Dance Instructor - GSCA

OVERVIEW

As the first visual and performing arts school along the Grand Strand, the dance instructor at GSCA will be responsible for the conception and development of the dance discipline. This role will include teaching dance practices and theory courses in alignment with the SC Career-Ready Standards and National Core Art standards in dance. In addition, this role will advance knowledge through scholarly activities which include but are not limited to: active involvement in regional, state, national and international art sector and education committees, student mentorship, recruitment and retention initiatives, outreach activities and partnership development along the Grand Strand. This role offers a unique opportunity to train aspiring dancers for acceptance into prestigious programs and top-tier institutions. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  TEACHING AND CURRICULUM

• Teach daily dance courses (theory and practice) that demonstrate mastery of all state academic standards and competencies for dance. 
• Teaching expertise include courses focused in contemporary dance and modern dance forms, ballet, improvisation, choreography, cultural dance forms in jazz, hip-hop, African Diaspora, as well as others, and applied repertoire courses.
• Understand and teach differences between varying industry standards for job sectors in studio, commercial, academic, Broadway, etc. 
• Evaluate student development individually using: diagnostic, formative, and summative assessments, creative rubrics, portfolios, and performance evaluations 
• Evaluate student grade level development annually through assessments and accordance with SC Career-Ready state standards and National Core Art standards. 
• Develop dance curriculum and lesson plans in alignment with state standards. 
• Collaborate with other departments, including other arts disciplines and core subjects to create arts-integrated curriculum and activities.
• Willingness to accommodate a variety of learning styles and strategies instructional delivery and learning activities, including online and blended learning, flexible teaching methods, and applied learning approaches.
• Teach anatomy, injury prevention, and conditioning to promote safe dance practices. 
• Maintain student portfolios, learning plans, and creative documentation. 
• Demonstrate consistent attendance and punctuality.
• Demonstrate efficiency and oral and written proficiency.
• Pursue further education and supplemental credentials
• Maintain and promote a safe learning environment.
• Continually assess students' development (academic, artist, and socio-emotional) through clearly defined rubrics.
• Promote critical thinking skills and character education.
• Promote and enforce Code of Conduct.
• Establish, maintain, assess, and (if needed) modify individual student progression plans.
• Identify those students who exhibit exceptional thinking styles and behaviors and implement  and/or accommodate those exceptional needs.
• Attend and lead parent/teacher meetings and conferences.
• Initiate opportunities for professional development.
• Initiate and present innovative ideas for special projects, school functions, field trips, extracurricular activities, and clubs.
• Document parent phone calls, conversations, and conferences.
• Work as partners to create behavior modification plans.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Capable of lifting/carrying 20 lbs. and occasionally up to 50 lbs.; some physical activity required.
• Follows adopted policies and procedures in accordance with board priorities.
• Conducts him/herself in the best interest of students and the school, in accordance with the highest standards pursuant to the school’s mission and governing principles and in support of the GSCA’s Mission Statement

 CHOREOGRAPHY AND PRODUCTIONS

• Choreograph original dance works for middle to high school aged students.
• Direct and produce semester and annual dance productions for all student dance majors/other majors to participate in. 
• Create all communication, production schedules, and timelines for student productions. 
• Recruit and market all productions to audience members in the local/regional community.

 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH

• Fundraise annually or each semester for continued program growth and departmental needs 
• Foster organic relationships to recruit new dance students and to retain students.
• Research and write grants for assistance in program needs for GSCA, collaborations and new opportunities for students learning in dance. 
• Prepare students for participation in local, regional, and national competitions and intensives. 
• Build partnerships with professional dance organizations to enhance student learning and opportunities.
• Understand the growth trends of Horry County and contribute programming and education where necessary for continued expansion of the arts sector along the Grand Strand. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in dance from an accredited college or university.  
• Minimum 5 years professional dance performance experience in renowned companies or institutions
• Minimum 3 years of teaching experience in a pre-professional or collegiate-level dance program.  
• Experience preparing students for competitive auditions, including resume development, prescreen videos, and personal statements.  
• Strong understanding of integrating technology into dance education, including virtual audition platforms and video analysis tools
• Expertise in coaching advanced level dancers in classical ballet, contemporary, and other dance forms.
• Familiarity with anatomy and kinesiology for dancers, injury prevention, and conditioning techniques.  
• Strong connections to professional dance networks, guest artists, choreographers, and institutions. 
• Experience collaborating with other artistic disciplines, artists and faculty. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• M.A. or M.F.A. in dance choreography or education.
• South Carolina dance-ed certification for grades 6-12.
• Ability to create and direct original dance works and productions.
• Leadership experience in arts programs, or in artistic entrepreneurship. 
• Evidence of a commitment to culturally relevant, diverse, and inclusive teaching practices.

REQUIRED APPLICANT MATERIALS

• Cover Letter addressing your relationship to the community and the arts sector, qualifications for this position, teaching philosophy including approaches to inclusive pedagogies in dance, statement on Research/Creative Activity Interests on how you intend to build the dance program, and relevant expertise.
• Curriculum Vitae
• A Digital Portfolio including: a demonstrated teaching reel (in any dance genre) and up to 3 choreographic examples including genre/style, work title, program description/synopsis, date of premiere, and location. 
• Sample Syllabus and/or Lesson Plan

Grand Strand Charter Arts is the first performing and visual arts school in Horry County. Grades served will be 8-11 in Year 1, 8-12 in Year 2, and 7-12 in Year 3. 

www.grandstrandcharterarts.org