Dance Instructor

RFCUNY Research Foundation of the City University of New York•Brooklyn, NY

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Foundation of The City University of New York (RFCUNY) is seeking a Dance Instructor for the NYS Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP). This program aims to address dropout risks among New York State’s youth by connecting middle and high school students with higher education institutions. The LPP offers a comprehensive five-week summer program focused on academic immersion, mentorship, and creative enrichment to foster student connectedness and build confidence. The Dance Instructor will be responsible for designing, adapting, and implementing an engaging, movement-based dance curriculum for high school students during this five-week summer session. The ideal candidate will use movement and performance to promote physical fitness, socio-emotional growth, and creative teamwork, while fostering an inclusive, supportive, and culturally responsive dance studio environment for students of all skill levels.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (BFA or BS) in Dance, Dance Education, Performing Arts, or a related field is preferred.
A background in youth fitness or New York State (NYS) Dance Certification is a strong plus.
Minimum of 1–2 years of experience teaching or mentoring high school-aged youth, preferably within urban communities, dance studios, or grant-funded youth development programs preferred.
Proficiency in multiple dance genres and an understanding of how to integrate socio-emotional learning (SEL), self-expression, and confidence-building into movement exercises.
Strong performance energy, an approachable attitude, and the ability to inspire and connect meaningfully with a diverse student population.
Must clear all standard RFCUNY background checks and fingerprinting processes prior to the start of the summer session.

Responsibilities

Create and execute a cohesive, multi-disciplinary dance curriculum tailored for high school students, incorporating styles such as contemporary, hip-hop, modern, cultural, or street dance.
Lead daily interactive dance and movement sessions, adapting choreography and exercises to meet the diverse fitness, physical needs, and skill levels of participating youth.
Maintain a physically safe and emotionally supportive studio environment.
Utilize positive behavior management strategies to encourage team-building, active participation, and mutual respect among students.
Meet regularly with the LPP Project Director/Coordinator for debriefings.
Track daily student attendance and submit lesson plans and program records on time.
Coordinate, choreograph, and rehearse a final routine with students to showcase at the "End-of-Summer" community performance or celebration.
Accompany and supervise students during scheduled cultural field trips or outdoor program activities as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.