Ballet Teacher - Recreation Program Classes

City-of-Gaithersbur; Gaithersburg (MD); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gaithersburg is seeking qualified Ballet Instructors to teach all levels from pre-school movement through Pointe at Casey Community Center. Classes are held in the city’s dance studio in late afternoon, evenings, and on weekends.

Hours per week vary with registrations; quarterly offerings are scheduled in advance. The hourly rate ranges from $35 to $40 per hour, or equivalently a 45-minute class, based on qualifications, training, certifications, and experience.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching ballet at multiple skill levels.
• Ability to demonstrate and teach correct French terminology for ballet.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification preferred or obtainable.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Instruct students in ballet/dance skills across levels and assist with improvement.
• Develop choreography and provide music for classes.
• Plan activities within City guidelines; prepare venue and ensure equipment works.
• Perform safety checks and maintain a safe class environment.
• Maintain communication with supervisor, staff, participants, and parents.
• Create a positive environment that encourages progression.
• Support Biannual Recital, including costume measurements and dress rehearsal attendance.
• Provide outstanding service and pursue continuous improvement.

Skills

Teaching ballet

All levels teaching

French ballet terms

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Safety awareness

CPR/AED First Aid

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Dance degree preferred

NDEO/RAD certification preferred

Job description

Ballet Instructors must be qualified to teach all levels of ballet classes, including pre-school introductory movement classes and Intro to Ballet through Pointe. Classes are held in the City’s dance studio at Casey Community Center in late afternoon, evenings, and on weekends.

Hours per week varies depending on class registrations and retention of students. The position is an opportunity for long-term career expansion.

Classes are offered quarterly and are scheduled approximately four months in advance. Classes are scheduled based on instructor and space availability prior to the schedule being published.

Hourly rate will be within the range of $35 to $40 per hour or 45-minute class based on qualifications, training, certifications, and experience.

What you will do with us:

• Instruct students in specific ballet/dance skills and assist participants with improvement and progression appropriate to the level of ballet/dance being taught.
• Develop choreography that both engages and educates the participants; provide music to be used during the classes.
• Outline and plan class activities within City guidelines; prepare venue; ensure equipment is available and functioning properly.
• Perform a safety check of class area; maintain integrity of facility and ensure a safe class environment.
• Maintain effective and consistent communication with program supervisor, other staff, class participants, and parents of participating youth.
• Create a positive and encouraging environment for participants in the program, encouraging continuation and progression.
• Participate in the Biannual Recital including measuring for costumes, choreography unique to each level class, and attendance at the dress rehearsal and recital.
• Provide outstanding service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.

What you will need to be considered:

• Previous experience teaching, leading, and motivating participants in ballet.
• Qualified to teach ballet classes at all skills levels (pre-school introductory through advanced).
• National certification in dance preferred (such as National Dance Education Organization [NDEO]or Royal Academy of Dance [RAD]).
• Ability to understand, demonstrate, and use correct French terminology for ballet movement.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal communication, and customer service skills.
• Ability to remain poised, positive, courteous, and professional at all times.
• The physical skills and abilities required to prepare for, instruct, and demonstrate ballet at the upper level.
• High school diploma or equivalent; college degree with a focus on dance or dance education preferred.
• At least 18 years of age by time of hire.
• Ability to choreograph or access to simple routines.
• CPR/AED and First Aid certification (may be obtained through the City upon hire).
• Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties and functions.

Successful candidates will be subject to a background check and drug/alcohol screening. The City has established an alcohol‑free, drug‑free, and smoke‑free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City. Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre‑employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post‑accident and random testing. Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.

For more information about this position, contact Program Supervisor Lauren Chambers at [e-mail]. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at 301.258.6327 or [e-mail].

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill any current vacancies and other openings or opportunities in this classification which occur in the next 6 months.