Bonita’s School of Ballet Teaching Assistant Program

Teaching Assistants are very important to Bonita’s School of Ballet. They represent the school, not only as dancers, but also as a member of the BSOB team. Teaching Assistants (TA) are given a great deal of responsibility throughout the year, and they become a fundamental part of the class for both the students and teachers.

Each year, Bonita’s School of Ballet selects a limited number of students who have the qualities necessary to be a successful teaching assistant. They must have the maturity and disposition to deal with children in a busy dance class. They must have reached an acceptable level of proficiency in their own dance training. An important piece of dance education is imitation; therefore, TAs must be dancers we would like our students to emulate. They must be good role models.

Teaching Assistant Responsibilities:

  1. A commitment to participate in the program throughout the season (September to June/Recital).
  2. You must arrive to your scheduled class at least 5-10 minutes prior to the start of class. You will assist in class set-up such as lining them up to come into the room or helping them find spaces at the barre. After class you should help with putting away props and overseeing children as they get to their parents.
  3. You must wear proper dance clothes during class. Assistants must dress appropriately in dance attire – no street clothes, sweatpants etc. Tights should be rolled down for all ballet/pointe classes. Assistants must have the right shoes for the technique they are helping teach. Hair must be up in a classical bun for ballet and at least pulled back for other classes.
  4. TAs should always dress respectably and remain respectful of the sensitivities of others. Clothing when entering and leaving the studio should be conservative and not revealing in any way. Bare midriffs, halter and tube tops, short shorts, or cut-offs are not permitted within the studio at any time. TAs are expected to change clothes or put on a full cover-up before leaving the studio or when going outside for break.
  5. During the class, take your cue from the teacher. Over time, you will be asked to take on as much responsibility as you are comfortable with. Initially, you will need to escort the children into class, help set them at the barre or in lines, help with corrections and remind them to listen and focus. You will need to help them change or tie their shoes. Younger dancers may need to be escorted to and from the bathroom. You might be asked to help hold the door closed and help them wash their hands.
  6. Eventually you may be asked to teach portions of the class on your own or to fill in if the teacher is pulled away momentarily or if she needs time to work with a student individually. Regular attendance will help you to know the outline of the class and the abilities of the students.
  7. You will need to know your students’ names. You should be able to correct or encourage them using their name.
  8. You are NOT responsible for speaking to their parents with any questions they may have about their childʼs ability or progress in the class. These types of questions should be directed to the head teacher. You should also not discuss students’ abilities or struggles with other dancers.
  9. TAs will need to help students with choreography. They will need to know their classes’ choreography by heart. They will need to assist with rehearsals for upcoming performances. The day of the performance TAs will need to help line dancers up in the wings and “mark” the dance while the children perform or be prepared to go onstage with them. TAs must be prepared to retain a great deal of choreography.
  10. Attendance is an essential part of this program. If you must miss a class that you are scheduled to assist, you must notify us in advance. Excessive absenteeism will result in dismissal from the program. Students and teachers rely on the TAs and therefore good attendance is a must.
  11. TAs should love being with kids and must love dance. It has been our experience that children love teaching assistants and look up to them with admiration.

Director’s Note: There are a limited number of openings for assistants each year. There are many variables that go into the placement and scheduling of assistants. We will email you once the schedule is in place if you have been selected. Thank you for your interest and feel free to talk with us if you have any questions. If you are not selected for a TA position this season, we encourage you to reapply next year.