Primary Instructor Foundational Levels

Position

OBT School adopted a new curriculum during the 2024-2025 Annual Session. Class content will be set in collaboration with the School Director. Levels Primary and Level 1 will be based on the CPYB syllabus. Character class will be set combinations from our character curriculum. The instructor will have some freedom to set class content for Creative Movement and Pre-Ballet classes. The School Director will assist in preparations to incorporate OBT Schools’ approach to teaching these levels.

This position will be involved in our annual school performance by setting class content to perform and rehearse the students in level 1. This position will be responsible for leading a demonstration at the end of the year in June for our Pre-Ballet and Primary classes. This position reports to the School Director for all responsibilities and duties.

This position is part time 37 weeks, 12-15 hours per week. This position requires extended hours during performance times and teacher training. Regular days and hours of work are scheduled Tuesday through Friday between 3:30 PM and 6:30 PM, and Saturdays from 8:45 AM to 3:00 PM. Additional teaching hours will be available for 9 weeks in the Summer for additional pay.

Responsibilities

  • Teach weekly classes for Creative Movement, Pre-Ballet, Primary, Level 1, and Character class
  • Send class updates to the parents via email
  • Plan classes according to the new curriculum requirements
  • Meet with the School Director to discuss students and class content
  • Attend CPYB training in August 2025—all expenses will be paid
  • Choreograph 2-4 Minute sections for each level
  • Oversee Pre-Ballet and Primary Demonstrations in June 2025
  • Rehearse Level 1 as needed for ASP
  • Attend trainings as needed
  • Attend meetings as requested
  • Upholds the studio code of conduct
  • Awareness of OBT’s commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for everyone participating in trainings to stay current and informed
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

  • Experience in teaching ballet class at a professional level
  • 3 to 5 years’ experience in a professional ballet school setting
  • Professional ballet training of 8 or more years
  • Experience in choreographing for young children
  • Basic computer and email skills
  • Ability to effectively utilize time in class and run rehearsals within the time allowed
  • Must be able to multitask and move fluidly between the roles of this position
  • Requires a team-oriented person who understands the dynamics of working with a diverse team to achieve organizational goals
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
  • Patience with young children
  • Positive reinforcement teaching style for young children

Candidates must be able to pass a thorough background check. While not required, successful candidates will have specific experience within dance and the arts. A full job description can be obtained here.

Apply

Email your cover letter and resume to jobs@obt.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled.

About Oregon Ballet Theatre

This is an exciting time to work at Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) – the nation’s 20th largest classical ballet company. OBT is the largest professional dance company in Oregon, employing over 300 people and attracting artists from around the globe with our reputation for excellence. The company is rooted in the traditions of classical ballet, with a repertoire that ranges from the great classics to premieres from some of the most exciting choreographic voices in the field today, including our own Artistic Director, Dani Rowe. Our mission is dedicated to the vitality of, and access to, world-class ballet performance and training in our region.

In addition to our 5-show main stage season, we introduce students to ballet and the importance of lifelong movement through our education and community engagement programs, and we train dancers from three years old to 80 years old through the professional and recreational classes at the Oregon Ballet Theatre School. Many of our students go on to successful professional careers at companies including the Joffrey, the Dutch National Ballet, and within our own organization.

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