Seeking qualified dance instructors who can enthusiastically impart knowledge, skills, and techniques of Bharatanatyam to students of different age groups and skill levels.
About You: You are someone who is passionate about teaching and engaging with students in discussions about art and culture. You are excited to develop your ideas, share your perspective constantly questioning the status quo. You are focused on cultivating inclusivity, belonging, and are looking to collaboratively build a stronger performing arts community together. If this is you, please send your resume with a cover letter today! Apply Here
Qualifications:
- Extensive training and expertise in Bharatanatyam, preferably with a formal degree or certification in dance.
- Demonstrated proficiency and experience in performing Bharatanatyam at a professional level.
- Strong teaching and communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex dance techniques to students of varying ages and backgrounds.
- Organizational and administrative skills for managing classes, schedules, and events.
- Familiarity with Indian classical music and its connection to Bharatanatyam.
- Experience in choreography and staging performances.
Job Description:
- Teaching: Plan and deliver dance lessons according to the SDA curriculum. Pay individual attention to each student teaching the fundamentals of the dance form, including body postures, footwork, hand gestures, abhinaya, rhythm, and choreography.
- Choreography: Learn some of the repertoire of SDA and also create original choreographies to teach in class, for performances, competitions, and recitals. Select appropriate music, themes, and concepts for choreography and guide students in learning and rehearsing the choreographed pieces.
- Skill Development: Assess students' abilities and skill levels and provide guidance and instruction to help them improve their technique, expression, and overall performance quality. Give constructive feedback to students and assist them in developing their strengths while working on areas that need improvement.
- Dance Theory: Regularly have discussions about the theoretical aspects of Bharatanatyam, including the different elements that make up the dance form, its history, politics, and the repertoire...
- Performance Preparation: Organize and oversee rehearsals to ensure students are well-prepared for public performances, competitions, and examinations. Guide them in stage presence instilling confidence in them. Help with costume selection, makeup, and the overall presentation.
- Music Appreciation: Familiarize students with different kinds of music, ragas, and talas. Help students develop an understanding of the musicality and rhythm of the piece and dance feeling connected to it.
- Student Evaluation: Conduct periodic assessments and examinations to evaluate students' progress and determine their readiness for advancing to the next level. Provide feedback to students and their parents/guardians on their performance and areas for improvement.
- Classroom Management: Maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment in the dance studio. Manage class schedules, attendance records, and student progress reports. Ensure discipline and safety during dance sessions.
- Collaboration and Networking: Collaborate with other dance instructors, musicians, and artists to organize performances, workshops, cultural events, and regular classes. Build relationships with the dance community and participate in relevant professional development activities.
- Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest developments in Bharatanatyam and related dance forms. Attend workshops, seminars, and conferences to enhance personal knowledge and teaching skills. Seeks personal and professional development opportunities.
Payment: For the initial 3 month contract: $20-25 per hour depending on the skill level to teach regular scheduled classes. Commute expenses will be reimbursed for gas or bart receipts.
Location: Primary Location of instruction will be in Dublin CA. There’s a possibility that SDA will open more branches within the Bay Area. So, please do not hesitate to apply if you are interested in the job but commuting to Dublin is an issue.
Selection Process:
- Application Review
- Virtual Interview for shortlisted applicants
- A trial teaching session at the studio in Dublin
- Selected candidates will be offered a 3 month contract with the potential to renew and increase teaching hours.
A little about myself:
I'm Surabhi Bharadwaj, Artistic Director of Siddhi Creative, a Bharatanatyam dancer, choreographer, and a teacher. I've completed an MFA in Bharatanatyam from Sastra University, and an MFA in Dance: Design & Production from Saint Mary’s College that has helped me broaden my skills as a lighting designer. I also practice the Karanas movement technique which has offered me a distinct vocabulary for artistic expression. I have a contemporary approach in exploring my work.
The dance form Bharatanatyam that I practice today is a result of appropriation and oppression of a minority group. Understanding this history and the role of power hegemony & politics in it has made me question my practice, how I make art, & what my association with this appropriated art form implies. Acknowledging my privilege, I choose to be respectful and sensitive about what I say through my work. I’m influenced by the women’s rights and the social justice movement and often my work explores these subjects. My pursuit as a dancer and teacher is to reimagine Bharatanatyam as a more inclusive and accessible art form.
About Siddhi Creative and Siddhi Dance Academy:
Siddhi Creative is a space for collaboration and creative exploration. Committed to making Art accessible, Siddhi Creative seeks to provide a platform of Education, Community Building, and Expression that brings together artists, dancers, and the general public in dialogue through workshops, scholarship, events, and residencies. Reconnecting with our histories and culture, fostering artistic growth and community wellbeing has been our mission.
Founded in 2016 as Siddhi Dance Academy, Siddhi Creative is stepping into a leadership role focusing on decolonizing dance, artistic development, and community engagement. Providing a safe space to explore, reimagine, question and challenge notions has been Siddhi Creative's guiding principle to build this community and this has shifted our focus and approach more towards the creative process which is collaborative.
Email us at hello@siddhicreative.org if you have any questions.