Children's Ballet Instructor

Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan; New York (NY); On-site; USD 110,208 - 137,760; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free fitness membership

Professional development opportunities

Mentorship and access to JCC programs

Access to cultural and arts programs

Job summary

The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center Manhattan is seeking an experienced, creative dance educator to lead after-school dance classes for children ages 4–10 in our Center for Family Life. The role emphasizes hands-on, engaging instruction and a love of movement.

Ideal candidates are strong communicators who foster an inclusive classroom and will begin in September 2026, with Tuesday availability and additional weekday afternoons possible throughout the year.

Qualifications

• Prior teaching or dance instruction experience with children ages 4–10.
• Knowledge of ballet and ability to adapt it for children.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage young learners.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement an age-appropriate semester-long curriculum that builds dance fundamentals and creative expression.
• Teach multiple dance styles for young children, incorporating movement, choreography, and performance.
• Support students with individualized guidance to foster growth and confidence in dance.
• Prepare the classroom or studio for each session with safe, ready-to-use materials.
• Maintain a safe, positive, and organized learning environment.

Skills

Dance teaching

Ballet knowledge

Child engagement

Communication

Job description

The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center in Manhattan (MMJCCM) is seeking an experienced, highly creative, passionate, and reliable dance educator to lead after-school dance classes for children ages 4–10 years in our Center for Family Life. Candidates should be knowledgeable in a variety of dance styles and techniques, with a commitment to helping children develop their skills, coordination, and love for movement through hands‑on, engaging instruction.

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about teaching children, a skilled communicator, and able to create an encouraging and inclusive classroom environment. This position will begin in September 2026.

All applicants must be available on Tuesdays 3:15pm-4:00pm and 4:15pm-5:00pm from September to June, with additional flexibility to be available another weekday afternoon between the hours of 3:00pm and 6:00pm. There is possibility of teaching additional hours during the year.

The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center of Manhattan

Together with our community, the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan creates a welcoming and vibrant environment where individuals from all walks of life come together to connect, grow, and learn. Rooted in Jewish values, it is a cornerstone of the Upper West Side that provides something for every stage of life through a multifaceted array of offerings, spanning comprehensive children's and family programs, cutting‑edge health and wellness, thought‑provoking arts and culture, and vital social services. It imagines Jewish life that is inclusive and diverse, creating a supportive space for people of all backgrounds to engage, nurture their well‑being, and find a deep sense of belonging.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and implement an age‑appropriate semester‑long curriculum that progressively builds on dance fundamentals, technique, rhythm, musicality, and creative expression.
• Teach and demonstrate a variety of dance styles suitable for young children, incorporating elements of movement, choreography, and performance.
• Support and guide students during class, offering individualized assistance to foster growth, confidence, and enjoyment in dance.
• Prepare the classroom or studio for each session, ensuring all necessary equipment or materials are available and safe for use.
• Maintain a safe, positive, and organized learning environment, modeling professionalism and respect for all students.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

REQUIREMENTS

• Prior relevant teaching or dance instruction experience (preferably working with children ages 4-10)
• Knowledge of ballet and ability to adapt them for children.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage young learners

WHAT WE OFFER

• Supportive, mission‑driven work environment
• Opportunities for professional development and mentorship
• Access to all the JCC's cultural, learning, arts, and film programs
• Investment in professional development and leadership skills
• Free fitness membership for the pool and health club

COMPENSATION

• This position offers a pay rate of $80-$100 per hour, commensurate with experience.

The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, marital status and civil partnership/union status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, religion, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, or any other characteristic as established and protected by applicable federal, state or local law.