Associate Dance Instructor

Position Summary

The Associate Dance Instructor is the entry-level teaching role at Fred Astaire Dance Studios Oro Valley, responsible for learning and delivering the FADS curriculum and Trophy System under the direct guidance of the Training Director while building a dedicated student roster through private lessons, group classes, and studio events. This is a performance-based position offering a clearly defined income progression — beginning with a guaranteed weekly minimum for the first six months, followed by a two-month transition period and full commission-based earnings from Month 9 forward. Instructors who invest in strong student relationships and consistently grow their lesson volume earn above the Arizona market average and have access to a documented career track that reaches all the way to studio ownership.

About Fred Astaire Dance Studios — Oro Valley

Fred Astaire Dance Studios Oro Valley is a premier ballroom dance studio dedicated to enriching the lives of students through the joy, confidence, and life-changing power of dance, proudly carrying forward the legacy of the legendary Mr. Fred Astaire who co-founded the organization in 1947. Located in Oro Valley, Arizona, the studio specializes in private ballroom lessons, group classes, wedding dance programs, and practice parties across Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Salsa, Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, and more than a dozen other social and competitive dances. Led by Studio Director and Owner Oleksiy Varyvoda — a distinguished competitive dancer, coach, performer, and adjudicator — the studio upholds the highest standards of dance education through certified instructors, a proven step-by-step teaching method, and a unique Trophy System that makes learning feel simple, rewarding, and fun. Built on warmth, encouragement, and excellence, the studio is committed to a welcoming, judgment-free environment where students of all ages and backgrounds can grow in confidence and experience the transformative benefits of dance.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation Model

Base wage uncapped commission across a three-stage progression. There is no fixed annual salary — earnings beyond Stage 1 grow directly with lesson volume, with no ceiling.

Stage 1 · Months 1–6

$800.00 / week guaranteed floor ($20.00/hr) regardless of lesson volume.

Stage 2 · Months 7–8

Transition taper — the guaranteed bonus steps down gradually as commission ramps up.

Stage 3 · Month 9

Arizona minimum-wage base ($606.00/week) 10% commission on the first $2,500 of weekly earned income and 25% on everything above.

Year 1 Income Range

~$41,000 – $56,000 depending on Stage 3 lesson volume (15–40 lessons/week).

Average Lesson Rate

$115.00 per lesson (used in all payroll examples).

Schedule

Tuesday – Saturday, with flexibility for competition weekends and studio events.

Additional compensation (all stages): Competition pay ($10–$20 per entry), Am-Am buddy teaching, special-event days paid as full 8-hour workdays, gas and hotel reimbursement for regional travel, a quarterly bonus up to $900, and an annual bonus of 0.5–1.0% of earned income. Coaching sessions earn a separate 5% commission.

Success Looks Like

• Earn FADS Bronze certification within the first 90 days of employment and maintain all required certifications on schedule.
• Build a personal student roster of 15 lessons/week by the end of Month 3 and 20 lessons/week by Month 6, minimizing income impact at the compensation phase transition.
• Conduct all financial presentations under the supervision of the Training Director or a Top Instructor until full independent certification is granted.
• Attend 100% of daily staff meetings, studio events, practice parties, and group classes, and represent the studio professionally at regional competitions.
• Deliver a consistently exceptional student experience that drives retention, referrals, and long-term roster growth.

Objectives & Key Responsibilities

• Teach private lessons, group classes, and practice parties using the official FADS curriculum and Trophy System as directed by the Training Director.
• Introduce all new students to the Trophy System and studio culture during the welcome tour and onboarding experience.
• Follow all lesson programs, schedules, and teaching plans assigned by the Training Director.
• Conduct supervised financial presentations with the Training Director or a Top Instructor present until independently certified.
• Actively develop and grow a personal student roster through consistent lesson delivery, engagement, and proactive relationship building.
• Evaluate student progress on an ongoing basis, provide constructive feedback, and tailor lesson content to individual goals and learning styles.
• Participate in all studio social events, competitions, practice parties, and group classes as required.
• Complete FADS Bronze certification within the first 90 days and all subsequent certifications required for role progression.
• Maintain a professional appearance per studio dress code and adhere to all studio policies, confidentiality requirements, and brand standards.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, high-performance studio environment that supports both student satisfaction and colleague success.

Competencies

• Dance proficiency with eagerness to learn and master the FADS curriculum, Trophy System, and full range of ballroom and social dance styles.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to build authentic, trust-based relationships with students of all ages and backgrounds.
• Excellent communication skills — able to break down complex techniques, deliver feedback with patience, and motivate students at every stage.
• Professional presence and personal presentation that consistently reflects the Fred Astaire brand.
• High punctuality, reliability, and follow-through on all commitments to students, colleagues, and leadership.
• Adaptability and openness to structured feedback and continuous development through the FADS certification pathway.
• Positive, solution-focused mindset with the maturity to keep a drama-free, team-oriented environment.
• Self-motivation and accountability to independently track roster growth, lesson volume, and income progression toward benchmarks.
• Comfort with performance and public representation at competitions, events, and community activities.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required; no formal dance degree required — FADS provides a structured, certified training program.
• Prior experience in ballroom, Latin, swing, or social dance preferred but not required; passion for dance and commitment to learning the FADS system are essential.
• FADS Bronze certification must be completed within the first 90 days of hire; all required training and support are provided.
• Prior teaching, coaching, mentoring, or customer-facing service experience is a plus.
• Recognition from DVIDA, Ballroom Dance Teachers College, FADS, or other reputable organizations is a bonus but not required at the associate level.
• Must be available Tuesday through Saturday, with flexibility for competition weekends and studio events.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, move, and dance for extended periods throughout a full shift, including back-to-back private lessons and group classes.
• Ability to demonstrate dance techniques and choreography at a professional level across multiple styles.
• Physical stamina to maintain high energy and engagement across an eight-hour workday that includes repeated physical demonstration.
• Ability to guide, support, and partner with students of varying sizes and physical abilities in a dance context.
• Comfort with the appropriate physical contact required for dance instruction, including leading and following technique, posture correction, and frame adjustment.

Location & Work Arrangement

This is an on-site, studio-based position at Fred Astaire Dance Studios Oro Valley in Oro Valley, Arizona. Instructors work a Tuesday–Saturday schedule with flexibility for competition weekends and studio events.

Commitment to Diversity

As an equal opportunity employer committed to meeting the needs of a multigenerational and multicultural workforce, Fred Astaire Dance Studios recognizes that a diverse staff, reflective of our community, is an integral and welcome part of a successful and ethical business. We hire local talent at all levels regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or disability, and actively foster inclusion in all forms.

If this position caught your eye, send us your resume. For best consideration, include the job title and the source where you found this position in the subject line of your email to glano@cardoneventures.com.