Current Opportunities
Mission
New Hampshire Dance Institute (NHDI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts education outreach organization based in Keene, serving southwestern New Hampshire. Founded in 1986, the mission of NHDI is to enrich the educational, intellectual, physical, and social well-being of school children — inclusive of all abilities and backgrounds — by instilling confidence and discipline through the joy of dance and music. Approximately 4,000 children participate in NHDI programs annually. NHDI is an Associate of National Dance Institute (NDI) in New York.
NHDI In-School Programs
NHDI reaches thousands of students annually through in-school Year-Long and Residency Programs. This inclusive program is delivered by a teaching artist and a musician — who teach collaboratively to ensure deep and authentic learning in the art form and success for every child.
NHDI classes take place during the school day and are integrated into the curriculum, ensuring that the arts are an essential component of learning in our partner school communities. NHDI primarily serves elementary and middle (K-8) schools. In the 2021-22 school y ear, NHDI expects to work with over 4,000 students in partnership with close to 30 schools across the Monadnock region. The Year-Long program meets once per week for the duration of the school year where students elect to participate and the Residency Program can be one or two-weeks in length with every child in the school participating. Students learn fundamentals of dance and music, as well as a range of critical life and social-emotional skills. A well-defined and established program structure ensures that teaching artists develop close working relationships with classroom teachers, and that students connect their NHDI learning to the wider school curriculum. NHDI’s programs culminate in celebratory performances of artistic quality (for the Year-Long Program this is the Event of the Year and for the Residency Program these are in-school community performances) in which students take the stage to share their achievements with their peers, their families, and the larger community.
NHDI Method
NHDI teaching artists and musicians utilize the NDI Method, which embodies the philosophy of joyful and rigorous learning, the importance of teamwork and respect for others, and the power of performance. These effective teaching techniques, developed and tested over 45 years, equip professional artists to engage and motivate students of all abilities in school settings. NHDI teaching artists and musicians take students on an artistic journey in which process and product are equally significant. As students grow their skills as dancers and performers, they also develop creativity, gain confidence, learn to express their ideas through movement, and collaborate with peers. The joy and feeling of accomplishment that children experience in NHDI carries over into all aspects of their lives and learning.
Camp Counselors and CIT’s
NHDI seek Camp Counselors and CIT’s to work in our summer camps.
Counselors and CIT’s must be reliable, hard-working, and love working with children. You will be responsible enforcing camp rules and regulations and ensures safety of the children. You must be willing to work as part of a team. This is a great opportunity for young adults to serve as role models to the children in our program and obtain leadership experience.
Counselors must be entering 11th grade.
Dance Teaching Artists
NHDI seeks Dance Teaching Artists for both the Year-Long and Residency Program.
The positions are part-time and report to the Artistic Director or Residency Director.
The successful applicants:
Are practicing artists, who have professional performing experience and/or training
Come from a variety of artistic traditions and have the desire to share their unique artistry with children
Are as passionate about the art of teaching as they are about their art form
Exude joy and love of dance
Are dynamic, expressive, and energized movers
Have experience creating choreography
Have strong musicality
Have a confident presence and positive and inclusive classroom management skills
Understand the developmental needs of children and are capable of tailoring instruction to support different learners
Are committed to inclusive teaching practices, and to creating classrooms in which every student is seen, valued, and feels that they belong
Have experience with (or a willingness to learn) lesson planning and designing units of instruction
Are reflective practitioners who seek opportunities for continuous learning
Are collaborative; thrive in a team dynamic in which power and responsibility are shared
Are flexible, and able to adapt to the needs and strengths of different school communities
Believe that all children are dancers and capable of achieving success in and through dance
Believe that being in the presence of children is a privilege
Requirements to Apply:
Passionate alignment with NHDI’s mission and values
Ability to make a solid commitment to teaching during the school day, for the duration of the school year (early October to early or mid- June) either once a week or in one or two-week blocks
Must be reliable and punctual
Ability to travel within the Cheshire, Sullivan or Hillsborough Counties of NH or within areas of New Hampshire where NHDI may consider programming opportunities.
Collaborative Musicians
NHDI seeks Musicians to provide music for Year-Long Program dance classes at assigned schools.
Essential to the position is the ability to play the piano/keyboard and percussion to accompany introductory-level dance classes for school children, based on the National Dance Institute (NDI) pedagogy with the ability to adjust music style and tempos based on the needs of the Teaching Artist. A strong musical background required, including the ability to read music. A passion for dance, exercise, and the health and well-being of the community's youth is helpful.
This position is part-time and reports to the Artistic Director. Approximately one hour per week per school assigned from September through May, plus additional preparation time to learn given music.
The successful applicant will:
Accompany a school-period length dance class at each assigned school one day per week when school is in session, beginning in September and continuing until the last in-school rehearsal during May. This requires timely arrival at the school, preparation of music, and close cooperation with the Teaching Artist. During classes, the musician should be attentive and engaged, as well as prepared to provide insight on music and rhythm when appropriate.
Obtain, learn and play the music as needed and directed by the Artistic Director and Teaching Artists in preparation for the Event of the Year. In addition to assigned music, the musician should have a repertoire of contemporary music from which to draw upon for use during warm-ups, leaps, and general class time.
Assist and work with the Artistic Director, Music Director, Executive Director, Administrative Assistant, Teaching Artists, and School Coordinator(s) as required.
Core NHDI Employee Requirements
Believes in the mission of the organization
Strives for excellence with a “Can Do” attitude
Works collaboratively with people of all backgrounds and ages
Demonstrates organization along with a detail-oriented and results-driven attitude
Responds to inquiries from coworkers and customers in a timely fashion
Prioritizes workload and multi-tasks to meet priorities
Supports teamwork and collaboration by demonstrating strong interpersonal skills
Communicates effectively through clear speaking and writing as well as effective listening
Behaves respectfully, ethically and with personal integrity
Operates in a fiscally responsible manner
Demonstrates adaptability through a willingness to be flexible and versatile in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency
Presents a professional appearance and telephone manner
Position & Training Opportunity
Potential for teaching artist and musician job opportunities in the 2021-22 In-School Program is based on the availability of In-School Program work to commence in late September/early October throughout the Cheshire, Sullivan and Hillsborough Counties of NH.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual preference, sexual orientation, age, national origin or ancestry, or physical or mental handicap or disability.
TO APPLY, EMAIL YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO: NHDI@NHDI.ORG.