Assistant Professor, Ballet Specialist, Department of Dance, College of Fine Arts [R0149363]

Job Description

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Assistant Professor, Ballet Specialist, Department of Dance, College of Fine Arts [R0149363]

ROLE of the POSITION

The Department of Dance at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, invites applications for one tenure-track Assistant Professor, Ballet Specialist to begin Fall 2026.

The tenure-track Assistant Professor, Ballet Specialist will contribute to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas through teaching, scholarly/creative research, and service to the university, as well as to local, national, and international communities. Tenure and promotion guidelines are provided for all tenure-track faculty at UNLV.

Successful candidates will have significant expertise in the field of ballet and the ability to teach within a department that values equal emphasis in ballet, modern, and jazz dance. They will demonstrate effectiveness in teaching at all levels and show a clear commitment to student success. Strong candidates will have experience teaching in secondary education, a solid knowledge of ballet history, and engagement with classical ballet repertory that can be shared with dancers. Candidates are expected to contribute new perspectives and opportunities for students.

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to thrive at a Research One—Top Tier Institution and maintain a documented body of research supporting their scholarly and/or creative work. Strong candidates should provide evidence or demonstrate potential of the impact of their research. Contributions to the dance discipline may include performance, choreography, conference presentations, repetiteur work, and publications, including books, book chapters, or journal articles. Candidates are also expected to produce choreography and/or movement research for the UNLV Department of Dance concert series, either as new works or through the restaging of classic dance works and repertory.

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to serve on committees at the department, college, and university levels. They will aid in curricular development initiatives, including building new programs, such as an MFA in Dance, and actively engage the broader university community. Strong candidates will prioritize collaboration, work effectively with others to solve problems, and foster growth in student numbers through recruitment efforts. In addition, they will mentor students, guiding them through the creative process and supporting their academic and artistic development.

PROFILE of the DEPARTMENT

The UNLV Department of Dance offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance where students have the choice to track in either Performance & Choreography or Production & Management, gaining the skills to thrive on stage and behind the scenes. For working professionals, the BFA for the Professional Dancer offers a pathway to apply their experience toward a degree in higher education. In addition, our program offers minor and certificate programs in dance, production, and Pilates.

A unique feature of the program allows students to focus equal emphasis on ballet, jazz, and modern dance techniques. A wide variety of courses are offered to our students, including a focus in choreography and composition, dance history, world dance, aesthetics, pedagogy, music theory, dance science (kinesiology, injury prevention, Pilates), dance production, stage management, lighting and scenic design, costume construction, and business of dance.

Through international exchanges, residencies with world-renowned guest artists, and rigorous technical training, UNLV Dance prepares students with a comprehensive and diverse understanding of the art form. Beyond campus, the department serves as a cultural hub, enriching the Las Vegas community with innovative and high-caliber concert dance.

At UNLV Dance, students step into “A World of Dance.”

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a terminal degree from an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or a candidate that has a combination of academic degrees with a significant level of professional experience in lieu of a terminal degree. Credentials must be obtained prior to the start date.

Candidates must demonstrate a strong foundation in classically recognized ballet pedagogical methods and techniques and/or other established movement philosophies and systems that can be shared with students. Areas of focus may include teaching ballet technique, pointe work, classical and contemporary variations and partnering, as well as restaging classical or contemporary ballet masterworks. Candidates must be able to instruct at all undergraduate levels, including majors, minors, and non-majors, and possess significant professional and/or university-level teaching experience in these methods.

Candidates must also maintain an active presence in the broader dance field—academically and professionally—and be prepared to provide students with mentorship and professional networking opportunities. The candidate should have affiliations with professionally recognized ballet companies and training schools.

Candidates must demonstrate openness to learning, growth, and the development of new skills. They should possess strong technological proficiency, including the ability to navigate online education platforms and effectively use computing applications relevant to current professional practice. Candidates who bring additional skills that enhance teaching and support the department’s mission are especially desirable.

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY and CAMPUS VALUES

A successful candidate will support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and contribute to a respectful, positive work environment. They will use our to guide their decisions and actions and demonstrate our Rebel spirit.

SALARY

Salary is competitive with those at similarly situated institutions.

• Competitive total rewards package including:
  • Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays
  • Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision
  • Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs
• No state income tax
• Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools
• Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents

PERKS & PROGRAMS

• Employee recognition and appreciation programs
• UNLV athletics ticket discounts
• Statewide employee purchase program discounts
• discounts on and off campus
• for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost
• Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles
• A comprehensive onboarding program,