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Join a great team!

We are looking for long-term employees who are passionate, creative people interested in the betterment of young people’s lives through the performing arts.

It is our goal at Great Lakes Dance Academy to motivate and challenge every student, whether their goals are fun and physical fitness or a career in the performing arts. We strive to instill a passion for the performing arts while providing students with proper technical dance training. We encourage teamwork and promote skills that will help them succeed in other aspects of their lives.

We’re Hiring!

Dance Instructor – Recreational & Pre-Competitive Programs

Great Lakes Dance Academy | Sarnia, Ontario

Great Lakes Dance Academy is seeking an enthusiastic, passionate Dance Instructor who loves working with beginner and recreational dancers and is excited to help build confidence, skills, and a lifelong love of dance.

This role is ideal for a teacher who thrives in a positive, structured environment and is eager to play a key role in developing dancers at the start of their journey—while also growing into higher-level training and choreography.

About the Role

The successful candidate will be one of the lead teachers in our new Dance Crew program—a pre-competitive stream designed for dancers who are ready for more commitment while still building strong technical foundations.

In addition, this instructor will teach within our recreational program, with a possible opportunity to work with and choreograph for our full competitive team, which may be available for the right candidate.

Key Responsibilities

  • Teach weekly dance classes for beginner and recreational dancers, as well as pre-competitive students

  • Create a positive, engaging, and structured classroom environment

  • Prepare dancers for:

    • Christmas performances

    • Competitive season (Dance Crew and beyond)

    • Year-end June Recital

  • Choreograph age-appropriate, developmentally aligned routines

  • Support dancer growth in both technique and confidence

  • Communicate professionally with families and team members

  • Contribute to a strong, team-oriented studio culture

Growth & Mentorship

  • Work alongside and be mentored by faculty with professional credits including:

    • Performances on Broadway and touring productions

    • Work with companies such as the Toronto Marlies Dance Team, Honeykatz, and N.V.US

    • Credits in film, television, music videos, and large-scale live productions

    • Teaching experience at institutions such as Sheridan College, Randolph Academy, and the University of Toronto

  • Clear pathway to grow into competitive teaching and choreography opportunities, based on experience and fit

Additional Paid Responsibilities

This position includes opportunities for additional paid administrative and creative work, such as:

  • Costume selection and organization

  • Mid-season dancer assessments

  • Music editing

  • Choreography development

  • Other behind-the-scenes preparation tasks

What We’re Looking For

  • A genuine love for working with beginner and recreational dancers

  • Strong classroom management and leadership skills

  • Ability to balance fun, energy, and discipline in class

  • A team player who is eager to learn and grow

  • Experience and training in styles such as Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Acro, and Contemporary are considered strong assets

Why Join Great Lakes Dance Academy?

  • Work alongside experienced, highly trained, and supportive faculty

  • Be part of a studio that values quality training, organization, and community

  • Opportunity for mentorship and professional growth

  • A positive, welcoming environment for both staff and students

Compensation

  • Hourly wage based on experience and skill set

  • Additional compensation for administrative and creative work

How to Apply

Please send your application to tia@greatlakesdanceacademy.com and include the following:

  • A brief introduction about yourself and why you would like to work at Great Lakes Dance Academy (included in the body of your email)

  • Your resume (attached)

  • Links to relevant choreography, including:

    • Beginner or pre-competitive choreography

    • or video footage of your teaching style with beginner/recreational dancers

  • Optional: A reel showcasing full competitive or advanced choreography, if available

If you’re passionate about shaping dancers at the start of their journey and want to grow within a supportive, high-quality training environment—we’d love to hear from you.