Department of Dance seeks Assistant Arts Professor of African Diaspora Forms/Streetdance

This position is one of several new hires in Tisch School of the Arts focused on representation in the arts as part of the NYU Faculty Cluster Hiring Initiative.

New York University (NYU) Tisch Department of Dance seeks an experienced dance educator and dance practitioner of contemporary form(s) originating from the African diaspora. Candidates should possess expertise and embodied knowledge in hip-hop, commercial, or street dance forms and the ability to teach them in ways that acknowledge their historical, political and social contexts. The candidates’ research should incorporate a pedagogical approach that underscores one or more of the multi-ethnic traditions and lineages of African diasporic forms on these styles (examples include b-boy/girling, popping, house, voguing, J-setting, krumping, whacking, jookin,’ and others.) Researchers at the intersection of urban studies, and practices that emerge from marginalized communities and/or socio-political movements are encouraged to apply. Courses should support the dismantling of the hierarchy of Western dance forms and incorporate the ongoing contributions of African diasporic dance forms to the field.

In addition to teaching core program courses in dance technique, composition and improvisation within the program, duties include:
–Serve as faculty advisor for dance productions.
–Mentor students’ creative work for departmental concerts.
–Advise students on their academic progress toward fulfilling degree requirements.
–Contribute to student recruitment and audition activities.
–Maintain regular office hours.
–Participate in departmental, school, and university faculty meetings and as a member various faculty committees.

This position contributes to our program through excellent teaching, valuable university service, and a professional creative practice. The Assistant Arts Professor must enthusiastically support NYU’s commitment to the academic success of all students, including students of color, students with disabilities, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, and students of diverse sexual orientations and gender expressions.

Preferred qualifications
–MFA, PhD, or a bachelor’s degree and equivalent professional experience.
–Evidence of professional creative accomplishment in choreography, performance, or other creative projects involving hip hop or street dance forms in a concert dance, site-specific, multi-genre, or interdisciplinary context.
–Full-time or part-time college-level teaching experience with a diverse student population.
–Commitment to pre-professional, conservatory-caliber dance training within the context of a liberal arts education.
–Online teaching experience and knowledge of digital platforms in the event remote or hybrid learning environments continue due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
–Ability to advise and mentor dance students in their creative and academic work.
–Demonstrated communication, collaborative, and leadership skills within a university or community setting.
–Respect for individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
–Eligibility to work in the United States.

To apply
Please visit apply.interfolio.com. NYU uses Interfolio for all applications. Candidates should be prepared to submit a cover letter outlining interest in the position, a CV, an artistic statement that addresses equity and inclusion in their creative research and teaching activities, three samples of creative research/artistic work, and three professional reference letters.

About the Tisch Dance program
We seek to develop and prepare fully realized dance artists to be critical thinkers, fearless leaders, and fluent performers. Our program focuses on contemporary dance, with equal emphasis on performance and choreography. Our faculty comprises individuals who are committed to diversity and inclusivity and continually working to integrate these values into the culture at Tisch Dance. 

The BFA training program is a comprehensive, organic approach to dance. Students earn their degree through an intensive three-year plus two-summer curriculum. First-year course work focuses on learning to dance in the most efficient and healthy way. Technique classes emphasize placement and alignment principles. Additional coursework includes dance composition, kinesthetics of anatomy, music theory, and production. The second year develops these principles with courses in dance history, acting, improvisation, music literature, and advanced dance composition: tools acquired in music and composition classes in the first year are integrated in a course involving phrase manipulation as it applies to choreography. The third year focuses on integrating the previous years of training into staged performance and choreography. Third year students gain professional dance experience as ensemble members of Tisch’s Second Avenue Dance Company. Elective courses include dance science, dance and technology, design, and pedagogy. Along with departmental work, students take required academic courses throughout their time in the program. Transfer students must complete all department requirements.

NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.