Misty Copeland is a transformational figure in ballet as the first African American female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. In establishing The Misty Copeland Foundation (MCF), Ms. Copeland aims to build upon her efforts as an advocate and activist for diversity, equity, and inclusion in dance, especially ballet.

The Misty Copeland Foundation’s mission is to provide community-based opportunities to explore dance, especially programs that engage young girls and boys of color; advance the art form of ballet; and pursue social justice through art activism.

BE BOLD, the signature program of the MCF is envisioned as a high-quality afterschool dance program to be offered in local Boys & Girls Clubs and similar community-based sites serving youth. All dance classes will have live musical accompaniment. MCF is also seeking musicians to serve as accompanists for the dance classes (musician application link).

BE BOLD training will be conducted through a customized partnership with diverse experts in the fields of Ballet Pedagogy, Child Development, Social Emotional Learning, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Positive Youth Development.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Will support the mission, vision, values, and goals of the BE BOLD Program
• Has a strong dance background with ballet experience
• Is passionate about this art form and desires to share their passion with children
• Has experience teaching dance to children in an in-school or after-school setting
• Is committed to culturally responsive and inclusive teaching practices, and to creating classrooms in which every student is seen, valued, and feels that they belong.
• Is a dynamic, expressive, and energized mover
• Exudes joy and love of dance
• Is flexible and able to adapt to the needs of different community partners
• Is collaborative; thrives in a team dynamic in which power and responsibility are shared
• Is committed to restorative, inclusive, and anti-racist education

Hired Teaching Artists:

• Must be available for a short Training Workshop (Friday, September 8th to Sunday, September 10th, 2023, 9:00 am-5:00 pm)
• Will receive a $750 stipend upon completion of the BE BOLD Training and the signed BE BOLD Teaching Artists Agreement.
• Must complete all the necessary onboarding paperwork required at each designated site. Your availability to start teaching will be determined by the partnering site and the completion of all paperwork.
• Artists must be available at least 2 days per week during after-school hours (3:00 pm – 6:00 pm) from September 18th, 2023 to January 15th, 2024

Pay Rate:

• Lead Teaching Artist: $150 per class
  • This fee includes compensation for teaching time, pre-planning with the BE BOLD team, and related travel.
• Co-Teaching Artist: $100 per class
  • This fee includes compensation for teaching time, pre-planning with the BE BOLD team, and related travel.

• Complete The BE BOLD Teaching Artist Application (click this link)
  • The Fall Application deadline is Friday, July 21st, 2023.
• Submit your resume and lesson plan
• The MCF Team will review submissions on a rolling basis and invite candidates to come for an in-person training session.