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Dance Instructor at Door County YMCA

Door County YMCA Sturgeon Bay, WI $13 - $15/hour

Job Description

Door County YMCA

The Door County YMCA is seeking an energetic and creative Dance Instructor to lead fun, engaging dance classes for youth. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with kids, building confidence through movement, and creating a welcoming, positive environment.

Responsibilities:

Teach age-appropriate dance classes using planned curriculum
Create a safe, inclusive, and encouraging learning environment
Adapt instruction to meet different skill levels
Build positive relationships with participants and families
Uphold YMCA values; Identify and respond appropriately to safety concerns
Instruct and demonstrate dance techniques using planned curriculum while encouraging creativity and exploration
Adapt teaching strategies to meet the individual needs and abilities of participants
Ensure classes start and end on time and follow program expectations
Collaborate on planning and preparing a dance recital or performance to showcase skills learned throughout the session, supporting participants in building confidence, teamwork, and pride in their progress.

Qualifications:

Must be 18 years or older
At least 1 year of dance instruction or related experience
Strong communication and classroom management skills
Positive attitude and ability to engage youth

Requirements:

CPR/AED & First Aid (within 90 days of hire)
Child Abuse Prevention training and new employee orientation

Physical Requirements:

Ability to demonstrate dance movements and lift up to 50 lbs

Pay: $13.40 - $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 1.0 - 15.0 per week

Benefits:
Employee discount
Flexible schedule
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

$27k - $31k is below typical pay for Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary nationally

National salary averages
$27k - $31k
↓ 64% vs typical mid-level
Entry
Mid
Senior
This job
$47k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $195k

Top performers earn significantly more—skill and negotiation matter.

Senior roles pay 100% more than entry—experience is well rewarded.

You may have room to negotiate or find better offers elsewhere.

Slight candidate advantage

Pay is responsive to skills and negotiation. Position yourself as a specialist.

Hiring leverage
Balanced
Wage leverage
Strong
Mobility
Moderate
Durability
Mostly durable

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Specialists with niche skills, Credentialed candidates
Weaker for: Generalists, Self-taught practitioners

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wide pay variance: Compensation depends heavily on employer and specialization.

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Expertise pays off

Limited new roles, but specialists earn significantly more.

+2%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
Advanced degrees are common in this field.
Typical: Master's degree

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024