Dance Instructor

Northern Lights School of Dance (NLSD) is a community-based, non-profit dance school dedicated to providing high-quality dance education in a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment.

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Dance Teacher to join our team.

The ideal candidate will be a Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) registered teacher who brings proven ability to teach and inspire students from preschool through advanced levels, in ballet, pointe, contemporary ballet and jazz genres. We are seeking an individual who can foster student technical and artistic development while contributing to the continued excellence of the school's recreational and performance programs. This is initially a one-year employment contract with the possibility of renewal.

Wage : $40.00-$55.00 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience

Key Responsibilities

Instruction and Student Development

• Plan and deliver safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate dance instruction for students of varying ages, abilities, and experience levels as assigned
• Teach classes in accordance with NLSD curriculum standards and, where applicable, Royal Academy of Dance syllabi and teaching principles
• Promote technical proficiency, artistry, creativity, musicality, and confidence in students
• Assess student progress and provide constructive feedback to support individual development.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment
• Communicate with dance families regarding dancer progress
• Be responsive and respectful when responding to dance family concerns
• Host parent observation classes as required

Choreography and Performance

• Create and teach choreography for recitals, performances, festivals, competitions, community events, and other school activities as assigned
• Prepare students for performances through rehearsals and coaching
• Collaborate with the artistic team regarding music selection, costumes, staging, and production requirements
• If qualified, prepare students to challenge Royal Academy of Dance annual examinations

Professional Practice

• Maintain current qualifications, knowledge of dance pedagogy, safe dance practices, and industry developments
• Comply with all school policies, procedures, safeguarding requirements, and codes of conduct
• Maintain accurate attendance, communication, and other records as required
• Attend staff meetings, professional development activities, rehearsals, performances, and School events as requested

Collaboration and Community Engagement

• Work collaboratively with fellow dance teachers and instructors, artistic staff, volunteers, and families to support student success
• Communicate professionally and effectively with students, dance families and colleagues
• Contribute positively to the school's culture and community presence

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum three (3) years of dance teaching experience with children and youth.
• Strong background in dance education, including experience teaching multiple age groups and levels, developing lesson plans and delivering progressive dance instruction
• Experience choreographing group and/or individual performance work
• Current Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening, or ability to obtain one
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain certification.

Preferred

• RAD ballet teaching qualification
• RAD Registered Teacher Status
• Certification or professional training in jazz, contemporary, modern, acro or other dance disciplines
• Experience preparing students for examinations, performances, festivals, or competitions

Suitability

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Enthusiasm, patience and passion for teaching and mentoring young dancers
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Professionalism, reliability, sound judgement, and strong organizational skills
• Creativity, adaptability, and ability to work independently
• A commitment to equity, inclusion, and student well-being
• Ability to work as part of a collaborative team and contribute to the community.

Application Information

To apply, submit electronically to View email address on click.appcast.io, a cover letter introducing yourself and a detailed résumé clearly outlining your qualifications and experience. In addition, please send along a list of three professional references, two of who have been your direct supervisor. Their professional title, email address and cell contact number will be required. 

Northern Lights School of Dance thanks all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.