College Dance Professor Job Description [Updated for 2025]
In the dynamic world of performing arts, the role of a college dance professor has never been more crucial.
The art of dance continues to evolve, and with each leap and pirouette, the demand for skilled educators who can instruct, inspire, and protect the integrity of this expressive medium grows.
But let’s take a moment to reflect: What’s truly expected from a college dance professor?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
- A hiring manager delineating the perfect candidate,
- Or simply intrigued by the discipline of dance education,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we present a customizable college dance professor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or academic career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
College Dance Professor Duties and Responsibilities
College Dance Professors are responsible for teaching dance theory and practice to students at the college level, choreographing and directing dance performances, and contributing to the academic community through research or creative activities.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Developing and teaching dance curriculum to college students
- Leading and evaluating students in dance rehearsals and performances
- Choreographing dances for various college events and performances
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of dance techniques and theories
- Assessing and grading students’ performance and progression
- Advising and mentoring students on their academic and career paths
- Participating in faculty meetings and serving on committees within the department or college
- Conducting research or engaging in creative activities in the field of dance
- Contributing to the development of the department’s strategic plans
- Collaborating with other faculty members on interdisciplinary courses or performances
College Dance Professor Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated College Dance Professor to join our team.
The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching dance to students at the college level in various styles and forms, choreographing routines for student performances, and conducting research or creative work in their specific dance discipline.
Our ideal candidate is an accomplished dancer with a strong academic background, possessing a deep understanding of dance theory, technique, and history.
They should be enthusiastic about fostering a love and understanding of dance in students, preparing them for careers in the field or simply enriching their educational experience.
Responsibilities
- Teach various dance styles and forms to students at the college level
- Choreograph routines for student performances and recitals
- Conduct scholarly or creative research in dance
- Assess student performance and provide feedback
- Guide students towards academic and career goals in dance
- Stay updated on the latest developments and trends in dance
- Participate in faculty meetings, committees, and other service duties as required
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a professional dancer or dance instructor
- A Master’s degree in Dance, Fine Arts, or a related field, PhD preferred
- Strong understanding of dance theory, technique, and history
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to work in a collaborative environment
- Experience with choreography and performance
Benefits
- 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
- Professional development opportunities
- On-campus housing options
- Paid time off
- Tuition remission for employees and dependents
Additional Information
- Job Title: College Dance Professor
- Work Environment: College campus. This position may require evening and weekend hours for rehearsals and performances.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Chair or Dean of the College of Arts.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: Dependent on experience and qualifications
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our college. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a link to a video showcasing your dance skills to [email address or application portal].
What Does a College Dance Professor Do?
A College Dance Professor typically works for universities or art schools and is responsible for instructing students in various dance genres such as ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary dance.
They choreograph dance routines, teach dance theory and history, and guide students in improving their dance techniques and performance skills.
They may also be tasked with organizing and directing dance performances or concerts where students showcase their talents.
As educators, they are expected to develop a curriculum, plan lessons, and assess student progress.
They provide constructive feedback to help their students improve and grow as dancers.
Additionally, a College Dance Professor may conduct research in dance, publish articles in academic journals, and present their findings at conferences.
They may also be required to participate in departmental meetings, serve on committees, and contribute to the development of the dance program within the institution.
They also have a role in advising students on their academic and career paths in the field of dance.
In some cases, College Dance Professors may have to audition or interview prospective students for admission into the dance program.
They are often expected to maintain their own professional development by staying updated with the latest dance techniques and trends.
College Dance Professor Qualifications and Skills
A proficient College Dance Professor should possess a range of skills and qualifications to provide effective dance education and guidance, such as:
- Extensive knowledge and proficiency in various dance styles and techniques, from classical ballet to contemporary dance.
- Experience in choreography, to create and teach dance routines to students of various proficiency levels.
- Excellent physical fitness and stamina, to demonstrate dance moves and techniques, as well as to cope with long hours of teaching and practice.
- Strong communication skills to convey instructions, provide feedback and explain complex dance theories effectively.
- Interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with students, encourage collaborative learning and foster a positive learning environment.
- Patience and empathy to understand and address individual students’ learning needs and challenges.
- Organizational skills to manage class schedules, prepare lesson plans, and coordinate dance performances or events.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to adapt teaching methods to different learning styles and resolve any issues that arise during dance training.
- Basic knowledge of health and safety regulations related to dance, to ensure students practice safely and prevent injuries.
College Dance Professor Experience Requirements
Aspiring College Dance Professors are typically required to have a Master’s degree in Dance or a related field, with several years of experience in a professional dance setting.
Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through teaching dance in community centers, dance studios or schools.
They could also gain experience through performing professionally in dance troupes, theater productions, or other forms of live entertainment.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills, choreography abilities, and teaching methodologies in positions such as Assistant Dance Instructor, Dance Studio Manager, or Choreographer.
These professionals may also have had the opportunity to work with a diverse array of dance styles and populations, which can enhance their suitability for a College Dance Professor role.
Professionals with more than 5 years of experience may have engaged in advanced dance studies, as well as gained extensive experience in teaching a variety of dance techniques and styles at an advanced level.
These individuals may also have experience in curriculum development and academic research related to dance.
Additionally, those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background and may be ready for roles such as Department Head or Artistic Director in a dance department at a college or university.
College Dance Professor Education and Training Requirements
Aspiring College Dance Professors are typically required to have a master’s degree in dance, performing arts, or a closely related field.
Their education needs to cover a wide range of dance styles including ballet, jazz, contemporary, and ethnic dance forms.
A strong understanding of dance history, choreography, and dance theory is also essential.
Many universities prefer candidates with a Doctorate in Dance or related field for senior or tenured positions.
Practical experience as a professional dancer or choreographer is typically required.
Experience in teaching, whether at the community level, in dance studios, or at lower levels of education, is also highly valued.
College Dance Professors must also be knowledgeable about curriculum design and pedagogical methods specific to dance education.
They should be capable of teaching dance theory, choreography, and technique at the college level.
Some professors might also choose to earn certification from dance organizations or societies to increase their qualifications and showcase their commitment to the field.
Finally, College Dance Professors should be dedicated to their students’ growth, fostering a nurturing and challenging environment to help students develop their artistic and technical skills.
They should also be committed to ongoing learning and professional development within the field.
College Dance Professor Salary Expectations
A College Dance Professor can expect to earn an average salary of $73,207 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings may vary based on factors such as the professor’s level of experience, the location of the university, and the prestige of the institution they work for.
College Dance Professor Job Description FAQs
What qualifications does a College Dance Professor need?
A College Dance Professor typically needs to have a Master’s Degree or a Doctorate in Dance or a closely related field.
In addition, they often need to have several years of professional dance experience.
Professors should also have teaching experience, preferably at the college level.
Certain institutions may require their professors to have additional credentials, such as certifications in specific dance styles.
What are the daily duties of a College Dance Professor?
A College Dance Professor’s daily duties might include developing and delivering lectures on various aspects of dance, such as dance history or theory.
They also lead dance classes where they instruct students in different dance techniques.
College Dance Professors are often responsible for grading student performances and classwork.
They might also supervise student-led performances, conduct independent or collaborative research, and write articles or books on dance.
Other duties might include providing office hours for student consultations, attending faculty meetings, and participating in committee work.
What qualities make a good College Dance Professor?
A good College Dance Professor should have a deep passion for and knowledge of dance in all its forms.
They should be skilled in teaching, able to break down complex dance techniques into understandable steps.
They should be patient and supportive, able to inspire students to push their limits and achieve their potential.
Good College Dance Professors also stay current with developments in the field of dance and can incorporate this into their teaching.
Finally, they should have excellent communication skills, as they will need to effectively communicate with students, faculty, and other professionals in the field.
Do College Dance Professors need to have professional dance experience?
Yes, most College Dance Professors are expected to have professional dance experience.
This is because they need to understand the demands and realities of a career in dance in order to prepare their students for the professional world.
Some colleges may require specific types of dance experience, such as experience in choreography or performance.
What should you look for in a College Dance Professor’s resume?
A College Dance Professor’s resume should ideally demonstrate a mix of academic and professional achievements.
Look for advanced degrees in dance or related fields, publications in reputable journals, and records of presentations at academic conferences.
Also valuable is evidence of professional dance experience, such as performances, choreography, or work with dance companies.
Teaching experience, especially at the college level, should also be evident.
Additionally, references from previous employers or colleagues can provide insights into the candidate’s teaching abilities and work ethic.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we unraveled the many layers that make up a college dance professor.
And guess what?
It’s not just about teaching dance moves.
It’s about choreographing a beautiful journey of self-expression and creativity, one dance step at a time.
With our comprehensive college dance professor job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the stage.
But why take a bow just yet?
Take a deeper plunge into our job description generator. It’s your go-to resource for crafting precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every dance step is a part of a bigger, beautiful routine.
Let’s choreograph that journey. Together.
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