"Faculty - Assistant Professor of Commercial Dance"

Position Announcement

The Department of Dance invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Commercial Dance faculty position, beginning August 2026. The successful candidate will primarily conduct assigned undergraduate courses, which may include instructing multiple levels of Commercial dance forms (jazz, hip hop, and tap) and teaching within the core curriculum. Successful instruction requires planning, preparing, and implementing an approved course of study with measurable goals; mentoring students toward artistic and academic growth; performing administrative duties related to teaching; attending faculty meetings; and fulfilling other related responsibilities. This tenure-track position requires a sustained commitment to excellence in teaching, ongoing scholarly and/or creative activity, and meaningful service to the department, college, and university.

The mission of the Department of Dance is to foster academic and artistic excellence through an intensive technical and reflective study of dance. Connected through a common core curriculum with several areas of emphasis, our program provides a rich and stimulating environment where students cultivate their technical, aesthetic, creative, and scholarly potential. We value experiences with a variety of teaching methods and curricular perspectives that engage students and promote dance as an artistic and cultural expression with the power to enrich and transform the individual, community, and society.

UVU, located in Orem, Utah, is a comprehensive state institution of higher education with over 46,000 students. Orem is on the western front of the Wasatch Mountains and offers access to numerous outdoor activities including snow sports, hiking, mountain biking, and hunting. The Wasatch Front metropolitan area offers rich cultural opportunities in the arts including world-class music and professional dance companies. The UVU campus is served by a wonderful public transit system, including a rail line that runs along the entire Wasatch Front urban corridor. The UVU School of the Arts has strong ties with other universities and with professionals in the arts in Utah. UVU and the School of the Arts strongly supports undergraduate creative endeavors as well as service learning, offering many opportunities to engage, learn hands on, and make an impact on campus and in the community.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Prepares and teaches studio and theory-based dance courses using engaging, diverse methods aligned with measurable objectives. Delivers theory courses that explore dance history and cultural competencies, promoting critical understanding of varied cultural perspectives within the field. Provides instruction through demonstrations, discussions, experiential learning, and multimedia tools. Develops and updates instructional materials such as syllabi, assessments, and course resources. Evaluates student learning through written, oral, practical, and performance-based assessments. Maintains a student-centered approach by holding regular office hours and providing academic advising. Keeps accurate records of student grades, attendance, and progress. Participates in curriculum development and departmental planning to ensure program relevance and effectiveness. Engages students through community projects, field trips, and digital learning platforms. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and administration to support a high-quality, inclusive educational environment.
• Devotes time to creative/scholarly/professional activities. Engage in ongoing creative and scholarly activities to support professional growth in the commercial dance. Stay current in the field by researching and integrating materials from academic and professional sources into teaching. Participate in workshops, residencies, and industry programs to maintain and enhance artistic and pedagogical skills. Contribute original creative work or research that advances the discipline and connects with the professional dance community.
• Participates in service to the Dance Department, School of the Arts, and University through committee work and required meetings. Assists the Program Coordinator and Department Chair with administrative duties and departmental initiatives. Contributes to the development of departmental goals and supports institutional service efforts.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

M.F.A. or doctorate, or the foreign equivalent, in dance from an accredited institution. Evidence of professional experience in the dance field. The applicant must have two or more years of experience training and educating pre-professional or professional level dancers.

Preferred Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have produced creative work and presented professional writing or research in refereed and/or other professional venues.

Documents Needed to Apply

Required: Curriculum Vitae, Cover Letter, Work Sample (web link to choreography, web link to teaching, or published writing).

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge: Deep understanding of commercial dance forms, including jazz, hip hop, and tap, with attention to their historical and cultural foundations. Awareness of current trends and professional practices in the commercial dance industry (e.g., film, TV, stage, music videos), including aspects of AI. Knowledge of choreography, staging, and performance techniques suited for commercial and entertainment venues. Familiarity with academic program administration, including curriculum development, scheduling, and advising. Understanding of digital tools and technologies relevant to dance instruction, production, and program management.

Skills: Proficient in teaching jazz, hip hop, and tap across all levels, adapting to diverse learning styles and student needs. Skilled in choreographing and directing student performances with professional standards and creative leadership. Ability to utilize digital platforms for instruction, choreography, video editing, and virtual performance or audition preparation. Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills for working with students, colleagues, and industry professionals. Competent in supporting recruitment, academic advising, and program implementation initiatives.

Abilities: Ability to inspire and prepare students for careers in the commercial dance industry through technique, performance, and mentorship. Capacity to lead student companies or ensembles with professionalism, creativity, and industry-aligned expectations. Readiness to take on administrative responsibilities such as scheduling, coordination, and curriculum oversight. Comfort integrating technology into all aspects of dance education, from teaching to production and outreach. Commitment to fostering an inclusive learning environment and supporting students from diverse backgrounds and career goals. Ability to teach face-to-face and online courses.