National Dance Institute (NDI) believes that the arts have a unique power to engage all children and motivate them toward excellence. Founded in 1976 by the legendary ballet dancer Jacques d’Amboise and rooted in the belief that every child should have access to quality arts education, NDI has celebrated and empowered children to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible for over 48 years. More than two million children have been impacted through work with professional teaching artists who foster a love of arts, a curiosity about the world, and a desire to achieve.

NDI serves children of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and socioeconomic positions—transcending systemic barriers and expanding opportunities for all.

NDI seeks dance educators with experience teaching children, ideally in school-based settings. NDI programs are held during the school day, teaching dance as an integral part of the elementary school curriculum. Our programs culminate in celebratory and community-building performances. Every NDI class is taught by a team of three professional Teaching Artists: a Lead Dance Teacher/Choreographer, an Assistant Dance Teacher/Choreographer, and a Musician/Accompanist. We utilize a movement vocabulary rooted in accessibility and theatricality, and informed by each teaching artist’s style, our annual curricular theme, and the children’s unique contributions.

NDI Teaching Artists utilize the NDI Method, which demonstrates our belief in joyful and rigorous learning, the importance of teamwork, and the power of performance. This position is open to dance teachers who are interested in learning NDI’s acclaimed teaching methodology by working alongside experienced colleagues and assisting classes in our partner schools.

We encourage Dance Teaching Artists to apply who…

• Are experienced performing artists with well-developed dance content knowledge in a variety of dance styles
• Are as passionate about the art of teaching as they are about their art form
• Have a confident presence and positive classroom management skills
• Possess tools to create inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments where children of all abilities can belong, participate, and succeed
• Thrive in a collaborative team dynamic

Job Responsibilities

Assist NDI programs in partner schools, working alongside a Lead Dance Teaching Artist and a Music Teaching Artist:

• Weekly classes
• Planning meetings with partner school educators
• Culminating performances
• Learn to teach using the NDI Method
• Participate in required and paid professional development:
• Three-day fall retreat
• Teaching Artist workshops held every other month during the school year
• All-staff equity trainings
• Complete a self-assessment and development goals with an NDI mentor
• Maintain an NDI email account and communicate promptly and professionally
• Submit digital timesheets every other week, adhering to deadlines

Submit an application by May 16th.
Selected candidates will be invited to attend an IN-PERSON AUDITION at NDI’s Jacques d’Amboise Center for Learning & the Arts in Harlem, NY on June 5th, 6:00pm – 7:15pm.