and a belief in oneself that will carry over into all aspects of life.

Focusing on community centers and schools with little to no arts programming, SBDI offers both Professional Development for teachers and leaders as well as direct programs immersing individuals in music and dance, fostering pride in personal achievement, a love of the arts, and a curiosity about the world.

We offer inclusive dance programming that helps participants develop connection to themselves and others, a deep understanding of culture and self-expression, and a belief in themselves that will carry over into all aspects of their lives. Using SBDI’s core beliefs of community, connection, and the importance of every individual voice, our goal is to see all participants develop critical life skills, build confidence, and experience the exhilarating feeling of success through dance.

About This Job:

The Teaching Artist provides leadership for their classes’ artistic quality and programming. The individual is responsible for teaching and choreographing for SBDI classes to ensure program impact and performance readiness. The Teaching Artist is responsible to the Artistic Director for carrying out the mission and the policies of SBDI and being a steward of the organizations mission and culture, representing the organization in the community.

 This summer SBDI is providing educational dance programming for Santa Barbara Unified School District summer school and Goleta Unified School District summer camp.  Students are elementary ages.  Apply for this position if you value, equity and inclusion and feel that it is a privilege to work with children.

 Schedule:

• Santa Barbara: June 23 preparation, share and develop lesson plans.
• Santa Barbara: June 27, 28, 29, July 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12 (4 classes each afternoon, various locations)
• Goleta: July 19^th & 20^th preparation, share and develop lesson plans.
• Goleta: July 24-28 (3.5 hours in the morning and 3.5 in the afternoon, one location)

Primary Responsibilities and Working Environment:

Teaching, Choreography, Directing, Presentations

• Teaches at various public-school sites for summer school and summer camp programs.
• Classes are held in Gyms, Cafeterias, and outside.Must be able to use space wisely.
• Class sizes may be up to 30 children max.
• Works closely with SBDI support crew as a partner / mentor to develop other potential SBDI Teaching Artists and to ensure quality of programs and classroom engagement for all students.
• Teacher, choreographer, and rehearsal director for end of session presentations.
• Works collaboratively with artistic director to ensure quality, consistency, and coordination of all work and programming.
• Willingness to attend brief assessment meetings and complete forms.
• Willingness to communicate via text pre and post class to share ideas, reflections, and assessments of class.
• Are committed to creating dance experiences where children of all abilities can participate.
• Are committed to culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices and creating classroom where each child is seen, heard, and valued.
• Are reflective practitioners who seek opportunities for their own learning.

Please come and observe one of our classes to become more familiar with our work. You can also visit our website  for more information.

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Job Specific Requirements:

• Requires 2-5 years of experience in job related duties teaching and choreography, with primary focus on tools and skills to engage classes with a variety of ages (7-12 years old).
• Come from a variety of traditions and have a desire to share their unique artistry with children.
• Are as passionate about the art of teaching as they are with their own art form.
• Basic knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of CA National Core Arts Standards.
• Requires extensive physical movement, dance, high energy, and stamina.
• Professional dance performing experience and/or bachelor’s degree in dance related field.
• Proven leadership and experience in artistic program development and production.
• Solid classroom engagement & management skills and understanding in culturally responsive teaching.
• Bilingual, Spanish / English is a plus.
• Are collaborative and thrive in an environment where power and responsibility are shared.

How To Apply

• Please send a cover letter indicating why you wish to work for Santa Barbara Dance Institute, with work history as a pdf to rosalina@sbdi.org

Equal Opportunity

To fulfill our mission SBDI is dedicated to sustaining and building an organizational culture grounded in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. We value a diverse team and inclusive culture.  SBDI encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, and veteran status.