Middle School Dance Instructor

Harvard-Westlake School seeks to hire an exceptional and highly qualified individual for a full-time position teaching Dance at the Middle School campus (grades 7-9). The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated knowledge of contemporary dance (teaching, creating, and performing) and a passion for working with middle schoolers. This position is full-time with benefits, starting in August for the 2025-26 school year.

Our dance program comprises four distinct ability levels, welcoming beginners to advanced level dancers. The qualified candidate will have equal enthusiasm for working with brand new dancers and with those in our highest levels who are pursuing independent choreography. Our dance program is well-resourced and housed in state of the art facilities. In the Harvard-Westlake Performing Arts Department, we foster technical achievement, creativity, collaboration, and self-expression. We teach fundamental techniques, inspire experimentation, encourage cultural awareness, and believe in supporting students’ artistic endeavors.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Ability to teach beginning ballet, modern dance, jazz, and hip-hop techniques

• Ability to introduce students to the choreographic process

• Teaching experience with middle school students

• Strong communication skills and team-player attitude

• Ability to communicate concepts in a clear and concise manner to students and foster an innovative and creative learning environment

• A broad appreciation for and training in dance styles from a variety of cultures in order to make our dance program as representative as possible. Opportunities and funds exist to bring in occasional guest choreographers.

• Experience in creating and managing a budget that includes production costs and course needs.

Responsibilities:

• Teaching--Two sections per semester of Introduction to Contemporary Dance (Beginner Level), two yearlong sections of Contemporary Dance II, and one yearlong section of Dance Production.

• Directing--Showcases for each section and one mainstage Dance Concert in March. While much of the rehearsal process is done during class, there are after school and weekend rehearsals required, particularly for the Dance Concert

• Lunch supervisor or advisory leader

• Participation in our four-day, outdoor education retreat

• Other chaperoning and professional development responsibilities as assigned

This position will collaborate with our adjunct dance teacher, who teaches the Contemporary Dance I course. There is also the opportunity to work with our musical director on any show that requires choreography.

Harvard-Westlake School

We are an independent, co-educational college preparatory day school consisting of two campuses located in Los Angeles, California, with approximately 1,600 students enrolled in grades seven through twelve.

Harvard-Westlake actively strives to be a diverse and inclusive community in its educational, admission, and employment practices. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, or any other characteristic.

We seek candidates who demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge, and understanding of the diverse backgrounds of community members; have an ability to work flexibly, independently, and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with individuals from a diverse set of backgrounds; and have a capacity to serve as a model of openness, generosity, and acceptance.

Compensation:

Anticipated base compensation is $85,000 to $110,000 depending on experience. The position will begin August, 2025.