Position Announcement
YOUTH DANCE ARTIST MENTOR
Full-time Position – 4-Year Assignment*
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota
Basic function: Under general supervision of the Arts Integration Specialist, the Youth Dance Artist
Mentor is a professional, practicing teaching artist and is responsible for the development, direction and
management of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota’s Youth Dance Ensemble program. The Artist
Mentor will collaborate with the Arts Initiative team to design and implement a rich dance program
focused on youth-designed choreography and relevant pop culture styles and themes. This artist has the
distinct opportunity through this program to be a significant thought leader to move the field of arts
programming for tweens forward nationwide.
*Boys & Girls Clubs of America, with the support of the Wallace Foundation, has launched an Arts
Initiative in three pilot Boys & Girls Club organizations including Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota.
The goals of this pilot project are to develop an approach to implementing arts programming in Boys &
Girls Clubs, using the research-based Success Principles, detailed in the Wallace Foundation’s research
report Something to Say, Success Principles for Afterschool Arts Program1, test that approach in Clubs; and
ultimately determine how to define quality arts programming that provides young people with
opportunities to see the arts as a vital human experience and a viable, life-long pursuit. This role will be
critical to the projects successful implementation.
Responsibilities:
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Establish and maintain, in collaboration with youth, an environment of physical and emotional
safety based on respect at all levels.
Implement dance programming through the 10 Success Principles maintaining the integrity of
each Principle as detailed in the Something to Say research report.
Provide hands-on, experiential learning through dance based upon results of Club implemented
youth surveys and focus groups.
Lead five 6-week arts programming blocks throughout the year: Two in the fall semester, two in
the spring semester and one over the summer. Each program session should consist of skill
development classes at least twice a week for two hours and at least one 3-hour open studio
time2.
In collaboration with youth artists and supported by other Club staff, organize and implement at
least three high profile public culminating events for programs.
Adhere to all requested program evaluation and documentation protocol detailed by Boys & Girls
Clubs of Central Minnesota, BGCA and Research for Action Evaluation Consultants (RFA).
Provide youth participants skills and guidance for creating their own thematic choreography
centered on relevant issues and dance styles.
Design skill development and open studio classes for ALL skill levels (non-dancers, beginner,
intermediate and advance dancers).
Include training in a diversity of dance styles representing various cultures, such as step dance, hip
hop, modern, lyrical, break dance, jazz, ballet and other relevant dance styles, especially those of
interest to youth participants.
Lead warm-ups, skill development/open studio time, time for peer to peer learning and
choreographing and a cool down.
Expose youth to diverse styles of accompaniment (music) for dance.
Educate young dancers on proper dance attire, the studio space and equipment and safe,
responsible physical training to maintain healthy dance practice.
Participate in all required and recommended Club trainings and staff meetings.
Serve as an adult mentor to all Club youth.
Please see Attachment A for a list of the 10 Success Principles.
Twice a week skill development classes and open studio time should be specifically tween focused programming.
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Serve as a champion for high quality arts making and lead professional development
workshops/trainings in the arts and the 10 Success Principles for other Club staff across the
organization.
Actively collaborate, provide support and resources to Arts Integration Specialist, Arts Initiative
Director, board members and other organizational leadership.
Actively participate in all required site visits, conference calls, group trainings, meetings and
professional development opportunities detailed by Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota,
BGCA, RFA and members of the Wallace Foundation. Some travel will be required.
The artist will be alotted time and space to continue their own development as an artist and
will be supported by fellow Club staff in their artform.
Qualifications:
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Holds a relevant bachelor of fine arts or master of fine arts degrees in the arts, specifically dance,
and/or equivalent professional experience; admission to juried shows; publication or equivalent
Minimum of three to five years professional/public experience in dance
Has studied step and/or hip hop at an advanced or professional level for more than one year
Is aware dance styles specifically related to pop culture as well as that of classical dance
Demonstrated successful experience with current, professional equipment and technology related
to dance
A solid understanding of specifics of dance forms as detailed in youth surveys/focus groups.
Has experience with professional, high profile artistic events and/or performances
Experience working with youth
Experience teaching/mentoring dance
Work Hours:
Full-time salary position; Term employment (4 year assignment 2014-2017)
Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, noon - 9 p.m.
Application Process:
Internal candidates: Submit a letter of interest to Aimee Minnerath, Arts Initiative Manager.
Include an overview of your background and skills in either resume or application format. Send
via email to aminnerath@bgcmn.org or deliver to the administration office.
External candidates: Please complete an on-line employment application at
www.bgcmn.org and submit a cover letter and resume. Application materials may also be
emailed to Aminnerath@bgcmn.org.
Posted: 12-20-2013