BALLROOM BASIX (BBX) is an arts-in-education initiative dedicated to nurturing the social, emotional and physical well-being of schoolchildren by instilling kindness among classmates through the etiquette and education of Ballroom & Latin partner dancing.

Since first launching our program in a single Harlem school with a few dozen students over 17 years ago, our “fun, fitness & fancy footwork” has touched the young lives of more than 40,000 children in over 200 schools throughout all 5 boroughs of New York City..

Please visit our youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@ballroombasix) to see our meaningful mission and motto in action: “Making manners matter…every move we make!”

BALLROOM BASIX (BBX) Teaching Artists are passionate people who are excited about the BBX mission to foster confidence, cooperation, camaraderie, self-expression and joy through noncompetitive partner dancing (Latin & Ballroom “BASIX”) with poise, courtesy and consent.

As a BBX Apprentice, you’ll train both in and out of the classroom. In scheduled (paid) training sessions, you’ll learn our noncompetitive curriculum, including the multicultural contexts of the dances we teach, which enables students to connect with their own (and others’) heritages. While assisting an experienced Teaching Artist, you’ll receive hands-on training as you provide in-class support. These in-class experiences will hone your presentational capacity to present our script and syllabus confidently & charismatically!!

Apprentices work 2-5 days/week at schools across New York City, both in-school and/or after school. Each school’s residency is typically 2-4 hours, one day a week, for 12-16 weeks. Teaching staff are typically assigned to 1-2 school sites/day.

With very limited exceptions, BALLROOM BASIX classes finish by 4:30pm (in-school teaching is done by 2:30pm), which makes this an excellent p/t opportunity for working artists who rehearse or perform in the evenings.

Requirements

Kindness, energy, empathy, and dynamism. Having had performance and/or teaching experience is essential — having both is a plus! Some partner dancing (Ballroom/Latin) experience is preferred, but not mandatory. Basic dance/movement ability is required.

Expectations

• Complete 100 (paid) in-class hours in the winter/spring semester by assisting a Lead TA in 3-5+ BALLROOM BASIX residencies from start to finish.
• Memorize the BALLROOM BASIX class script and learn the dance curriculum
• Regularly communicate with assigned schools, as well as our Training & Program Managers
• Document class achievements and challenges
• Take and upload engaging photos and videos of classes and events
• Create digital photo collages
• Attend pre and mid-residency check-ins with the Program Manager and Lead TA
• Participate in culminating and special events to provide assistance/support
• Conduct brief interviews with students, staff, family and audience members at culminating and community events to be included in our video presentations.

To apply to BALLROOM BASIX, please send a resume, head shot and brief cover letter to info@nospamballroombasix.org. (take out “nospam” in the email).

In your letter, please include where you learned about this position and your availability (days and times) for work January through June 2026, as well as 2-3 time blocks that you’re available for an interview in early December. We will schedule interviews and class observations in December.

Please note – Our schools are located in all 5 boroughs, so you need to be comfortable traveling by public transit (or car). We are especially looking for TAs that are based in Staten Island and eastern Queens as our program is expanding significantly in these locations!

The Apprenticeship offer –

If offered an Apprenticeship, you must be able to commit to the full training period, and to completing any residencies which you begin.
As an Apprentice, you will be offered a confirmed weekly schedule. Apprentice schedules vary based on your availability and class availability. (A candidate who has 2-3 days a week of availability can expect up to 8-12 in-class hours/week, while those with flexible schedules M-F may be scheduled for 20-25+ class hours/week if desired. )

Candidates can anticipate an additional 2-6 hours of time commitment per week outside of the classroom for training sessions, school communication, documentation/reflection, brief check-in meetings, creative tasks (uploading media, preparing name tags), and travel between schools.

Compensation

Throughout the Apprentice Program, the training rate is $25/hour “teaching time” in the classroom and $20/hour out of the classroom. “Out of the classroom” includes both scheduled training sessions and the programmatic/administrative responsibilities described above. Travel time is compensated at $16.50/hour.

After completing 100 in-class hours and concurrent scheduled training sessions, Apprentices are eligible for evaluation to graduate to Junior Teaching Artist. TAs are eligible for periodic raises based on their performance, dedication and reliability.