Dance Instructor

ymcapkccareers; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Personal YMCA membership

YMCA360 streaming membership

Paid sick leave

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)

Job summary

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties in Tacoma, WA, is seeking a part-time Dance Instructor to lead engaging classes for students of varying ages. You will teach choreography, demonstrate techniques, and foster confidence while maintaining a safe, positive learning environment.

The position requires at least 5 years of formal dance training, experience teaching, and the ability to plan progressive lessons aligned with YMCA curricula.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 16 years or older.
• 5+ years formal dance training or comparable experience.
• 1–2 years experience as a Dance teacher or teaching assistant.
• Positive attitude and experience with diverse populations.
• Knowledge to teach preschool and beginning-level dance classes; multiple disciplines preferred.
• Ability to create lesson plans aligned with YMCA curricula.
• Background and reference checks required.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusive environment.
• Willingness to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day.

Responsibilities

• Lead dance technique classes and demonstrate positive dance principles.
• Create progressive lesson plans aligned with abilities and ages and YMCA curricula.
• Choreograph and contribute to annual recitals and events.
• Communicate student progress to youth/arts director and members.
• Attend staff trainings and meetings as required.
• Assist director in campaign goals and center events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Dance training

Teaching experience

Age 16+

Diversity & inclusion

Job description

Position: Dance Instructor

Wage: $17.13 to $18.63 per hour (Compensation is determined based on relevant experience, skills, and qualifications, with most new hires starting between the minimum and midpoint of the posted wage range)

Hours: Part-Time, Up to 25 hours per week

Location: Pearl Family YMCA, Tacoma, WA

As a Dance Instructor, you’ll lead energetic and engaging classes that help students build confidence, technique, and a love for dance. You’ll teach and demonstrate choreography and motivate dancers of all skill levels to grow and express themselves. If hired, you will create a positive, organized, and safe class environment while communicating with parents and celebrating student progress, you’ll help deliver a memorable and inspiring dance experience for everyone involved.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 16 years of age or older.
• 5+ years of formal dance training or comparable experience (preferred).
• 1-2 years of experience as a Dance teacher and/or teaching assistant (preferred).
• Positive attitude and previous experience with varying ages and diverse populations.
• Possess the knowledge and skills to teach preschool and beginning-level dance classes. Multiple disciplines preferred.
• Ability to create engaging lesson plans that reflect appropriate level, ability, classroom management, and the YMCA dance curricula.
• Performance and dance production experience preferred.
• Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
• Committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead dance technique classes and demonstrate positive dance principles.
• Create class lesson plans with a natural progression that relates to the abilities and ages of the classes being taught, reflecting YMCA dance curricula and core values.
• Choreograph and contribute to annual dance recitals, dance performances, and other YMCA events as assigned.
• Effectively communicate program information and student progress to the youth and/or arts director and members at each session.
• Attend center and association dance staff training and meetings as required.
• Assist the youth and/or arts director in reaching campaign goals by telling the Y story, making personal asks, and supporting center events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits:

All YMCA Employees receive the below benefits:

• A Personal YMCA membership and YMCA360 virtual streaming membership
• Flexible scheduling around school and extracurricular activities Paid Sick Leave accrued at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked per year
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), Digital mental health counseling platform, Wellness program, and LifeMart employee discount center
• Professional training, education, and certification opportunities
• 20% discount on YMCA programs, childcare services and merchandise

Part-Time employees who work more than 20 hrs./week are eligible for the below voluntary benefit options:

• HealthiestYou: by Teladoc (24/7 virtual general medical care access for non-emergency conditions)
• Willamette Dental Plan
• VSP Vision Plan

At the Y, we’re all about empowering people, inspiring action, and strengthening the communities we call home. Join our team and support our vision of creating opportunity so all can thrive in every season of life.

Please note that employment with the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is contingent upon successfully completing post-offer requirements, which may include age verification, reference checks, and state and national background checks. All inquiries and checks are conducted only after a conditional offer of employment is made.

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is committed to diversity and inclusion throughout our organization and is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled