Ballet Teacher - Early Years (Ages 3-8)
Are you passionate about inspiring young children through movement and looking to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative and creative environment? Canada's National Ballet School (NBS) is excited to invite applications for the contract, part-time position of Comprehensive Dance Programs Early Years Ballet Teacher (Ages 3–8). This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team that delivers exceptional dance education while fostering creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of movement in young learners.
About Us:
Canada's National Ballet School (NBS) is a leading arts and education institution dedicated to excellence in dance training, community programming, and health initiatives. NBS has 300+ employees supporting programs ranging from professional ballet training and community engagement to groundbreaking health initiatives. NBS fosters a collaborative, creative environment rooted in inclusion and continuous growth.
The Role:
Reporting to the Head of Comprehensive Dance Programs, the Comprehensive Dance Program Early Years Dance Teacher (Ages 3–8) delivers engaging, developmentally appropriate dance instruction for young children within NBS' Young Dancers Program. You will create a joyful, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment where children can develop confidence, creativity, musicality, coordination, and a love of movement. Working collaboratively with artistic faculty and program leadership, you will contribute to curriculum delivery, student development, performances, and special events while supporting NBS' commitment to excellence, belonging, and student wellbeing.
Why You'll Love This Role:
- You inspire a lifelong appreciation and love of dance through joyful early childhood experiences
- You become part of a collaborative, supportive, and passionate artistic faculty
- You help young children build confidence, creativity, coordination, and self-expression
- Every day offers opportunities to teach, nurture, and create meaningful learning experiences through movement
What You'll Do:
- Deliver Exceptional Dance Instruction: Teach assigned Early Years ballet classes using the NBS curriculum while creating engaging, imaginative, and age-appropriate learning experiences for children ages 3–8
- Support Student Development: Foster each child's physical, social, and creative development by adapting instruction to meet individual learning needs and encouraging confidence through positive reinforcement
- Prepare Students for Performances: Rehearse and prepare students for performances and presentation opportunities while creating a positive and supportive experience for young dancers and their families
- Collaborate with Families and Faculty: Build positive relationships with parents, caregivers, colleagues, and program leadership to support student success and a welcoming learning environment
- Maintain Student Records: Track attendance, complete written assessments or progress reports as required, and contribute to accurate student documentation
- Collaborate with Faculty: Attend meetings, professional development opportunities, and training sessions while contributing to shared best practices and continuous program improvement
- Maintain Professional Standards: Remain current with early childhood dance education best practices and uphold all NBS policies, procedures, and safeguarding standards
What You Bring:
First and foremost, we value passionate educators who are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and inspiring learning environment. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification listed- Teaching qualifications and/or a degree in Dance, Early Childhood Education, or a related field is considered an asset
- Experience teaching dance to young children (ages 3–8), with a strong understanding of early childhood development
- Demonstrated ability to create engaging, creative, and developmentally appropriate dance classes
- Excellent classroom management skills with the ability to foster a positive and nurturing learning environment
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues
- Collaborative mindset with flexibility, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous learning
- A caring, student-centred approach that nurtures confidence, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation of dance
- Sound judgement, professionalism, and discretion when working with young children and confidential information
- Ability to prioritize responsibilities, meet deadlines, and communicate concerns in a timely manner
Please note that candidates who are shortlisted will be asked to provide a 10–20-minute teaching video demonstrating their teaching style and interactions with students. An unedited excerpt of a class is preferred, as it provides the best representation of their teaching approach and classroom environment.
Contract Details:
- Part-time, hourly position
- One-year contract beginning September 1, 2026 – August 20, 2027
Compensation:
- $50-$70 per hour commensurate with experience and aligned with internal equity.
Total Rewards:
- Commitment to work-life balance
- Professional development opportunities
- Discounted rates for NBS Adult Ballet Classes
- Employee discount at The Shoe Room, our dance retail store
- Subsidized lunch, beverages, and snacks at our onsite café
- Collaborative and inclusive work environment with opportunities to participate in employee engagement initiatives
Our Commitment to Equity & Accessibility:
NBS is committed to addressing systemic inequities in every facet of our organization, including programs, policies, and practices. It is NBS' top priority to build a remarkable and talented workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Toronto. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially welcoming those with diverse intersectional identities who bring unique perspectives and contribute to the diversification of ideas.
If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us.
Successful candidates must supply Canada's National Ballet School with a Vulnerable Sector Check in accordance with the School's Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy; this will be coordinated through the Human Resources Department at NBS.
Please note: This role is for an existing vacancy.