Job Opportunities at 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?
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 thrive 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, 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, and grounded in professionalism—but who also bring bright energy, a growth mindset, and a willingness to pitch 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:
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 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 Ballroom Instructor
Full Time
We’re specifically looking for instructors with prior experience teaching ballroom, Latin, and swing dance styles. Applicants must have a minimum of 1 full year of teaching experience in a partner dance studio setting.
If your dance background does not include these styles, please know that we are not considering applicants without prior ballroom-based instructorship. 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 have to have 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 1-4 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 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 20 - 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. 1 hour dinner break.
Saturday: 10:00am–4:00pm or 11pm - 5:00pm. 30 min lunch break.
The 4th Sat of each month, your hours are shifted to 4pm - 10pm to attend the Studio Social.
Locations:
Lakeview Studio – 4039b N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago (4 days per week).
West Loop Studio – 845 W Fulton Market, Chicago (1 day per week).
Responsibilities
Daytime: Administrative duties.
We have focused work available in marketing, social media, and event coordination.
Evening: Teach 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, 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 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
We are not hiring for this position at this time, but if you’re still interested, send us your resume and if you have solid dance experience, we will still touch base with you to keep an open line of communication.
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.