Pointe Shoe Fitter/Sales Associate

Do you love ballet, enjoy working with people, and have a passion for helping dancers feel confident and supported? Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is looking for a Pointe Shoe Fitter / Sales Associate to join The Shoe Room team - a unique retail environment that supports dancers at every stage of their training journey.

About Us:
Canada's National Ballet School (NBS) is a leading arts and education institution dedicated to excellence in dance training, community programming, and health initiatives. With 300+ employees, NBS supports programs ranging from professional ballet training to groundbreaking community and health initiatives. At NBS, we foster a collaborative, creative environment rooted in inclusion, innovation, and continuous growth - and every team member plays an important role in supporting our vibrant community.

The Role:
Under the leadership of The Shoe Room Manager, you’ll play an important role in creating a welcoming and knowledgeable experience for students, families, faculty, and guests. From fitting dancers in pointe shoes and helping troubleshoot fit concerns, to supporting retail operations and special events, this role blends customer service, technical expertise, and community connection in a dynamic and creative environment.

No two shifts are exactly alike. One moment you might be helping a young dancer prepare for their very first pair of pointe shoes, and the next you could be assisting advanced students with shoe modifications, restocking merchandise, supporting a pop-up event, or helping prepare for a busy performance weekend. If you enjoy staying active, connecting with people throughout the day, and sharing your passion for ballet in a meaningful way, this role may be a perfect fit for you.

Why You'll Love This Role:

• Be part of a passionate and collaborative team within one of Canada’s leading arts organizations
• Support dancers in an exciting milestone moment — being fitted for pointe shoes
• Combine your ballet training and customer service skills in a specialized role
• Work in a creative, energetic, and community-focused environment
• Gain hands-on experience with pointe shoe fitting, product knowledge, and dancer support
• Support performances, special events, and pop-up retail opportunities
• Build meaningful connections with students, families, faculty, and the broader dance community
• Opportunities to get involved in employee-led initiatives like our EDI and Social Committees

Major Duties and Responsibilities :

• Conduct pointe shoe fitting appointments and support dancers in selecting shoes that promote healthy dance practices
• Provide personalized guidance and product recommendations for pointe shoes, dancewear, and ballet accessories
• Perform basic pointe shoe alterations and modifications to support individual dancer needs
• Deliver friendly, professional, and knowledgeable customer service to students, families, faculty, and guests
• Process cash, debit, and credit transactions accurately using the POS system
• Maintain customer purchase histories and shoe records within the POS system
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming retail environment
• Restock merchandise, organize displays, refold apparel, and steam items as needed
• Assist with inventory maintenance and annual inventory counts
• Support on-site and off-site retail initiatives including pop-up shops, performances, and NBS events
• Balance multiple responsibilities throughout shifts while maintaining strong attention to detail and customer care
• Jump in wherever needed to support the team and contribute to an exceptional customer experience
• Take on other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Skills/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent; Minimum 1 year of retail or customer service experience
• Minimum 5 years of ballet training, including at least 2 years en pointe
• Formal classical ballet training with knowledge of ballet terminology, syllabi, and performances
• Strong knowledge of pointe shoes, dancewear, and dancers’ fitting needs
• Ability to manipulate and adapt pointe shoes to support customer comfort and performance
• Basic sewing skills required
• Experience using POS and inventory systems preferred
• Comfortable handling cash and processing transactions accurately and efficiently
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a professional and approachable demeanor
• Ability to multitask, stay organized, and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Positive attitude, adaptability, and willingness to support the team wherever needed

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification listed. If you're enthusiastic, dependable, passionate about dance, and excited to be part of a supportive and creative community, we'd love to hear from you!

Compensation
Rate: $18-19 per hour
Schedule: 10–18 hours per week
Availability: Weekend availability required, plus 1 or 2 weekdays  

Our Commitment to Equity & Accessibility
NBS is committed to addressing systemic inequities in every facet of our organization including programs, policies and practices. It is NBS’ top priority to build a remarkable and talented workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Toronto. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially welcoming those with diverse intersectional identities who bring unique perspectives and contribute to the diversification of ideas.
If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us.

Successful candidates must supply Canada’s National Ballet School with a Police Reference Check in accordance with the School’s Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy; this will be coordinated through the Human Resources Department at NBS