Posted: 09/12/2024
Application Due: Open Until Filled
Category: Dance
Work Schedule
Work assignments will focus on dance technique and theory courses in the BA/BFA curricula.
Teaching load is 4-4 (or equivalent); Slippery Rock University is a teaching institution.
Position Summary
Slippery Rock University Department of Dance has a strong national presence and sustained record of excellence, and we have long been one of the two most successful institutions in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), particularly in the Fine & Performing Arts. We seek applications for a full-time, tenure-track position beginning Fall 2025. Specialization in multiple genres is highly encouraged.
Teaching responsibilities include all levels of technique (beginning, intermediate, advanced). The successful candidate is able to contextualize technical training and creative practice in a program that values aesthetic diversity and wellness principles throughout its curriculum. The successful candidate will also contribute to the department BA and BFA curricula by teaching one or more of the following: introductory lecture courses, repertory, dance wellness, dance history and theory, dance technology, dance composition, Laban movement analysis/performance techniques, dance kinesiology and dance education courses such as creative dance for children, dance pedagogy, and K-12 dance certification.
The successful candidate will have a significant body of work in dance research, performance, and/or choreography. Tenure-track faculty contribute to the discipline and the university through on-going professional development/scholarly and/or creative research, as well as service. Duties also include academic advisement, participation in recruitment and retention activities, and other co-curricular activities that serve programmatic goals and the mission of the university. Excellent pay and benefits.
The Department of Dance at SRU promotes dance as an art form through the creative, technical, expressive and intellectual development of each student in a personalized environment. Superior education in performance, choreography, and teaching, with additional components of wellness for dance, dance technology, and intercultural experiences, prepares students for their chosen professional and entrepreneurial role in society. The department offers BFA and BA degrees in dance, as well as two dance minors. Students can also select a 4 + 1 program with an undergraduate Dance degree and a Master of Science degree through the College of Education with a Concentration in Adapted Physical Activity.
Minimum Qualifications
A terminal degree in dance (MFA or PhD);
The ability to teach beginning to advanced dancers in both the BA and BFA curricula
Demonstrated expertise in two forms of dance across genres;
Ability to teach one or more of the following: Dance Pedagogy (for studio and/or PK-12 settings), Dance Appreciation, Laban Movement Analysis/Performance Techniques courses, and other courses in the BA/BFA curricula;
The ability to choreograph on a range of student dancers, contributing to the students’ growth and development;
Evidence of excellence in teaching (both within and beyond the classroom), scholarship, and service;
Potential or promise for national and/or international research presence within dance studies, dance performance, etc.;
Commitment to the education of diverse populations;
Successful performance in an on-campus interview, including teaching demonstrations for advanced-level BFA students
Preferred Qualifications
A minimum of three years of teaching experience;
A national and/or international presence within dance studies research, dance performance, etc.;
Expertise in Street Dance Styles, Jazz Dance, African, Tap, other forms from specific cultures;
Certification in Laban Movement Analysis, performance techniques, or somatic areas.
Expertise to teach courses in the BA/BFA curricula, such as Dance Pedagogy, Dance Appreciation, Laban Movement Analysis/Performance Techniques;
Experience teaching in a PK-12 setting;
Experience in curriculum design for PK-12 dance teacher certification;
Experience supervising student teachers in a PK-12 setting
Respect for Individuals in the Community
Slippery Rock University provides an environment that respects, encourages, and promotes the talents and contributions of all. Slippery Rock University values a community with a shared sense of purpose, where people demonstrate mutual respect and appreciation. Slippery Rock University values diversity that honors and includes all persons regardless of age, creed, disability, ethnic heritage, gender, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status in academic and extracurricular endeavor, in the working environment, and in the daily life of the university community.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, age/or veteran status in its programs or activities in accordance with Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable statutes and University policies.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Chief Human Resource Officer
Human Resources
205 Old Main Building
104 Maltby Avenue
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
724.738.2070
Special Instructions to Applicants
On the vitae, please include links to video samples of your creative research in performance and/or choreography. Inclusion of at least one complete work is required.
Semi-finalists will be asked to submit a link to video samples of teaching a complete dance technique class (at least 60 minutes) in one of the following genres: Jazz, African, Tap, forms of specific cultures, Contemporary.
The CV must include the full contact information (names, email addresses, phone number, and institutional affiliation/address) for at least three professional references. Official reference letters are welcome, but not required.
Official or unofficial copies of graduate and undergraduate transcripts are required for this application; applicants may either upload copies using the “Transcript” selection under Optional Applicant Documents, or mail them to:
Melissa Teodoro, Dance Department Search Chair
308 Stoner Instructional Complex
Slippery Rock University
Slippery Rock, PA 16057
Official transcripts are required prior to appointment. Recommended candidates will be required to complete criminal background check, including Act 34 Background Check and Act 151 (Child Abuse) Background Check and Federal Criminal (FBI) clearance prior to appointment. Full consideration given to applications received on or before Tuesday, October 15, 2024.