Joy in Motion has a growing and thriving Teaching Assistant (TA) Program under the directorship of Ms. Linda.

This mentorship program enables our students to assist our professional staff in classes, gain unmatched hands-on work experience, learn child development, and contribute to choreography all while enjoying the art of dance. The TA Program provides community and warm connection across age groups that benefits the entire studio population. Our TAs will tell you…it’s pretty fun, too!

  • To be eligible for the TA Program, a dancer must be currently enrolled in Joy in Motion, age 12 or older, and in most cases, have danced with JiM for 2 years+. Dancers who turn 12 during the session may be considered for younger classes if there is space.

  • 2024-2025 school year applications for returning and new TAs will be sent out to enrolled dancers in mid-July after Priority Registration for classes.

Dance Teaching Assistant Program - Fall 2024

Dance Teaching Assistants represent the Joy in Motion dance program and must be exemplary students and volunteers. The T.A. application includes a written agreement to follow good sportsmanship, inclusion, and a commitment to showing up!

All Teaching Assistants must begin the program as a volunteer and complete one T.A. training annually. All assistants will be evaluated and assessed by the instructor and Joy in Motion team periodically to help them hone their teaching/mentorship craft. Schedules are subject to change throughout the program year based on class enrollment.

Schedules are determined by Ms. Linda in conjunction with the teaching staff, and placements are considered an honor and a responsibility.

Dance Teaching Assistant Expectations

  • Be fully ready to assist 5 min before class start time.

  • Show enthusiasm and joy without being disruptive.

  • Learn dancer names and work to connect with ALL students assisting.

  • Notify Dance Instructor, Joy in Motion Directors if they will be late or absent from assigned duties. We expect T.A.s to be absent no more than 3 times per session. Absence refers to “excused or unexcused” absences, and Dance Teaching Assistants could be dismissed if the max absences are exceeded each session.

  • Demonstrate proper technique, etiquette and behavior in the classroom.

  • Dress appropriately for each class (looking ready to dance in that style)..

  • Must be respectful, proactive and helpful in any task the instructor may ask.

  • Give corrections with confidence and offer corrections in a positive way. 

Example Dance Teaching Assistant Duties

(actual duties will vary based on instructor preference, class age, and class level)

  • Take Attendance

  • Assist students individually while instructor teaches entire class

  • Give out materials

  • Demonstrate technique

  • Assist dancers with shoe changes, if needed

  • Bring students to/from restroom

  • Watch for potential safety hazards (untied shoelaces and poor spacing awareness while children are dancing)

  • Assist with keeping students on task and focused

  • Work with a student on the side who is struggling or missed class, at teacher’s direction

  • Offer encouragement to dance students during class

  • Positive and helpful role model

  • Hand out props used or set up items to be used in class

  • Assist with behavior/classroom control 

  • Assist and demonstrate warm-ups

  • Remember and rehearse choreography

  • Demonstrate across-the-floor exercises and/or choreography

  • Assist with their groups at recitals and/or community events

Experienced or Older T.A.’s may:

  • Lead warm-ups

  • Give technique and choreography corrections

  • Lead across-the-floor exercises

  • Team teach or solo teach in case of a last minute teacher absence

TA Applications E-Mailed to Current Students - Mid-July

FALL 2024 BEGINS - Monday, August 19

‘24 TA Training  - Monday, August 19th from 7:45-8:45pm