Dance Instructor (Prospect Park YMCA)

Cross Island YMCA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 21,000 - 36,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free YMCA membership

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

The YMCA of Greater New York is seeking a part‑time Dance Instructor for youth programs at Prospect Park YMCA in Brooklyn. The role focuses on teaching dance to children and teens, creating inclusive lesson plans, and promoting program participation.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, a preferred BA in Fine Arts, and 1+ year of teaching experience, with current First Aid/CPR certification.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required; BA in Fine Arts preferred.
• Minimum 1 year teaching dance to children/teens in a structured setting.
• Knowledge of youth development stages.
• Content expert in designated dance areas.
• Effective communication with participants of all ages.
• Current First Aid/ CPR certifications.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Flexible hours including afternoons, evenings, weekends, holidays.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and well‑being of participants according to YMCA standards.
• Provide a fun, safe, inclusive learning environment.
• Create age‑appropriate, progressive lesson plans.
• Teach progressive dance lessons and showcase learned skills.
• Adapt plans to meet participants’ needs and skill levels.
• Collaborate with supervisor to set program objectives and goals.
• Lead program promotion and recruitment efforts.
• Record attendance for all classes.
• Know and follow branch emergency procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness of program spaces and report incidents.
• Attend YMCA Coaching within 90 days of employment.
• Participate in trainings, meetings and events.
• Assist with other duties to support staff and members.
• Follow CDC sanitation guidelines.

Skills

Dance instruction

Youth development

Communication skills

First Aid/CPR certifications

Customer service

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts preferred

Tools

First Aid Certification

Job description

Brooklyn, NY

Prospect Park YMCA

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.

Salary: $20.00 - $35.00 Hourly

Employment type: Part-Time / Regular

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the health, safety and well-being of participants in the program, by providing close supervision of all activities in line with YMCA program standards and guidelines.
• Provide a fun, safe and positive experience for all participants and create an all-inclusive and supportive learning environment.
• Create a written lesson plan for the program session that is age-appropriate and progressive, as needed.
• Teach progressive lessons and provide opportunities to demonstrate learned skills in dance.
• Modify lesson plans and instruction to meet the needs of the participants.
• Create an environment that is encouraging to all participants regardless of skill level.
• Work with the Supervisor to develop program objectives and goals for each program session.
• Work with the Supervisor to develop and lead program promotion and recruitment efforts.
• Record accurate attendance for all classes.
• Have a thorough knowledge of branch emergency procedures and take appropriate actions for emergency situations.
• Ensure the cleanliness of program space during all activities.
• Inform Supervisor on-duty regarding any incident reports that need to be filled out.
• Attend YMCA Coaching within 90 days of employment.
• Actively participate in all training sessions, designated meetings, and special events.
• Other activities and duties as needed that address the ongoing health and well-being of our staff and members.
• Follow and maintain sanitary habits in accordance with CDC guidelines.

Desired Skills & Experience

• High School diploma or equivalent. 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 / CPR certifications.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Must be willing to work flexible hours, including afternoons, evening, weekends and holidays.

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 (ie. full-time or part-time), tenure and/or the number of hours scheduled to work. Click here for more information.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER DRUGFREE WORKPLACE

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