Dance Instructor I (Cross Island YMCA)

YMCA of Greater New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 27,276 - 38,848; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Free YMCA membership

Job summary

YMCA of Greater New York seeks a part-time Dance Instructor for its Cross Island YMCA location in Queens, NY. The role involves choreographing and teaching dance classes to children and teens. Responsibilities include developing lesson plans, ensuring a safe and positive environment, and maintaining effective communication with participants and parents. Candidates should have experience teaching dance and possess necessary certifications. Benefits include retirement plans, medical coverage, and a free YMCA membership. Apply online with a résumé and cover letter.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience teaching dance to children/teens.
• Content expert in designated areas of dance.
• Must attend YMCA Coaching 101 Training within 90 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Choreograph and teach dance classes to children/teens.
• Provide supervision of all participants in line with YMCA standards.
• Create a fun, positive, and safe experience for all participants.

Skills

Teaching dance to children/teens

Effective communication with all ages

Knowledge of youth development stages

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts

Tools

First Aid certification

CPR certification

Child Abuse Prevention certificate

Job description

Part-Time / Regular

$24.00 Hourly

The YMCA of Greater New York is here for all New Yorkers — to empower youth, improve health, and strengthen community. Founded in 1852, today the Y serves a diverse population of more than half a million New Yorkers who learn, grow, and thrive through programs and services at our 24 branches. Community is the cornerstone of the Y. Together, we connect active, engaged New Yorkers to build stronger communities.

To help fulfill our mission, we cultivate a culture of learning, leading, and collaboration to enhance community impact. Through our talented staff and “LEAP” career framework (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, Personal Growth), we are committed to a people‑first approach that fosters trust, inclusion, growth, and development for all.

The Cross Island YMCA is seeking a Dance Instructor who will be responsible for choreographing and teaching classes to children/teens with a focus on teaching the enjoyment of dance and movement. Key functions include:

• Provide a fun, positive, and safe experience for all participants.
• Demonstrate strong service and hospitality with all constituents, including, but not limited to, program participants and parents/guardians.
• Create an all-inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Teach progressive lessons and provide opportunities to demonstrate learned skills.
• Encourage a lifetime participation in movement and physical activity.
• Embody the YMCA Core Values.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the supervisor to develop program objectives and goals for each program session.
• As needed, create a written lesson plan for the program session that is age-appropriate and progressive.
• Provide supervision of all participants in line with YMCA program standards and guidelines (i.e., ratio, attendance).
• Be able to modify lesson plans and instruction to meet the needs of the participants.
• Communicate with parents/guardians regarding the progress of their child/teen and registration for the next session.
• Communicate to parents/guardians about additional YMCA opportunities that can benefit them or their child/teen.
• Create an environment that is encouraging to all participants regardless of skill level.
• Inform the Manager on Duty (MOD) of any incident reports that need to be filled out.
• Have a thorough knowledge of branch emergency procedures and take appropriate actions in emergency situations.
• Actively participate in designated meetings, training sessions, and special events.
• Work with the supervisor to develop and lead program promotion and recruitment efforts.
• Record accurate attendance for all classes.
• Ensure the cleanliness of the program space during all activities.

Desired Skills & Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience teaching dance to children/teens in a structured setting.
• Knowledge of youth development stages.
• Content expert in designated areas of dance.
• Ability to communicate effectively with members of all ages.
• Current First Aid and/or CPR certifications.
• Current Child Abuse Prevention certificate.
• Must attend the YMCA Coaching 101 Training within ninety (90) days of hire.

Benefits

The YMCA of Greater New York offers a variety of benefits to its staff members, including retirement benefits, medical, paid time off, free YMCA membership, and more! Benefit eligibility is determined by an individual’s employment status (i.e., full-time or part-time), tenure, and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

How to Apply

If you would like to be a member of our dynamic team, please complete our online application and submit your résumé and a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in the role and our organization.

If you are a current YMCA employee, please submit your application through the Internal Career Site in Cornerstone.

Job ID: req3028

Employment Type: Part-Time / Regular

Location: Cross Island YMCA, Queens, NY

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.