DANCE INSTRUCTOR

THE SKAGIT VALLEY FAMILY YMCA • Mount Vernon, WA

13d • $18 - $22 • Onsite

About The Position

We’re looking for a creative, enthusiastic, and passionate Dance Instructor to help bring movement, musicality, confidence, and expression to our community! This role leads dance classes for a wide range of ages—from teens to active older adults—and teaches youth (ages 1-12) dance programs that build skills in a variety of styles (Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Creative Dance, etc.) and prepare participants for a celebratory end-of-season performance. The ideal candidate brings joy to every class, inspires students to express themselves, and creates a space where everyone feels welcome and excited to learn.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Minimum one (1) year of experience teaching dance in a structured environment.
• Ability to work effectively with participants of all ages.
• Understanding of youth development principles.
• CPR/AED and Bloodborne Pathogens certifications (or willingness to obtain prior to start).
• Abuse Prevention and Mandatory Reporting training required within 90 days of hire.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to connect with diverse groups of people from varying backgrounds.
• Excellent time management, organization, and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

• bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred
• One year of customer service experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Provide a fun, uplifting, and safe atmosphere for all dancers.
• Build an inclusive environment where every participant feels supported.
• Use music, props, and engaging teaching tools to spark creativity and interaction.
• Deliver progressive, skill-building lessons that help students grow with confidence.
• Choreograph a 2-minute routine for the final performance and celebration event.
• Encourage lifelong participation in movement and physical activity.
• Demonstrate and uphold the YMCA’s core values every day.
• Collaborate with the Youth Program Coordinator to develop meaningful program objectives and goals for each session.
• Create lesson plans for 12-week programs and/or summer dance camps that are age-appropriate, engaging, and progressively structured.
• Supervise participants according to YMCA program standards, including ratios, attendance, and safety guidelines.
• Adapt lessons and teaching styles to meet a wide variety of student needs and abilities.
• Provide exceptional customer service with quick, friendly, and attentive communication.
• Build an encouraging, positive class environment that lifts dancers of all skill levels.
• Maintain knowledge of branch emergency procedures and respond appropriately when needed.
• Participate actively in scheduled staff meetings, training opportunities, and special events.
• Maintain accurate attendance records for all classes.
• Ensure that program spaces remain clean, organized, and welcoming before, during, and after classes.

Benefits

• Free YMCA household membership
• 403(b) Saving Account enrollment
• 8 paid federal holidays a year (full-time benefited employees to be eligible)
• Paid Sick & Vacation Day (accrual begins from day-1, eligible to use after 90-days)
• 2 paid personal days & 1 paid birthday per year
• Medical, vision, and dental insurance (full-time benefited employees to be eligible)
• 403(b) Retirement Employer Match (after 2 years with 1,000 hours)
• Life insurance, and more! (full-time benefited employees to be eligible)
• Additional bilingual, premium pay of $1.00 for those who are fluent bilingual Spanish, Triqui, Mixtec, Russian and Ukrainian speakers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED