Job Opportunities

Ballroom Dance Chicago

Join a collaborative, client-centered team that inspires confidence, creativity, and connection through dance.

At Ballroom Dance Chicago, we believe dance is more than movement—it’s a powerful way to help people feel lighter, brighter, more connected, and more capable than when they arrived. As one of Chicago’s top-rated studios for ballroom, Latin, swing, and wedding dance instruction, our mission is to create extraordinary experiences that help each student grow—not just in their dancing, but in how they see themselves. And that work starts with an exceptional team.

We’re always looking for thoughtful, dynamic, and collaborative professionals to join us—whether you're an experienced dance instructor, a skilled administrator, or a driven customer service professional who wants to help others grow. If you have a passion for sales, high-quality service, and guiding clients toward their goals, you’ll thrive in our studio environment.

Why Work With Us?

Our studio culture is deeply collaborative and client-focused. Instructors work together, share clients, and take full ownership of the client experience—from personalized lesson planning to thoughtful follow-ups and next steps. We don’t just teach dance steps—we use dance as a tool to help people build confidence, joy, and authentic connection.

We also support your ongoing growth and development with:

  • Access to training videos and our proprietary syllabus

  • Opportunities to test through dance levels at your own pace

  • Studio access for personal training during off-hours

  • Optional participation in group classes appropriate to your level

  • One-on-one support from advanced instructors, including the studio owner and manager

Whether you’re teaching on the floor or supporting our work behind the scenes in admin, marketing, or operations, you’ll be part of a team that values curiosity, preparation, creativity, and ownership. We are full-service professionals who proactively guide our clients toward clarity and success—taking every possible task off their plate so they can focus on enjoying their experience.

Studio Manager + Instructor

Full Time

Ballroom Dance Chicago is hiring a passionate and skilled Dance Instructor & Studio Manager to lead our teaching team and drive the growth of our dance programs. This role combines advanced teaching skills with studio leadership, staff mentorship, and client experience management.

Who Should Apply:

This role requires both technical excellence and leadership experience. Candidates without both of the following qualifications will not be considered and should apply for our separate Experienced Instructor role instead.

1) Tested through Full Bronze in at least 8 of the following dances:

  • Waltz (Classic)

  • Foxtrot (Classic)

  • Viennese Waltz (American or International)

  • Argentine Tango

  • Bachata

  • Salsa (Club)

  • Rumba

  • East Coast Swing + Lindy

  • Hustle

  • West Coast Swing

2) Ability to dance Silver level or higher in at least 4 of the above dances (formal testing at this level is not required).

3) At least 1 year of management experience, ideally in a teaching, service, or studio environment.

Key Responsibilities:

As a Studio Manager, you will:

  • Lead the growth and health of the group class program, ensuring an excellent experience for all levels.

  • Oversee the development of staff and apprentices, including evaluating their progress and testing them for dance proficiency.

  • Teach advanced students new patterns and fine-tune their technique.

  • Track and report on client engagement, retention, and group class participation.

  • Manage staff schedules, ongoing training, and time-off requests.

  • Foster a collaborative, motivated, and client-centered studio culture.

  • Ensure each client’s full experience—from first contact to follow-up—is handled thoughtfully and efficiently.

What You’ll Need to Succeed:

  • A welcoming and adaptable teaching style that connects with a wide range of people and personalities.

  • Focus on the client experience, putting student growth and enjoyment first.

  • The ability to teach advanced dancers and lead large-format group classes.

  • Excellent memory and follow-through with a high volume of clients.

  • Comfort using a CRM to manage schedules, track client progress, and streamline communication.

Nice to Have:

  • Experience with the Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Calendar).

  • High-end customer service experience in dance, hospitality, or wellness industries.

  • Familiarity with NDCA, ISTD, or other dance certifying bodies.

  • Certifications:

  • DVIDA American Style Certification (or equivalent) preferred.

  • Proficiency in International Style is a plus but not required. Our primary focus is on American Style ballroom, rhythm, and social dances.

Schedule & Compensation:

This is a full-time salaried role (40 hours/week).

  • Tuesday – Friday: 12:30pm – 9:30pm (includes a 1-hour lunch)

  • Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm (includes a 30-minute lunch)

Pay ranges from $46,000 - $55,000 plus health insurance and bonus opportunities. Compensation is competitive and designed to reflect your contributions and expertise.

You must be able to legally work in the United States as we do not provide visa sponsorship.

Experienced Ballroom Instructor

Part Time

We’re specifically looking for instructors with prior experience teaching ballroom, Latin, and swing dance styles. Applicants must have at least 1 year of teaching experience in a studio setting focused on partner dances. If your dance background does not include these styles, please note that we are not considering applicants without prior ballroom-based instructorship, due to the specialized nature and learning curve of these dances.

What We Teach

At Ballroom Dance Chicago, we specialize in:

  • American Smooth & American Rhythm

  • Swing styles, including East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing

  • Social Latin dances like Salsa and Bachata

  • Club dances including Hustle, Nightclub Two Step, and Country Two Step

  • Wedding dance choreography and first dance lessons

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who:

  • Has 1+ year of teaching experience in ballroom, swing, and Latin styles

  • Is comfortable dancing or teaching at a full bronze level in 8+ styles (strongly preferred, but not required)

  • Is already exploring silver-level in 1-4 dance styles

  • Can comfortably teach 18- 25 classes and lessons weekly

  • Has excellent written and verbal communication and customer service skills

  • Maintains a meticulously professional appearance and excellent personal hygiene

  • Is friendly, approachable, and enjoys working collaboratively

  • Has a passion for ongoing learning and professional development

Weekly Shift Schedule & Locations

Instructors will split their time between both locations each week. You should be able to work the following hours:

  • Shifts:

    • Tuesday – Friday: 4:30pm–9:30pm

    • Saturday: 11:00am–4:00pm or 12pm - 5pm.

  • Locations:

    • Lakeview Studio – 4039b N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago

    • West Loop Studio – 845 W Fulton Market, Chicago

Responsibilities

  • Teach private lessons, group classes, and wedding dance sessions

  • Connect and communicate with clients to encourage consistent attendance

  • Design custom wedding dance choreography for couples

  • Encourage student retention through engaging lesson plans, client communication encouraging client attendance to events that interest them

  • Assist with student scheduling and lesson planning

  • Participate in studio events, showcases, and ongoing staff training

Compensation

Pay ranges from at $16.60 - $30 per hour and is commensurate with experience and based on your current teaching skill, dance ability, and familiarity with multiple dance styles. Compensation is split between administrative pay and a higher rate for teaching lessons. Pay is competitive and designed to reflect your contributions and expertise.

You must be able to legally work in the United States as we do not provide visa sponsorship.

Training Opportunities

If you are interested in becoming a teacher in Ballroom, Latin, and Swing styles of dance but lack experience, consider becoming an assistant teacher through our Apprentice Program. Located right down the street from Ballroom Dance Chicago’s home studio, the College is the best training opportunity for those interested in becoming instructors.

A bit of background! Many partner dance studios offer “free” training for prospective teachers. What usually ends up happening is that prospective teachers are teaching beginner clients/students within a few weeks to off-set the cost of their training. The teaching lessons begin to pile up while dance training falls by the wayside. Many people who started the process passionate about dance end up drained.

At Ballroom Dance Chicago, our passion is bringing the benefits of partner dance to as many people as possible. Whether we are working with clients or prospective teachers, we want to create a space that enlivens your passion to share dance with others.