We're Hiring!

Job Title Ballroom Dance Instructor for Seniors

Location Metta Dance – Ajax, ON

We are a Mobile Studio - classes will be held in Ajax and Whitby.

Job Type Part-Time Contract Position (2-3 hours/week)

Such Contract work is dependent on sufficient enrolment to warrant establishing and maintaining the program.

This position is being conducted in-person.

About Us

Nicole Cote has been serving the over 55 population of Durham Region for over 30 years now and has become a well-established and recognized name in the community. Metta Dance is a mobile dance studio serving adult dance enthusiasts of Durham Region through locations in Whitby and Ajax; offering line dance, social ballroom, Zumba and Yoga classes.

Currently, our line dance classes are being offered in these locations (Studio location may be altered if needed. Subbing locations may differ):

Forest Brook Community Church 60 Kearney Dr, Ajax, ON L1T 4N2

Whitby Baptist Church 411 Gilbert St E, Whitby, ON L1N 1R6

At Metta Dance we pride ourselves in creating a joyful community of dancers that want to learn and have fun. Our focus is on fun, not perfection; gifting each of our students with the ability to get out, move and meet new friends.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and experienced ballroom teacher to join our team who can mirror those values.

Position Overview

You are an enthusiastic and compassionate Ballroom Dance Instructor who is comfortable and patient in teaching seniors. Your focus will be to create a fun, engaging, and supportive atmosphere, encouraging seniors to stay active, make new friends, and enjoy the music and movement of ballroom dance.

Key Duties

As a dance teacher at our dance studio, you will be responsible for planning a series of dance classes (12 week and 6 week sessions). Your contributions will play a key role in ensuring the success and growth of our studio. We measure success in this role by your ability to retain students and have them continue with us on their dance journey

Instruction

Teach 1 or more ballroom and other dance styles, including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha-cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Salsa, Bachata, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Argentine Tango.

Teach Technique including, Lead/follow, Arm styling, Cuban motion, each dance’s unique characteristic

Duties

Responsibilities of the role will include (but not be limited to):

Preparing a progression plan to get students through each dance session

Preparing lesson plans for each week

Taking attendance each week

Announcing planned and unplanned absences in a timely manner

Offering alternatives for physical limitations (frozen shoulder, dizziness, knee issues, etc.)

Keeping the owner apprised of any issues that come up in class

Class Management:

Develop lesson plans that are fun, engaging, and appropriate for seniors (low impact, modifications for mobility issues, etc), emphasizing enjoyment, social interaction, and physical activity.

Schedule:

Metta Dance runs its schedule on a rotating basis which runs for 12 weeks at a time with a fall, winter and spring program. Classes begin in September and end typically at the end of June or early July. There is at least 1 week (more depending on the time of year) between sessions.

There are currently no classes running in the summer, however, depending on client interest and instructor availability, a summer program may be offered in the future.

Classes are 60 minutes long unless specified otherwise. The class time and length may be modified to enable the studio to offer the program. You will be notified by the owner/studio director of any applicable changes or subbing requests.

The studio may extend the number of weeks in the program due to cancellation of a class for any reason.

If you are unable to make a class it is your responsibility to inform the owner/studio director, Nicole Cote, in a timely fashion. In case of illness or emergency situations please send a text to 905-427-2054.

Encouragement:

Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive class environment, encouraging seniors to participate and enjoy the process.

Safety:

Ensure the safety of all participants by providing clear instructions, demonstrating proper techniques, and offering modifications for different ability levels.

Build Community:

Create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere where seniors feel comfortable, valued, and connected to the community. It’s important to socialize with your students to help foster our core values.

Feedback:

Provide constructive and positive feedback to participants, helping them to improve their skills while maintaining a focus on fun and enjoyment.

Events:

Occasional participation in social dance events and other activities that promote the joy of ballroom dancing. This participation is encouraged but would be at your sole discretion

Qualifications

To excel in this role, we are seeking individuals who align with our studio's values and possess the following qualifications:

Experience:

1-2 years experience teaching ballroom dancing in some or all of the styles mentioned. Experience teaching to seniors is an asset

Skills:

Proficient in various ballroom dance styles and techniques, with a strong ability to adapt methods to suit the needs of seniors
A Passion for dance and a genuine interest in nurturing students’ love for the art form
The ability to work with people over 55

Personality:

Friendly, patient, and enthusiastic, with a genuine passion for working with seniors and making dance fun. Someone who doesn’t take themselves too seriously.

Communication:

Excellent verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain steps clearly and provide positive encouragement.

Fitness:

Physically fit and able to demonstrate dance moves and lead classes for extended periods.

Certification:

Dance teaching certification is a plus but not required.

CPR Certification:

Certification required - employer will pay for training

Additional Skills

To excel in this role, we are seeking individuals who align with our studio's values and possess the following additional qualifications:

Joy:

Joy in life is a gift and we aim to remind our students that it is possible to retain joy as they navigate the ups and downs of retirement and ageing.

Fun:

We are committed to providing patient, relaxed and fun instruction so our students may find and experience joy as they learn to dance. We recognize that the obligations of Career and Family are behind them, they don’t HAVE TO Do anything, and their primary motivation is enjoying life. The emphasis is on how our activities make our clients feel and less about the quality of execution

Loving Kindness:

Inspired by the Buddhist Metta Prayer, our namesake reflects our dedication to providing a safe, friendly, supportive and inclusive community. We appreciate the unique attributes of each student and recognize that each person is on their own individual path. We practice patience, compassion and gratitude and let our clients, partners and suppliers know they are an integral part of our journey and success.

Community:

Our students value Togetherness and our focus is to provide a friendly, supportive atmosphere that makes it easy to learn and play in a safe and non-judgmental space. We learn from one another, we motivate one another, we inspire a love of dance that fits our bodies and our capabilities (whatever those may be) and we celebrate the journey together.

Pay & Benefits

Pay:

This is a contract position with an hourly range of $20-$35/hour

Benefits:

Competitive pay based on experience and qualifications.
Flexible scheduling
Summers off
Tuition reimbursement up to $200 for any professional development incurred after 1 year of successful employment
A supportive and friendly work environment.
The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of seniors in your community.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and a brief cover letter outlining their experience and why they are passionate about teaching ballroom dance to seniors. Candidates should also include a short video (5-10 minutes) teaching a dance.

Please email your application to nicole@mettadance.ca with the subject line "Ballroom Dance Instructor Application.” Join us in spreading the joy of dance and making a difference in the lives of seniors!

Selected candidates will be invited for an initial interview to discuss their qualifications and alignment with our studio's values.

A final interview will be conducted with key members of our team to further evaluate the candidate's fit and potential contributions.

A job offer will be extended to the successful candidate, followed by a formal contract upon acceptance.

We value every applicant's time and commitment throughout the hiring process. Regardless of the outcome, we strive to provide timely communication to all applicants.

Thank you for considering joining our dance studio team. We look forward to reviewing your application and exploring the potential of having you contribute to our studio's success