Job Opportunities
Ballroom Dance Chicago
“What we want more than anything else is to work with people who have bright shining eyes and an aura that draws people in. ”
Studio Manager
We are searching for a Studio Manager with at least 4 years experience in the daily operations of a ballroom dance studio. We require someone with proven performance and a drive to achieve and grow. This position is responsible for many things, but we see the most important aspect of the job as that of inspirer - for staff and clients. We want a bunch of bright, shining eyes in our studios and the Studio Manager should see that as priority number one.
The Studio Manager position at Ballroom Dance Chicago (BDC) is a position designed to be the overseer of one studio location. This staff member is responsible for the management and supervision of all studio operations relating to administration, staff, students, and studio maintenance. This person is meant to have a larger view of the studio during operational hours and peak lesson times in order to maintain the standards of the BDC brand and deal with any issues that arise. This position reports to the Director of Studios.
In addition to responsibilities relating to the operation and administration of the studio space, the Studio Manager is also responsible for leading other staff members in both direct and subtle ways, by providing training sessions deemed necessary and exhibiting model behavior of the BDC brand.
The Studio Manager is also expected to teach private lessons throughout the week. Everyone at BDC, including the owner, teaches on a daily basis to stay engaged with dancing, teaching and clients. The Studio Manager will typically spend 25% of their time teaching clients.
Pay includes health benefits and paid time off with starting salary + bonuses equaling $60,0000/year.
Responsibilities include:
Daily Operations
Maintaining the proper, positive energy amongst staff members before and after shifts
Overseeing all studio operations (opening and closing procedures, maintaining studio cleanliness & tidiness, maintaining inventory)
Supervising Email and Phone communication
Managing Payment processing and credit card filing
Managing Group Class Attendance and schedule
Acting as a model instructor and ambassador of the BDC brand
Managing staff morale
Teaching private lessons and group classes
Other Duties include, but aren’t limited to:
Coordination of studio rentals and dance parties
Overseeing & managing studio events
Leading staff members in training sessions, which include dance, teaching and sales.
Quarterly staff reviews
While other staff members ultimately report to the Director of Studios, the Studio Manager is responsible for daily supervision of:
Receptionist(s)
Teaching Assistants & Apprentices/Interns
Full and Part-Time Teachers
If interested in this position, please email a resume and cover letter to manager@ballroomdancechicago.com with the title, “Studio Manager Applicant.”
Experienced Ballroom Instructor
Ballroom Dance Chicago, Chicago’s top-rated ballroom, Latin and wedding dance studio, is hiring full and part-time instructors. We are looking for experienced (2+ years) ballroom, Latin, and swing dance instructors.
Below you’ll find a list of the qualities we’re looking for in an instructor, but before we get to the specifics, it’s important to note that we only hire individuals with bright shining eyes and a desire to grow and learn. While we appreciate the darker side of life (and understand that we cannot have light without darkness), we’re only interested in hiring individuals who lean more toward the light and who want to expand their horizons and do so with an optimistic attitude. Now for the deets.
We are looking for individuals who have:
2+ years of Ballroom, Latin, and swing dance background. Professional certification is preferred but not required.
Strong customer service and/or hospitality skills
Friendly and outgoing personalities
“Yes, and…” mentalities
The ability to adapt to various personalities and situations
The ability to create and maintain a warm, engaging, and inviting atmosphere
Continues willingness to learn
Open evening availability, although we are willing to negotiate the work schedule for the right candidate.
Instructor pay starts at $30 per 45 minute lesson and increases depending on experience.
Responsibilities include:
Planning, teaching, and scheduling lessons
Client tracking
Participating in studio events
Attending ongoing training
If interested in this position, please email a resume and cover letter to manager@ballroomdancechicago.com with the title, "Experienced Dance Instructor Applicant."
You must be able to legally work in the United States as we do not provide visa sponsorship.
Training Opportunities
If you are interested in becoming a teacher in Ballroom, Latin, and Swing styles of dance but lack experience, consider becoming an assistant teacher at Ballroom College. Located right down the street from Ballroom Dance Chicago’s home studio, the College is the best training opportunity for those interested in becoming instructors.
A bit of background! Many partner dance studios offer “free” training for prospective teachers. What usually ends up happening is that prospective teachers are teaching beginner clients/students within a few weeks to off-set the cost of their training. The teaching lessons begin to pile up while dance training falls by the wayside. Many people who started the process passionate about dance end up drained.
At Ballroom Dance Chicago, our passion is bringing the benefits of partner dance to as many people as possible. Whether we are working with clients or prospective teachers, we want to create a space that enlivens your passion to share dance with others.
This is why we started Ballroom College.
As an active teaching studio, Ballroom College balances your training in dance and in teaching dance. There is always a lead teacher available to work with you and help you progress along your own path so that by the end of the program, you are confident and ready to be a teacher at any studio. Or in whatever capacity you would like to use your newly-honed skills!
We obviously have a lot more we can say, but you can read more about the program at Ballroom College here.
Ballroom College also offers need-based scholarships which you can read more about here.