We are looking for teaching artists with a developed performance career — whether through professional company work, touring, dance captaining, sustained freelance performance, or significant professional training. Performance fluency, versatility across dance styles, and the ability to pick up movement quickly are essential, as the NDI Method requires artists to bring that artistry and dynamism into their teaching. Prior in-school or studio-based teaching experience is highly preferred.
Specifically, we encourage Dance Teaching Artists to apply who:
Are strong, versatile performers with well-developed dance content knowledge across multiple styles
Bring dynamism, theatricality, and an engaging presence into the room
Are as passionate about the art of teaching as they are about dancing
Possess confident, positive classroom management skills
Will commit to creating inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments where children of all abilities can belong, participate, and succeed
Thrive in a collaborative team dynamic
Are ready to commit to a full school year with an eye toward growing into a full-time, lead teaching role
Teaching artists who can teach in multiple languages, including Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Arabic, and American Sign Language, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist NDI programs in partner schools by working alongside a Lead Dance Teaching Artist and a Musician/Accompanist:
Planning and teaching weekly classes
Attending planning meetings with partner school educators
Mounting culminating performances
Learn to teach using the NDI Method by participating in required and paid professional development:
Three-day fall retreat
Teaching Artist workshops held every other month during the school year
All-staff equity trainings
Complete a self-assessment and development goals with an NDI mentor
Minimal required administrative work:
Maintain an NDI email account and communicate promptly and professionally
Submit digital timesheets every other week, adhering to deadlines
First-year NDI Teaching Artists are hired on a part-time basis at a rate of $50 per class. Classes typically run 45 to 50 minutes, and we schedule no fewer than three classes in succession at any partner school, meaning a single school day generates $150 or more in predictable, plannable income.
NDI commits to its teaching artists for the full school year. This is reliable, structured work, not short-term or project-to-project cycles that define most freelance teaching artist positions.
Additional compensation includes:
Paid summer training: NDI Level One Intensive Training (July 27–August 7), $2,000 total (1st year of employment)
Paid fall retreat: $150/day for three days ($450 total)
Professional development paid at your teaching rate
Yearly stipend for out-of-school time planning for each school assignment
Additional compensation for evening performances and special projects
Paid sick leave
Eligibility for pay increases upon continuous employment
Ability to make a solid commitment to teaching during the school day, three to four days per week, for the duration of the school year (early October to mid-June)
Reliability and punctuality
Ability to travel within all of NYC's boroughs
Must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer (no visa sponsorship available)
Successful completion of fingerprinting and a background check with the NYC Department of Education (paid for by NDI)