Dance Instructor

Job Title:

Dance Instructor

Status:
Part Time Non-Exempt

Department:
Sports

Reports to:

Sports and Recreation Director

The Dance Instructor plays a vital role in advancing the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community by connecting youth to their potential, purpose, and one another. This position is responsible for leading high‑quality dance instruction that creates a safe, positive, and nurturing environment where children can build confidence, develop skills, and experience a sense of belonging.

Through intentional relationship‑building with participants and families, the Dance Instructor supports youth development outcomes while fostering a welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined culture grounded in the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

• Create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment that fosters belonging and confidence among participants.
• Plan, organize, and implement age‑appropriate and developmentally appropriate dance instruction within established program guidelines.
• Ensure daily class operations run smoothly, including schedules, supplies, materials, and space readiness.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well‑organized program environment that supports physical and emotional safety, including ADA accommodations where appropriate.
• Support and collaborate with program staff and volunteers as assigned.
• Build positive, professional relationships with parents and caregivers, maintaining clear and consistent communication.
• Engage families as partners and connect them to the YMCA community.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and required program documentation.
• Demonstrate and model the YMCA’s mission, values, and Y-Voice behaviors…welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.
• Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, safety standards, and employee handbook guidelines.
• Conduct oneself professionally at all times, both within and outside program settings.
• Participate in required trainings, meetings, and organizational events.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the YMCA’s mission and goals.

• Communication:
  Communicates clearly, respectfully, and professionally with youth, families, and team members.
• Engaging Community:
  Creates meaningful connections with participants and families that foster belonging and engagement.

• Emotional Maturity:
  Demonstrates patience, professionalism, and sound judgment in busy or challenging situations.
• Responsibility & Accountability:
  Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards while taking ownership of assigned responsibilities.

• Previous dance experience in an instructional or performance‑based setting required.
• Experience working with children or youth preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Ability to plan and deliver age‑appropriate dance instruction.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience working with diverse populations preferred.
• Understands that the YMCA is a public accommodation committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• YMCA-approved Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Certification
• Emergency Procedures Training
• CPR and First Aid Certification

• Ability to plan, lead, and actively participate in dance and movement‑based activities.
• Ability to stand, move, and demonstrate movements for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, move, or carry up to 25 lbs. using proper technique.
• Work in a team‑oriented environment with open communication regarding youth, families, or staff concerns.
• Work environment noise levels vary and are typically moderate.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This role contributes directly to the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA’s mission by providing high‑quality youth development programming that helps children grow in confidence, skill, and connection. Through positive instruction, meaningful relationships, and a safe, supportive environment, the Dance Instructor strengthens families, builds community, and expands the YMCA’s impact across Siouxland.