Polynesian Dance Instructor

JOB SUMMARY:

The Polynesian Dance Instructor will provide dance instruction and other youth enrichment lessons
related to Polynesian cultures to TK-12th grade students on school campuses and in our Highland, CA
studio. The Polynesian Youth Dance Instructor will participate in and provide professional development,
manage equipment and supplies, plan lessons, supervise children, teach dance lessons from a variety of
countries of Polynesia, and perform a variety of other related tasks as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Instruction & Classroom Delivery:
● Effectively demonstrate mastery of health, safety, and student interaction expectations and
protocols.
● Proficiently manage small and large groups of students.
● Proficiently distinguish characteristics from a wide variety of Polynesian dances.
● Teach and model footwork, dance steps, basic sequences and combinations, and choreography
that fosters love and excitement for Polynesian dance.
● Provide instruction for up to groups of twenty students.
● Differentiate dances for younger/older and beginner/more advanced learners.
● Deliver organized, fun, and engaging lessons with the prescribed objectives and lesson plans for
direct instruction.
● Deliver mini-lessons in accordance with provided lesson plans regarding the historical elements
that have influenced traditional Polynesian dance from multiple Polynesian islands.
● Utilize stretching, warm-up, posture, body alignment, footwork, turns, spacing, and other dance
strategies and techniques for effective lessons.
● Successfully teach basic dance vocabulary and terminology utilizing English and languages
related to the origins of the dance.

Program & Instructional Support:

● Perform effectively as an assistant or lead instructor.
● Create lesson plans regarding the historical elements that have influenced traditional Polynesian
dance from multiple Polynesian islands including traditional attire, music, art, and storytelling,
for yourself and your peers.
● Set up and operate audio and video equipment and systems.
● Accurately complete forms and paperwork.
● Perform duties and responsibilities as assigned and meet deadlines.
● Effectively train and support new instructors.
Youth Development & Student Engagement:
● Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom environment that encourages personal
growth and social-emotional development.
● Serve as a mentor and role model, promoting respect, collaboration, and a sense of community
among students.
● Implement strategies that support student engagement, motivation, and health behavior in a
group setting.
● Encourage students to express themselves creatively and build confidence through participation
and teamwork.
● Recognize and celebrate individual achievement, promoting a growth mindset and
self-confidence.
● Support the development of communication and problem-solving skills within the context of the
specific discipline.

Professional Responsibilities & Collaboration:
● Communicate clearly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues, and site
leadership.
● Participate in staff meetings, professional development sessions, and ongoing trainings as
required.
● Support efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in all programming.
● Remain flexible and responsive to the needs of the program, including adjusting schedules and
responsibilities as needed.
● Perform other duties as assigned to support program implementation.
● All other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, the employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:
● Comply with company policies and procedures in employee manual;
● Available to work fluctuating hours, including weekends, if necessary;

Polynesian Dance Instructor

● Be able to work well with not only co-employees, but also clients and vendors;
● Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily;
● Must be able to provide outstanding customer service to clients;
● Be fluent in speaking English and being bilingual in Spanish is preferred.

CULTURAL COMPETENCIES:
● Uncompromising integrity;
● Champions the mission, culture, and objectives of the employer;
● Demonstrates value and respect for all employees;
● High energy and enthusiasm;
● Values the ideas and opinions of others and routinely collects their input as part of the
decision-making process;
● Performs effectively as a team player

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS:
● Minimum of two years of successful experience working with children.
● Minimum of two years of experience in Polynesian dance.
● Experience teaching in a classroom setting is preferred.
● Prior experience teaching Polynesian dance is preferred.
● Must be at least 18 years of age and possess a high school diploma or GED (required).
● Strong verbal and written communication skills in standard English, suitable for a public school
environment.
● Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively in a dynamic
setting.

BACKGROUND CHECK/TESTING/CERTIFICATION:
● Must pass Live Scan (criminal background check via fingerprinting).
● Must pass drug testing.
● Provide a clear TB test
● CPR/ First Aid Certification