Dance Instructor (Part-Time)

AMA ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS

Dance Instructor

Part-Time | Monday Evenings and/or Saturday Mornings | Des Plaines, IL

Our mission: Building Community through the Arts. Every student who walks through our doors matters.

As we enter our 22nd season serving the community, we're looking for an instructor who believes dance is about more than technique. It's about helping children build confidence, kindness, friendships, and a lifelong love of learning.

The Seat You'd Own

You lead beginner combo classes where little dancers fall in love with movement. You are the reason a nervous four-year-old walks out taller, and the reason a parent decides to re-enroll next season. This is a hands-on teaching seat with real ownership of the classroom experience.

What You'll Own (Outcomes)

• Classroom experience: Lead structured, joyful Ballet/Tap and Ballet/Tap/Jazz combo classes for ages 2 to 10, following our curriculum while bringing your own energy.
• Student growth: Help every dancer build confidence, kindness, and technique. Know their names. Notice the quiet ones.
• Recital readiness: Prepare your classes for our end-of-year recital, including choreography, props, and cues.
• Classroom management: Run a safe, positive, age-appropriate room where parents trust their kids are cared for.
• Team contribution: Show up on time, communicate clearly, accept feedback, and collaborate with staff.

How Success Is Measured

• Student Retention: Students are excited to come to class each week, attend consistently, and families continue enrolling season after season.
• Parent Experience: Families consistently describe their experience as positive, welcoming, and professional.
• Classroom Excellence: Classes are organized, engaging, and aligned with the AMA curriculum.
• Performance Readiness: Choreography, props, music, and recital preparation are completed on schedule.
• Professionalism: Strong attendance, punctuality, communication, and collaboration with the AMA team.

Why This Matters

Our families don't just enroll in dance classes. They're trusting us with their child's confidence, growth, and sense of belonging. The right instructor inspires students to walk into class excited each week, believe in themselves, and build a lifelong love of the arts. As an AMA instructor, you help make that happen.

You're a Perfect Fit If You

• LOVE dance and love working with children.
• Believe in fostering confidence, respect, and kindness in every student.
• Are dependable, professional, creative, and punctual.
• Bring enthusiasm and positive energy to every single class.
• See potential in every student, celebrate their progress, and make each child feel seen and valued.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 2 years teaching experience in a dance studio or youth program.
• Experience with preschool and elementary-age dancers.
• Strong classroom management and the ability to lead structured, engaging instruction.
• Team-oriented mindset and openness to feedback.
• Optional: ability to teach Beginning Tumbling/Acro.

The Details

• Pay: $20 to $30/hour, based on experience.
• Season: 2026-2027 season (August 2026 through July 2027).
• Schedule: Monday evenings 4:30 to 7pm and/or Saturday mornings 8:30am to 12pm. Apply for one or both.
• Requirements: Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Background check and child safety clearances required.

Why You’ll Love Teaching at AMA

• A supportive, encouraging atmosphere built on teamwork.
• A well-stocked classroom with props, music, games, lesson resources, and teaching materials ready for you to use.
• Ongoing coaching, collaboration, and support from our leadership team.
• Seasonal themes, creative class activities, community events, and recitals that keep teaching exciting all year long.
• Opportunities to grow your schedule and expand your role over time.
• Professional dance studios with safe, sprung flooring.
• Proud member of More Than Just Great Dancing®, 2022 Member of the Year.

How to Apply

Send your cover letter and resume, and tell us why you'd be an AMAzing fit for our team. Selected applicants will complete a short application and a video introduction as the next step.

Email: AmaEmploys@gmail.com

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $30