Director of Dance

Brighton College is seeking to appoint a Director of Dance, to start in November 2023.

THE DEPARTMENT

There are 9 contracted dance teachers currently line managed by the Director of Dance from a number of different dance backgrounds, teaching lessons in Modern, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary dance. More than 90 different dance lessons are offered throughout the week across these disciplines, with additional coaching offered as part of exam preparation for ISTD and RAD examinations, alongside Games lessons for the Sixth Form, performance group rehearsals and private lessons. Dance classes are open to pupils from the Pre-Prep, Prep and College. The Director of Dance also line manages a Dance Administrator and is supported in all productions by both the school’s Performing Arts Designer (costumes, set and props) and by the school's Audiovisual Department. The Dance School consists of several purpose-built dance spaces on the main campus, and uses additional dance spaces in the evenings and on Saturdays at the Pre-Prep and Prep School campuses.

The department has a lively presence in the school through vibrant and popular co-curricular activities; this includes, but it not just limited to, Ballroom and Latin ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ sessions for Sixth Formers, our Junior and Senior Show Teams and Boys Dance Squad sessions. Through a variety of modern, classical, contemporary and musical theatre groups, boys and girls learn a range of dance techniques together in an enjoyable, but physically challenging, environment. The Director of Dance oversees a number of productions each year, including a Dance Show featuring pupils from the Pre-Prep to the College.

Dance scholarships are awarded at 13+ and 16+ entry and the subject is taught from the Lower Fifth (Year 10) at GCSE in small classes. There are currently five Upper Fifth (Year 11) pupils taking the subject at GCSE, and eight Lower Fifth (Year 10) pupils. At present we follow the AQA syllabus for GCSE.

The department also has had much recent success with applications to specialist dance schools and training programmes, such as the Royal Ballet School, English National Ballet School, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London Studio Centre, London Children’s Ballet, the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain and the National Youth Dance Company.

THE ROLE

• Is focused on maximising opportunities for all pupils at the College to participate in dance and performance activities to the best of their ability.
• Combines artistic direction and curriculum development with organisational and administrative management.
• Involves teaching the GCSE Dance specification, coordinating co-curricular dance activities for all pupils at the College (aged 3-18), and the creation and production of various performances, including the College’s annual Dance Show at the Brighton Dome.

The candidate should:

• Have a highly professional yet flexible approach to balancing artistic, teaching, pastoral, administrative and management tasks.
• Have extensive experience as a dance educator, well-developed and up-to-date knowledge of dance teaching practice and hold relevant dance teaching qualifications.
• Be committed to personal development, maintain their own Continuing Professional Development in line with current standards and support the Dance Teaching team’s personal and professional development.
• Provide exceptional leadership in inspiring the Dance Teaching team and ensuring that they feel valued, supported and motivated in their roles.
• Have a proactive approach and be willing to be involved in all areas of College life.

Safeguarding responsibilities:

• This role will involve daily contact with pupils and you will be engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
• All staff and volunteers have a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for who you are responsible and with whom you come into contact.

For more information about the role and to apply, please visit the Brighton College website.