Dance Teacher/Choreographer

Outside Looking In; Toronto; Remote; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Outside Looking In is seeking adaptable Dance Teachers/Choreographers to deliver culturally grounded dance programming for Indigenous youth across Canada. Ideal candidates will have experience in various dance styles, a passion for mentorship, and a commitment to inspiring youth through their cultural practices.

Benefits

Flights and accommodations covered

Meal allowance policy

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience teaching and choreographing dance.
• Preference for candidates in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Alberta.
• Experience working with Indigenous youth or racialized populations is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Choreograph and teach a 2-minute routine, including structured warm-ups.
• Plan and deliver frequent rehearsals and oversee student performance assessments.
• Support credit programming by teaching dance vocabulary and theory.

Skills

Teaching

Choreography

Cultural sensitivity

Strong relationship-building

Flexible and adaptable

Job description

OLI DANCE TEACHER/CHOREOGRAPHER

Contract Position | September 2025 – June 2026 | Travel Required

INTRODUCTION

Outside Looking In (OLI) seeks passionate and adaptable Dance Teachers/Choreographers to join our national roster of artists delivering dynamic and culturally grounded dance programming to Indigenous youth across Canada. We are especially looking for professionals in various dance styles—including Indigenous dances (Pow Wow, Jigging, Inuit Dance), Street Dance, and Contemporary Dance.

As part of OLI’s mission, you will travel to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities and teach youth in Grades 7–12. This is an opportunity to inspire, connect, and make a long-term impact through dance.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The OLI Dance Teacher/Choreographer is a creative leader, mentor, and role model who delivers OLI’s high-school dance-accredited program in assigned communities. You will choreograph and teach an original 2-minute routine throughout the school year, support the credit delivery process, and prepare youth for culminating projects, such as a live or video performance. You will also teach other choreographers’ routines (using provided tutorials) to help selected students prepare for OLI’s Annual Showcase and Camp in Ontario.

MODELS OF DELIVERY

Remote Communities (Fly-In or Rural):

• Travel to community 3–6 times between September–June
• Trips last approximately 5 days (Monday–Friday)
• Weekend travel may be required, depending on flight access
• Flights, transportation, and accommodations are covered by OLI and the community
• Meals reimbursed under OLI's Meal Allowance Policy

Urban Communities (Within Driving Distance):

• Travel to community 2–3 times per week (September–June)
• Classes are 1.5–2 hours
• Mileage and transportation costs may be reimbursed as necessary

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate with the Associate Director on song selections and choreography concepts
• Attend the mandatory Choreographer Summit (September 6–8, 3 full days, dates TBC) in Toronto
• Plan and deliver frequent rehearsals (1.5 – 6 hours/day, depending on number of groups and size )
• Choreograph and teach a 2-minute culturally and age-appropriate routine (due by February)
• Include structured warm-ups and cool-downs in each class
• Support credit programming by teaching basic dance vocabulary and theory
• Record and upload tutorial videos after each visit
• Submit rough music mix by mid-December; final mix by end of February
• Conduct 2–3 student performance assessments (in person or virtual) between September and June
• Communicate regularly with the Associate Director and Program Coordinators/Managers
• Submit timesheets and expenses promptly

Additional Notes:

• Some communities may require two original 2-minute routines. (ie. Junior and Senior Groups)
• Opportunities to be matched with multiple communities, depending on your availability and experience

KEY DETAILS

• Type: Contract Work
• Compensation: Day Rates Based on Teaching Experience
• Start Date: September
• Term: September 2025 – June 2026
• Reports To: Associate Director Programs, Dance
• Location: Remote/Urban travel across Canada
• Benefits: N/A

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• 2+ years of experience teaching and choreographing dance
• Flexible and available to travel frequently from September to June
• Preference for candidates based in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, or Alberta
• Background in Indigenous Dance, Street Dance, or Contemporary styles
• Warm, approachable, reliable, and punctual
• Strong relationship-building skills with youth and community members
• Adaptable to new and unfamiliar environments
• Professional, coachable, and communicative
• Familiar with youth work best practices and rehearsal etiquette
• Politically and culturally sensitive; able to navigate diverse spaces with tact and care
• Clear and current police background check
• A valid driver’s license is an asset
• Experience working with Indigenous youth or racialized populations is an asset
• First Aid or Mental Health training certification is considered an asset

We Welcome Diverse Experience

We encourage applications from choreographers at various stages of their careers:

• Emerging professionals (0–1 years of experience) with flexible schedules
• Experienced professionals with limited availability who are passionate about mentorship and working with emerging Indigenous choreographers and teachers.
• We are also building an on-call list for short-term or one-off workshop opportunities

Indigenous Applicants Strongly Encouraged

We especially welcome applications from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit persons. Please self-identify in your application.

For any inquiries, please contact:

Queenie Seguban – Associate Director of Programs, Dance

[e-mail]

www.olishow.com

Application Deadline:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Apply early to be considered for upcoming programming cycles.