Assistant Dance Instructor (Youth Dance)

As the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y offers more than just a job—we offer a career with purpose and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in your community. As a key member of the Family Programs team, the Assistant Dance Instructor creates a welcoming, inclusive environment where youth can learn, grow and express themselves through movement.

The Assistant Dance Instructor supports engaging dance classes that build confidence, creativity, coordination, and physical well-being while fostering positive relationships among participants and families. Working closely with the Lead Instructor, the Assistant Dance Instructor helps create a welcoming, encouraging, and inclusive environment where young people can learn new skills, express themselves, and feel a strong sense of belonging within the YMCA community.

The Assistant Dance Instructor models the YMCA’s core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility while assisting with high-quality instruction and meaningful experiences. Through positive encouragement, attentive support, strong communication, and active participation in classes, the Assistant Dance Instructor helps participants develop their dance skills, build confidence, and deepen their engagement with YMCA programs and community connections.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Uphold the mission of the YMCA and demonstrate behaviors that reflect a determined, nurturing, genuine, hopeful and welcoming environment for youth and families.
• Provide a safe, inclusive and supportive space where youth feel encouraged to learn, express themselves creatively and build confidence through dance.
• Help plan and lead engaging, age-appropriate dance classes that develop coordination, creativity, physical activity and teamwork.
• Learn choreograph dance routines and prepare participants for program showcases, recitals or demonstrations when applicable.
• Teach class in place of the Lead Dance Instructor if they are absent for the day.
• Provide courteous, prompt and sincere attention to youth participants, parents/guardians, members, guests and staff.
• Foster positive relationships with youth participants by encouraging participation, celebrating progress and supporting individual growth.
• Welcome new participants and families to class, helping them feel comfortable and connected to the YMCA community.
• Maintain effective communication with parents/guardians regarding class expectations, schedules, performances and program updates.
• Collaborate with Family Programs staff and other instructors to ensure high-quality, engaging programs that meet the needs of the community.
• Communicate and reinforce program policies, class expectations and safety guidelines in a positive and respectful manner.
• Ensure the dance space is safe, clean and organized before, during and after each class.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating YMCA values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in all interactions.
• Complete required Child Abuse Prevention and Risk Management training and adhere to YMCA policies regarding appropriate boundaries with children.
• Monitor participants and the program environment to ensure safety, and report any suspicious or inappropriate behaviors or policy violations to a supervisor. Follow mandated reporting requirements and YMCA procedures related to child safety and protection.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Excellent customer service and verbal skills
• Dancing background experience and/or certification are preferred
• Ability to work with age groups 3-12, and ability levels
• Ability to conduct activities related to dance; jazz, tap, ballet, and lyrical
• Model the YMCA Core values
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Excellent leadership and presentation skills
• Able to demonstrate the leadership skills and knowledge to help lead a class
• Understands and supports the mission of the YMCA

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Noise level- High

The YMCA of Greater Louisville is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, age, or disability status.