Assistant Professor - Teaching in African Dance

Wayne State University•Detroit, MI

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Wayne State University’s Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance seeks a full-time, non-tenure-track Assistant Professor of Teaching in dance, with an emphasis on the Africanist paradigm. The successful candidate will bring a teaching praxis rooted in African and African-diasporic practices and expertise integrating Africanist theory and history into studio teaching. The role includes teaching undergraduate dance courses, contributing to curriculum and the Africana Theatre & Dance Minor, mentoring students, and engaging with department and Detroit community activities. The position begins August 18, 2027. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The candidate will collaborate with the Black Theatre and Dance Collective as acting director of an African dance company succeeding the department’s historic company, To Sangana. There may also be opportunities to collaborate with Freedom Players, choreograph student work, manage repertory rehearsals, serve as artistic director for department concert productions, and organize guest artist residencies. The department is based in Detroit’s Cultural Center and supports theatre, dance, and performance education grounded in both artistic practice and theory, history, and performance studies. The position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement and may be filled by a qualified bargaining unit member who applies. Applications are submitted through Wayne Talent and must include a letter of application, curriculum vitae, teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching effectiveness, professional work samples or links, and three references. Application review begins January 22, 2027; applications remain open until the position is filled.

Requirements

Terminal degree (Ph.D. or MFA) in Dance or a related discipline.
Experience teaching dance technique, choreographing, and producing dance concerts and/or community dance events.
At least three years of successful teaching in a university or professional educational venue.
Ability to teach a range of African diasporic forms and integrate Africanist theory and history into studio-based coursework.
Commitment to teaching in higher education.
Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and Detroiters from diverse backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Additional professional experience in pedagogy, choreography, artistic direction, and/or community art or activism.
Excitement about working in Detroit and engagement with its diverse culture and arts community.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate BFA and BS dance courses at all levels, including African Dance I & II and African Diasporic Dance I & II.
Teach African and African-diasporic dance techniques, choreography, and pedagogy.
Collaborate with the Black Theatre and Dance Collective as acting director of an African dance company succeeding To Sangana.
Contribute to undergraduate curriculum development initiatives.
Maintain the Africana Theatre & Dance Minor.
Mentor undergraduate students.
Attend faculty meetings and serve on department committees.
Engage with the Detroit community.
Potentially collaborate with Freedom Players on its social justice devised theatre touring ensemble.
Potentially choreograph student work, manage repertory rehearsals, serve as artistic director for department concert productions, and organize guest artist residencies.