Dance Instructor (Part-Time; Year-Round)

Description

Mountain Recreation provides a dynamic and engaging environment for both participants and staff—one that promotes skill development, movement, life skills, and fun! We’re looking for enthusiastic applicants who excel in teamwork, demonstrate strong communication, and exemplify our core values in every interaction. 

We are seeking an energetic, encouraging, and experienced Dance Instructor to lead beginner ballet classes for young dancers. The ideal candidate will inspire and engage children as they learn basic positions, movements, and stretches, while helping them develop coordination, balance, musicality, and confidence. Through playful activities and age-appropriate exercises, our Dance Teacher fosters a positive, supportive, and inclusive environment where every child can experience the joy of dance. Join our team and help advance our mission that “Everyone deserves to be Healthy and Happy.”

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POSITION DETAILS

Job Title: Dance Instructor

Location: Gypsum Recreation Center (Gypsum, CO)

Schedule: Part-Time; Year-Round

Work Environment: The work schedule is varied and includes weekday hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays. It requires consistent attendance for short shifts. The flow of work and duties involve regular mental and visual attention. Physical exertion includes frequent walking, bending, lifting, pulling, and kneeling. The role is performed in a performance-type setting and can be physically demanding. Constant use of the voice is required. Job stress may involve managing crowds, uncooperative participants, difficult individuals, and periods of continuous demand.

Supervision Required: Works under the direct supervision of the RecKids Supervisor and Superintendent of Recreation Programs

Supervision Exercised: None

Salary: $25.00-$35.00/hour; staff in this position are eligible for a $1/hour incentive for Spanish/English bilingual and can pass the language competency test.

Benefits: 

• Retirement Savings: 3.75% employer contribution to a 401(a)-retirement account.
• Paid Time Off: Accrued sick leave in accordance with HFWA.
• Facility Access & Memberships: Complimentary access to all three Mountain Recreation facilities and a free membership to the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Program Discounts: 20% off facility programs for employees and immediate family members.
• Family Discounts: Discounted punch cards for immediate family members at the Gypsum Recreation Center.
• Outdoor Gear Perks: Access to pro deals on top outdoor industry brands through ExpertVoice.
• Scholarship Opportunities: Student scholarship programs available.
• Healthcare Options: Opportunity to enroll in Vail Valley Partnership’s One Valley Healthcare Plan—an affordable healthcare program for employees and their families.

Mountain Recreation believes that everyone, including our staff, deserves to be healthy and happy. We foster a culture of accountability and flexibility while offering world-class benefits.

For more details on employee benefits, visit: https://mountainrec.org/benefits-overview/

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ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

General Statement of Duties: Develop and lead safe, fun, and inclusive ballet classes for young children, introducing them to the basics of dance through age-appropriate movements, stretches, and exercises. Support each child in building coordination, balance, musicality, and confidence, while fostering a positive and encouraging environment where every dancer feels inspired and included. Use playful activities and creative teaching techniques to make the joy of dance accessible and enjoyable for all.

Examples of Duties:

• Plan and lead engaging ballet classes that introduce basic positions, movements, stretches, and age-appropriate exercises.
• Provide clear instruction and demonstrate proper technique while guiding young dancers safely through activities.
• Offer modifications and individualized guidance to support varying developmental levels, coordination, and confidence.
• Foster positive relationships with children and families, creating an inclusive, supportive, and encouraging class environment.
• Communicate with staff regarding class schedules, studio use, and participant progress or feedback.
• Maintain attendance records and any required program documentation.
• Prepare the classroom or studio, including setup and cleanup of any props or materials used during class.
• Monitor and maintain a safe, clean, and organized learning environment.
• Support the inclusion of children with diverse abilities and needs.
• Respond appropriately to minor injuries or incidents according to established procedures.
• Act as a mandatory reporter and comply with all reporting requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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Requirements

COMPETENCIES AND QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of: 

• Basic dance and ballet principles, including proper positions, movements, stretches, and age-appropriate technique.
• Child development, coordination, balance, musicality, and methods to safely introduce movement to young children.
• Techniques for adapting instruction to meet varying abilities, confidence levels, and developmental stages.
• Current best practices in early childhood dance instruction, creative movement, and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment.

Skills and abilities: 

• Proficient in utilizing a variety of dance and creative movement techniques to meet the developmental needs of young children.
• Able to communicate clearly and encouragingly with children and their families, fostering understanding and engagement.
• Strong planning, organizational, leadership, and interpersonal skills appropriate for managing a classroom of young dancers.
• Maintains a positive, motivating, and supportive demeanor while teaching classes.
• Capable of physically demonstrating dance movements and assisting children safely.
• Works cooperatively with other staff and fosters positive, constructive relationships with children and families.
• Demonstrates competency in early childhood dance instruction and effectively prepares and presents age-appropriate classes.
• Comfortable managing group dynamics, minor conflicts, and classroom behavior while maintaining a safe and supportive environment.
• Able to respond appropriately to accidents or emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants.

Requirements:

Education and experience:

• Minimum 18 years of age or older; AND
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent

Certifications:

• Certification in early childhood dance, creative movement, or a related field (preferred).
• May require possession of or ability to obtain a valid First Aid/CPR certification within 30 days of hire.

FORWARD TOGETHER

You are welcome at Mountain Rec for who you are, no matter where you come from, what you look like, or what keeps you active. Recreation is for everyone—and so is our workplace. The more voices we have represented and amplified in our organization, the more we will all thrive, contribute, and be forward-thinking! So, bring us your personal experience, your perspectives, and your background. It is in our differences that we will find the power to keep revolutionizing the way we PLAY.

Colorado Residents: We are committed to fair hiring practices. In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. This position will require the applicant to verify the meeting of a minimum age requirement of 18 years old as such requirement is a bona fide occupational qualification pertaining to public safety and required by law.

Salary : $25 - $35