Hello,

I'm Nancy, and I've been using dance.net for a job search. The school where I've been working for the past seven years closed a little over a month ago. While the owners have found a new space to rent, they have had to consolidate the schedule since they have gone from two dance rooms to just one. I'll be teaching only one day per week for them instead of four or five, and I'm grateful to dance.net for posting job ads!


Yesterday I had time, so I started investigating the rest of the site. I've been teaching ballet for over 30 years, in New York City, Massachusetts and now in New Jersey, where we live.


It's a pleasure to find this forum and this community, with so many knowledgeable and supportive teachers!

Hello Nancy, and Welcome!!

I am also from NJ-North West corner What area are you from? I am beginning my 19th year of teaching this week.

Jump right in here-This is a wonderful forum, with very supportive and knowledgeable people as you already noted.

Looking forward to getting to know you better

Thanks, Miss Sharon! I'm in Somerset County. Good luck on your new term!

Hi Nancy, nice to have you here, 24 years teaching and counting, even if creaking a little too

Thanks, Hummingbird --oh, the creaking!!! I love your Ms. Piggy Pas de Deux action photo.

Ahh...We're neighbors!! I used to teach in Somerset County for 8 years. I still go down to Edison 2x a week as well-So I am all over the map. Morris, Sussex, Middlesex and I'm not sure what County one of my schools is in? I think it may be Morris or Union?

Maybe we'll cross paths one day?!

Welcome to the Teachers Boards...from another old veteran here (starting my 39th year teaching)! Hope you enjoy the site as much as I have these past few years.

Are all of those dance schools, Sharon? Wow! Re: the one with unknown County, maybe I've heard of it -- what is it called?

Thanks, Dance Deb! Where do you teach? It's nice to know I am not alone here... I am finding the job search very challenging right now. I think part of that is the economy, but i think it's partly my age, too. The thing is that I feel that I have at least another ten years worth of teaching left in me, and I'm hoping I'll be able to achieve that.

Nancy...I was at a school with 5 locations for 8 years in Somerset County.

I just looked it up...My new school is in Morris County.

As for finding jobs, yes...The economy is really effecting it right now. A lot of the schools in our area are cutting back some classes. They are also hiring the 20'somethings for 1/2 of our salary So the jobs are just not there as much. I teach a lot of preschool classes in addition to ballet and jazz. I have found that a lot of Directors are either being forced to teach these levels themselves or again, hire the young and newer teachers.

Good luck finding work. What areas do you specialize in? Do you have a degree/certification at all that may help you? I can always put in a good word if needed

Sharon, I just wrote a reply to you, and managed to lose it while previewing it... I think I'll change my name to Electronically Challenged!

I so appreciate your willingness to help -- thank you for caring. My specialty is ballet, from five-year olds to adult professionals. I do have a BA in Dance from Smith College, and Ballet Teachers' Training certification from Don Farnworth (may he RIP) in NYC. I taught for ten years in Manhattan before moving to New Jersey, I've coordinated ballet programs, built ballet programs -- the works.

As you said, many jobs now are going to newer teachers who don't have to be paid as much as "veterans." On the other end of the equation, I'm finding that there are many more dancers from professional companies (or retired from professional companies) who are looking for teaching work. Since the market is tight, they are willing to travel farther to find jobs. So I'm stuck somewhere in the middle... Frustrating!

Hmm... a school in Somerset with five locations... I think I have a vague idea of what that may be! Good luck to you with your new school in Morris, and with all your "zooming around!"

Welcome Nancy! This community has been an invaluable resource for me and the support is amazing! Good luck with your job search!

Thanks Nancy Yes, I am sure that you know the school I am referring to. My nieces still dance there. I left when I started a family 6 years ago...

Right now, I am traveling between 3 schools. I have only been working a few classes a week for the past 6 years, so I am going to go into shock next week when I go back to 5 days a week

I am just thankful to have work to drive to!! LOL...

I will keep my eyes and ears open. I too specialize in Ballet, so if I see something that looks like it will fit, I'll let you know Check craigslist and this forum regularly!!

Welcome, Nancy. I am originally fron NYC and now live in Pa. near Allentown. I love this site. I found it about 15 years ago and joined as an official member in 2001.

I look forward to your future posts.

Hugs!

Thanks so much, Dream Chaser and Miss Mo! I feel very fortunate to have found you ladies. Especially now, with challenges finding work, it's such a blessing to have support from teachers who understand...