Job Opportunities at Ballroom Dance Chicago
Join Us! We're adding to our incredible team of driven communicators and lifelong learners who are redefining what a dance studio can be.
At Ballroom Dance Chicago, we believe dance is more than movement. It’s a powerful way to help people connect with the people and possibility around them. As one of Chicago’s top-rated studios for ballroom, Latin, swing, and wedding dance instruction, we create extraordinary experiences that help each student grow towards the quality of person they want to be. All 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 drive for improvement, enjoy a collaborative community, and letting your strengths shine , you’ll thrive in our studio environment.
Why Work With Us?
This might sound a little out there, but we’re not your average dance studio. We host sound baths, so yes, let’s get a little “woo.”
Our studio is built on collaboration, care, and a shared commitment to helping people connect and grow through dance. Every team member brings their own personality and unique gifts, but what we all have in common is a genuine desire to leave people better than we found them. Whether we’re teaching a wedding couple, are leading a group class, or simply saying hello at the door, we aim to create meaningful, uplifting experiences for everyone who walks through it.
We work best with people who are positive, mentally agile, able to harness the energy of a room, and have a willingness to step in wherever needed. We care deeply about our clients and each other, and we’re looking for teammates who feel the same.
Instructors here don’t just deliver lessons. They take full ownership of the client experience, from thoughtful lesson planning to clear follow-ups and next steps. We don’t just teach dance; we use it as a tool to build confidence, connection, and joy.
We also support your ongoing growth and development with:
One-on-one support from advanced instructors, including the studio owner and manager
Participation in dance events and trips that will further your personal and professional growth
Business training to round out your artistic talents
Whether you're teaching on the floor or contributing behind the scenes in admin, marketing, or operations, you’ll be part of a team that values preparation, creativity, and ownership. We’re full-service professionals who proactively guide our clients toward clarity and confidence—so they can relax and fully enjoy the experience.
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Experienced Male Ballroom Instructor
Full Time
We’re specifically looking for an experienced male instructor with prior experience teaching ballroom, Latin, and swing dance styles. You must have a minimum of 2 full years of teaching experience in a partner dance studio setting.
While we teach in non-gendered terms of lead and follow, we have a strong female presence of incredible staff members and we are looking to even out our ranks a bit more. All staff members must know how to both lead and follow in everything they teach.
Due to the specialized nature and learning curve of these dances, you will need more time to be ready to teach to our standards. Please view our training opportunities for a better fit!
What We Teach
Below are the core dances we teach. While you don’t need experience with every single one of the dances listed below, we are looking for someone comfortable teaching beginners (bronze) in at least 8 dances and intermediate (silver) dancers in 2-5 dances.
Ballroom: Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, Viennese Waltz (both American and International)
Swing: East Coast, Lindy Hop, West Coast
Latin: Argentine Tango, Bachata, Cha Cha, Rumba, Salsa,
Club/Other: Country Two Step, Hustle, Night Club Two Step
Wedding Choreography
Though less common, we frequently teach the following styles:
Competitive Dances- Bolero, Mambo
Country Dances- Waltz, Swing, Shuffle Cha Cha, Line dancing
Latin Dances- Merengue, Samba, Zouk
Who We’re Looking For
Practically, we’re looking for someone who:
Has 2+ 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 25+ classes and lessons weekly
Has excellent written and verbal communication and customer service skills
We’re a small, close-knit team that shares clients, supports each other, and jumps in where needed. Because of that, your energy and attitude are just as important to us as your dance experience. A collaborative and positive presence will go a long way with us.
We’re also looking for someone who aligns with our values and work culture:
Is friendly, approachable, and enjoys working collaboratively
Who understands and can keep pace with shifting clients goals
Maintains a meticulously professional appearance and excellent personal hygiene
Has a passion for ongoing learning and professional development
Schedule & Locations
Instructors will split their time between both locations for a total of 40 hours each week.
Shifts:
Tuesday – Friday: 12:00pm–9:30pm.
Saturday: 11:00am–5:00pm.
Locations:
Lakeview Studio – 4039b N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, 60613
West Loop Studio – 845 W Fulton Market, Chicago, 60607
Responsibilities
Administrative duties:
Based on your interests and talent, you will be working on client coordination, marketing, social media, event planning, and more!
Teaching:
Private lessons, group classes, and wedding dance lessons
Connect and communicate with clients to encourage consistent attendance
Design custom wedding dance choreography for couples
Encourage student retention through engaging lesson plans, check-ins, and meaningful client communication.
Assist with student scheduling and lesson planning
Participate in studio events, showcases, ongoing staff training, and trips
Compensation
Pay ranges from at $16.60 - $35 per hour and is commensurate with experience and based on your current teaching skill, dance ability, and familiarity with multiple dance styles.
Compensation is hourly and is split between administrative pay and a higher rate for teaching lessons.
Employees who have shown consistency, professionalism, and client retention are eligible for a salaried position which includes health, dental, and the opportunity to participate in a profit share agreement with the company. This is our preferred path for all employees, so once you are settled in, there is an open dialogue about when this might happen.
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.
Studio Manager + Instructor
Ballroom Dance Chicago is hiring a passionate and skilled Dance Instructor & Studio Manager to lead and grow our West Loop studio. teaching team and drive the growth of our dance programs.
Who Should Apply:
This role requires both technical expertise, administrative capabilities and leadership experience. Candidates without all of the following qualifications (listed below) will not be considered and should apply for as an Instructor instead.
1) We primarily teach American styles, but appreciate those who have knowledge and experience in both American and International.
You have tested through Full Bronze in at least 8 dances with the ability to dance Silver level (or higher), in at least 4 of the following dances:
English Waltz
Viennese Waltz (American and/or International)
Foxtrot
American Tango
Argentine Tango
Bachata
Salsa (on one)
Rumba
Cha Cha
East Coast Swing
Lindy Hop
West Coast Swing
Hustle
2) At least 3 years of ballroom dance teaching experience.
3) At least 1 year of management experience, ideally in a teaching, service, or studio environment.
Key Responsibilities:
As a Studio Manager, you will:
Teach beginner to advanced level students new patterns and fine-tune their technique.
Teach wedding students and train staff on working with first dance clients.
Oversee the dance and teaching development of staff, including evaluating their progress and testing them for dance proficiency.
Track and report on client engagement, retention, and group class participation.
Manage staff schedules, ongoing training, and time-off requests.
Foster a collaborative, supportive, and motivated 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:
An adaptive communication that connects with a wide range of people and personalities, and dance levels.
Foresight and initiative to bring new ideas and potential issues to upper management.
The ability to focus on the clients’ experience, putting their growth and enjoyment at the forefront.
The ability to lead and manage 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). This position will start primarily at our Lakeview studio for training, but will eventually move to 5 days a week at our West Loop studio.
Tuesday – Friday: 12:30pm – 9:30pm (includes a 1-hour lunch)
Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm (includes a 30-minute lunch)
Pay ranges from $47,500 - $60,000 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.