Dance Fitness & Mind-Body Instructor

Job Summary: 

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks versatile and inspiring instructors to join our Dance Fitness and Movement. We are looking for educators certified or highly experienced in formats such as, Nia, The Groove, BeMoved, Yoga, and/or Pilates. Ideal candidates are passionate about the intersection of music, movement, and wellness, with the ability to lead inclusive group classes that prioritize both physical health and creative expression. Utilizing the Old Town School’s community-focused model, this position relies on a teacher’s ability to foster a non-competitive, welcoming environment for adult learners of all fitness levels and backgrounds.

Essential Functions:

• Teach group dance fitness or mind-body classes (e.g., Zumba, Nia, Yoga, Pilates, BeMoved) across multiple skill levels.

• Develop and adapt lesson plans that emphasize proper alignment, rhythmic awareness, and the joy of movement.

• Modify exercises and movements to accommodate diverse physical abilities, injuries, or age-related needs in a community-based setting.

• Incorporate musicality and somatic awareness into instruction, aligning with the Old Town School’s mission of celebrating global music and movement traditions.

• Participate in and engage students to participate in Old Town School traditions such as Second Half and community wellness events.

• Maintain a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment that encourages lifelong wellness and community connection

• Available to teach weekend mornings and select weekday evenings.

Required Skills/Competencies:

• Strong proficiency in one or more specialized movement formats such as (Zumba, Nia, The Groove, BeMoved, Yoga, or Pilates).

• Excellent verbal communication skills with the ability to provide clear, rhythmic, and anatomical cues.

• Deep understanding of musicality and the ability to curate or follow playlists that enhance the movement experience (e.g., utilizing Latin and world rhythms for Zumba).

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build a supportive community within a group class.

• Ability to demonstrate movements clearly while maintaining a high level of engagement with the class.

Required Education and Experience:

• Relevant certification in the specific discipline being taught (e.g., Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) license, RYT for Yoga, Pilates Certification, Nia Certification, or BeMoved Certification).

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Dance, Kinesiology, Exercise Science, or equivalent professional experience.

• Minimum of two years of teaching experience in a group fitness or dance studio setting.

• Experience working with adult learners and seniors in a community-forward environment.

Additional Eligibility Requirements:

• Ability to teach in person at both Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations.

• Evening and weekend (daytime) availability is required.

• Bilingual Spanish is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• The position requires the ability to see, hear, and perform sustained physical activity including stretching, strengthening, and aerobic movement.

• Must be able to demonstrate floor work, standing exercises, and repetitive motions for the duration of the class (45–75 minutes).

• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds (e.g., yoga props or small equipment) regularly/occasionally.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a dance studio or multi-purpose classroom with exposure to music, large groups, and fluorescent lighting

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Compensation: $37.00/hourly

To be considered for this role, please apply through our Career Center.

About Old Town School of Folk Music

Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music (“OTSFM”) is the largest community school of the arts in the U.S. and a non-profit organization committed to celebrating American music and global cultures. Founded in 1957, Old Town School provides various music, dance, and arts courses to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Whatever one's interest, Old Town School provides broad access to more than 700 weekly class offerings, a broad array of private lessons, and over 400 concerts and community events per year.

Old Town School of Folk Music opened its Lincoln Square facility in 1998 and expanded in 2012. The Old Town School operates two campuses in Chicago's Lincoln Square and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, including world-class concert halls, classrooms, an award-winning music store, and a music resource center. Online classes were introduced in 2020 and students from nearly every state and a dozen countries participated throughout the pandemic. Children's classes are also held at several suburban satellite locations. More information is available at oldtownschool.org.

Equal Employment Opportunity

OTSFM is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. OTS strives to be an inclusive and equitable organization that reflects the diversity of the city of Chicago. We seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. This is critical to our success as a community-focused organization.

EEO statement

Old Town School is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees. Old Town School strives to be an inclusive and equitable organization that is reflective of the diversity of the city of Chicago. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. This is critical to our success as a community focused organization.