Down For Dance (DFD) is growing & seeking passionate experienced instructors & subs so that we can continue to expand our commUNITY & make this program as accessible as possible. We look forward to meeting you! 

Posting Title: Online* & In-Person Class Instructor & Subs for Immediate Hire

Location: Orange County, CA

* Online classes are conducted in-studio with a set-up provided by DFD, with all students & tech support participating remotely.

Our Mission: To empower individuals of all abilities to build a stronger sense of self through dance & the arts. 

Our Vision: To spread Down For Dance (DFD) across the globe so that all abilities have access to high quality dance & arts programming. 

DFD is seeking innovative, professional teaching artists that bring creativity to the forefront & offer students the space & freedom to fly, for the following styles:

  • Hip Hop

  • Musical Theater

  • Contemporary

  • Tap

  • Ballet

  • Yoga

Classes run Mondays through Thursdays, approximately 1:45 - 6:00 pm & we offer sessions year-round. Hired instructors & subs will not work all days & times. The hours listed are our general hours of operation. This position could range anywhere from 2 - 8 hours per week & may increase with desired/interested commitment level, experience & time.

  • Winter / Spring session:  January 6, 2025 - June 9, 2025 (20 week session)

  • Summer session: July  7, 2025 - August 14, 2025 (6 week session)

  • Fall session: September 15, 2025 - December 11, 2025  (12 week session)

Your Impact: DFD’s Online & In-Person Class Instructors will teach year-round classes. 

Specific activities/tasks include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead & instruct class(es)

  • Prepare for class(es)

  • Develop curriculum & create class content/choreography alongside Artistic Director that  inspires & challenges students 

  • Provide instruction of classes & support to students while encouraging them to grow

  • Proactively & consistently research music for class use

  • Review class profiles & student lists prior to the start of every session

  • Arrive to each class 20 minutes early & remain engaged for the duration of the class

  • Record attendance for each class

  • Reach out to parent(s)/guardian(s),when needed

  • Communicate with volunteers to get to know, include, integrate, educate, train, lead & evaluate their experience

  • Attend performances & events relevant to Instructor’s specific classes

  • Additional class-related administrative tasks

  • Consistently check emails & respond in a timely manner

  • Maintain open communication with Executive Director & Artistic Director

  • Increased responsibility may come with experience & time

What We're Looking For: 

  • Personable, enthusiastic, patient, comfortable speaking in a group environment & a deep passion for working with the disability community

  • Has the knowledge to provide technical training in a safe way that protects bodies, muscles, joints, etc., & understands the need to demonstrate strong big dynamic movement, positions, pictures, poses, etc. 

  • Leans into thinking outside of the box in terms of teaching approach generally & with customized plans for each student

  • Committed & dedicated to cultivating their own unique place within the organization

  • Punctual

  • MUST have own laptop computer, music & any supplies needed

  • Experience teaching in an online environment, preferred but not required

  • Must be at least 18 years of age

  • Previous dance instruction required

  • 5+ years of dance instruction, preferred

Salary Range: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour, DOE

Who We Are: DFD is driven by a deep passion to develop high quality arts programming to those populations where it is not always accessible. In the summer of 2017, DFD started with two weekly in-person hip hop classes serving about 20 dancers total. Jumping to the end of 2023, we are humbled by the growth — growth that would not have been possible without the support of our DFD commUNITY.  

DFD currently serves over 200 students across 22 states, with both an in-person & online program. With the launch of our online program in summer 2020, we were able to expand beyond dance, & now also offer art & yoga. With a global vision, we stand strong in our commitment to continue to expand this program in order to achieve even greater accessibility. 

CORE VALUES

CONNECTION:

  • We connect the Down syndrome commUNITY & all abilities through movement & art.

  • We advocate for inclusion and celebrate diversity by fostering a sense of belonging.

  • We strive to make our programming accessible to all.

EXPANSION:

  • We are shifting the community’s perspective at large as to what IS possible when you have a different ability.

  • We use creativity & collaboration to guide us through all our work, as it can illuminate infinite possibilities and ideas.

heART:

  • We practice & preach kindness, empathy & compassion.

  • We cultivate an environment where artists feel safe to take risks & express what is truly in their hearts.

  • We believe in celebrating hard work & accomplishments of all sizes.

  • We encourage everyone to TRY, while highlighting the importance of FUN! 

COMMITMENT:

  • TO SELF: We value self-care & cultivate an environment where this is a priority.

  • TO OTHERS: We lead with integrity, which in turn nurtures the gift of deep mutual respect. 

Interested in working with us?  Send your resume to info@downfordance.org.