Job Description:

Brenau University Department of Dance seeks applications for a full-time position in Dance at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin August, 2024. In order to broaden and deepen artistic, scholarly and social perspective, the Brenau Dance Department is particularly interested in applicants who can advance the University’s goals for diversity, equity and inclusion. The teaching load for this position is 12 credits per semester. The candidate's area of expertise in diverse contemporary/ classical ballet technique will be prioritized within the teaching load. We are especially seeking candidates who are proficient in the teaching of somatic practices such as: Pilates, Gyrokinesis, dance science, yoga, Alexander technique, Body-mind centering, Laban Movement Analysis, Feldenkrais method, etc. Candidates who are proficient in teaching other forms such as Identity in Dance (theory based courses), Dance on Film, Hip Hop, street dance, African, Indian, and other World Dance forms will be given special consideration. The department also seeks a candidate with strong compositional acumen both in practice and in instruction. In addition to your teaching load additional department service duties such as recruiting, directing, community concerts/engagement, and collaborating with other outside entities will be a part of the position. 

Minimum qualifications include an MFA or Ph.D in Dance, 1 year minimum of University, college or conservatory level teaching experience. 

Start date: August 2024

Primary Responsibilities include:

• The teaching load will include a mixture of studio and lecture courses.

• Teaching dance technique courses in an area of expertise. 

• Lecture based courses which could include the historical and socio-cultural contexts of dance forms, dance science, business and marketing in dance, music in dance, and/or seminars in special topics in performance art. 

• Teaching other dance courses which may include Dance Appreciation, World Dance Perspectives, Dance History, and Creative Practices (movement composition and improvisation). There are also opportunities to teach cross-disciplinary courses in topics that affect the dance profession such as gender and multiculturalism. 

Additional responsibilities may include: 

• Creative contribution to mainstage performances

• Developing or sustaining nationally recognized creative activity and/or research.

• Organizing and mentoring students with capstone projects and scholarly presentations

• Creating original choreography for students; participating, coordinating, and accompanying students to regional and national conferences; and collaborating with university programs. 

• Aid in the recruitment of prospective students.

• Service on University committees

• Academic advisement of undergraduate students

Special Instructions to Applicants:

A complete application includes:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Graduate transcripts 
• Artist Statement
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• URL link to a video example of your teaching and creative work
• The contact information for three professional references who can speak to your abilities in teaching, scholarship, and creative work. (Brenau solicits letters directly after an initial round of screening.)

We request that in the letter of application, candidates address their potential to contribute to Brenau’s community that maintains a diversity of people and perspectives as one of its core values. We encourage applications from candidates of all race, religious, sexual, and ethnic backgrounds to apply. 

Review of applications:

Application review will begin on January 1, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Finalist interviews are expected in March 2024. Questions about the position, department, or college may be directed to Madia Cooper, Ashirifi, Search Committee Chair.

Physical and environmental requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environmental demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands. 

Who we are:

The Department of Dance is a small, collaborative department committed to teaching and presenting dance as a vital form of human expression, understanding, communication, and interaction; all of which are central to the liberal arts and fine arts traditions. Brenau Dance guides students toward lives and careers with strong physical, creative, and analytical skills at their foundation. As a result, dance majors come away from Brenau University with the ability to perform as professional/freelance artists; to pursue graduate study in choreography, performance, teaching; or move into areas such as studio ownership, Physical Therapy, dance therapy, the healing arts, and somatic studies. 

Diversity Statement:

We understand that a rich and productive learning experience is best achieved through a diverse faculty and student body. We define diversity not only in the more familiar terms of race, ethnicity, and gender, but we also recognize diversity in terms of life experiences, research interests, and interdisciplinary background. Each of these elements contributes to a vibrant program and offers us the opportunity to expand our field in new and dynamic ways.

Work Hours:

37.5 hours per week. Generally Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5p.m. Hours may be extended to meet the needs of the department. 

Home Campus Designation:

This position is an on-ground position in Gainesville, GA.

Licensure Requirements:

If the position you are applying for necessitates that you hold a professional degree, license, or certification, then proof of such professional degree, license, or certification must be provided in addition to this application for Brenau University to consider your application for employment. Failure to provide proof of professional degree, license, or certification when applicable may result in the rejection of an application.

All positions will be filled pending budgetary review.