Assistant Professor of Dance (Contemporary) at InsideHigherEd

FAC00117PO25

Assistant Professor of Dance (Contemporary)

Columbia

College of Arts and Sciences

CAS Theatre and Dance

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.

Full Time

40

Full-time Equivalent (FTE)

9 months

Richland

Tenure-Track/Tenured

Faculty

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

The faculty of the Betsy Blackmon Dance Program within the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a 9-month, full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor to begin August 16, 2026.

The successful candidate will teach a 3/3 course load each academic year, which includes teaching all levels of contemporary dance and improvisation and composition. Additional instructional responsibilities could include choreographing for departmental concerts and directing student choreography showcases, which are both course assignments. We would also welcome secondary expertise in teaching dance history, choreography, other forms of dance, dance pedagogy, and dance studies/theory. Candidates should display a collaborative spirit with a strong commitment to creating and maintaining healthy and supportive educational spaces.

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Recognized by Dance Magazine as one of the top programs in the country and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the Betsy Blackmon Dance Program at the University of South Carolina combines rigorous studio and theoretical dance practice with the extensive depth and breadth of a superior liberal arts education. The Betsy Blackmon Dance Program supports approximately 70 undergraduate dance majors between two concentrations (Performance & Choreography and Dance Education with K-12 Certification), along with a new, hybrid M.A. in Dance Studies. It is the mission of the Betsy Blackmon Dance Program to cultivate artists, professionals, and emerging leaders to succeed within and beyond the field of dance. For more information, please visit the Betsy Blackmon Dance Program website at http://dance.sc.edu.

• The position requires an M.F.A. or Ph.D./Ed.D in dance, or related area, with substantial experience in contemporary dance as a performer, choreographer, and pedagogue by the time of the appointment.

• Professional experience with a reputable dance company, previous experience teaching at the college/university level, experience choreographing at the collegiate or professional level, and a strong record of creative and/or scholarly activity.

08/16/2026

08/11/2025

Yes

All applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Applications must include: (1) a cover letter that describes their research and teaching interests, (2) a curriculum vitae, (3) a philosophy of teaching (two pages maximum), and (4) the names and email addresses of 3 professional references. Letters will be solicited after initial review.
Review of applications will begin October 15, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to chair of the search committee, Associate Professor, André Megerdichian at [email protected].

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This position is open until filled. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/192167

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.