Youth Ballet Instructor (Early Childhood & Elementary)

Old Town School Of Folk Music • Chicago, IL

2d • $37 • Onsite

About The Position

The Old Town School of Folk Music seeks a creative, patient, and inspiring Youth Ballet Instructor to join our Dance Department. We are looking for an educator who specializes in teaching ballet to children, ranging from early childhood (creative movement) through elementary and teen levels. The ideal candidate is passionate about introducing young movers to the fundamentals of ballet through a lens of joy, musicality, and storytelling. Utilizing the Old Town School’s community-focused model, this position relies on a teacher’s ability to foster a non-competitive, imaginative, and nurturing environment that builds both technical foundations and a lifelong love for dance.

Requirements

• Strong proficiency in ballet technique and a deep understanding of pediatric dance pedagogy.
• Excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into "kid-friendly" imagery and cues.
• High level of energy, patience, and enthusiasm for working with young children and families.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build a sense of community and belonging within a youth cohort.
• Ability to demonstrate movements clearly and safely while maintaining constant supervision and engagement with the class.
• Relevant training or certification in Ballet (e.g., ABT Certified Teacher, Cecchetti, or equivalent professional dance background).
• Proven experience leading dance or movement classes specifically for children under the age of 12.
• Ability to teach in person at both Lincoln Park and Lincoln Square locations.
• Saturday and/or Sunday morning availability is highly preferred.
• Must pass a standard background check for working with minors.
• The position requires the ability to see, hear, and perform sustained physical activity including jumping, stretching, and floor work.
• Must be able to physically demonstrate ballet positions and movements repeatedly for the duration of the class (45–60 minutes).
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds (e.g., assisting a small child or moving dance props/mats).

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Dance, Dance Education, Early Childhood Education, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of two years of teaching experience in a youth-focused dance studio or community arts setting.
• Experience in "Creative Movement" curriculum development for toddlers and preschoolers.
• Bilingual Spanish is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Teach group ballet classes for children and teens, including mini-dancers, creative movement, pre-ballet, and leveled technique classes.
• Develop age-appropriate lesson plans that balance foundational ballet technique (alignment, turnout, positions) with imaginative play and creative expression.
• Adapt teaching styles to meet the developmental milestones of various age groups, ensuring classes are engaging, safe, and physically appropriate.
• Incorporate musicality and rhythmic awareness into instruction, utilizing a variety of global music traditions in alignment with the Old Town School’s mission.
• Manage classroom dynamics effectively, ensuring a supportive and inclusive space for children of all abilities, backgrounds, and learning styles.
• Communicate effectively with parents and guardians regarding student progress, class expectations, and school traditions.
• Participate in and prepare students for Old Town School community events, such as informal class sharings and seasonal performances.
• Available to teach weekend mornings and/or weekday afternoons/evenings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level