Dance Teacher

To be a Dance Teacher at West Valley Dance Company, you should have substantial dance experience and a genuine passion for working with children. Experience working with dancers aged 18 months to 18 years is preferred. In addition, reliable transportation for traveling between our Bay Area locations and excellent communication skills will help you succeed in this role.

As a Dance Teacher at West Valley Dance Company, your primary responsibilities include instructing students across various dance styles, creating engaging lesson plans tailored to individual skill levels, and fostering a positive learning environment. You will also be encouraged to collaborate with other staff to enhance the students’ overall dance education experience.

Dance Teachers at West Valley Dance Company can expect a pay range of $25 to $40 per hour, which varies based on your experience and qualifications. This competitive compensation reflects our commitment to recognizing the value and expertise each instructor brings to our studio.

Yes! West Valley Dance Company provides a range of benefits for Dance Teachers who work 30 hours or more per week, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, long-term disability, life insurance, and other educational benefits at one of our Action Day Schools. We're dedicated to ensuring our staff feels supported and valued.

The work culture at West Valley Dance Company is vibrant, collaborative, and geared towards growth. Our instructors are passionate about dance and education, creating an encouraging atmosphere where both teachers and students thrive. You will find a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and your passion for dance can flourish.

When interviewing for the Dance Teacher position, it's crucial to articulate your teaching methods clearly. Discuss how you adapt your techniques to cater to different learning styles, the importance of warm-up exercises, and how you create engaging choreography that resonates with young dancers.

Handling challenging behavior requires patience and understanding. Share specific strategies you employ, such as implementing positive reinforcement, creating clear rules, and promoting open communication to foster a respectful classroom atmosphere for all dancers.

Be prepared to discuss your background working with children in dance classes, including age ranges, styles taught, and specific challenges faced. Highlight your ability to create a fun yet structured learning experience that nurtures students' passion for dance.

Storytelling is powerful in interviews. Share a specific instance that captures the joy of teaching dance, perhaps a breakthrough with a student or an innovative class activity. This not only showcases your teaching philosophy but also your emotional connection to the role.

An awareness of industry trends is essential. Discuss methods such as attending workshops, participating in dance classes, or following influential choreographers on social media to ensure you bring fresh and relevant content to your students.

In this question, convey your commitment to both professional development and your students' growth. Discuss your aspirations, such as enhancing your dance technique, improving your teaching skills, or even choreographing performances to inspire students.

Describe your approach to teaching beginners, focusing on foundational skills, encouraging patience, and creating a supportive environment. Share specific techniques to ease new students into dance, such as fun warm-ups and engaging routines that build confidence.

When addressing teamwork, emphasize the importance of collaboration in dance. Discuss activities you might implement, such as group choreography projects, partner exercises, and class routines that require students to work together towards a common goal.

Discuss your willingness to listen to student feedback and how you adapt your classes based on their input. Explaining specific instances where you've made changes to better suit students’ needs will show that you're receptive and committed to their growth.

Be sure to discuss how creativity enhances the learning experience in your dance classes. Share your perspective on fostering a creative environment through improvisation, encouraging expression, and allowing students to contribute their ideas in class activities.