Teaching Artist Residency
Teaching Artist Residency & Mentorship Program
Studio: SunMi Ballet
Location: Chinatown, Philadelphia, PA
Reports to: SunMi Cho, Founder/Director
The Opportunity
SunMi Ballet is seeking formally trained dancers for our Teaching Artist Residency. This is not just a teaching job; it is a professional development program designed for artists who want to master a unique, 25 year old curriculum using a kinesiology based approach to teach young children ballet. Teacher will also learn Kpop and Ballet fusion style technique originated by Founder, SunMi.
We are a community-focused studio in Philadelphia’s Chinatown. We value Integration, Empowerment, and Function Over Form. We are looking for educators who want to build deep roots in a diverse community.
The Professional Growth Path
We provide a transparent, three-step advancement structure to ensure you are supported as you transition from dancer to educator.
Phase 1: The Paid Residency (Training & Mentorship)
- Duration: 2 to 6 months.
- Compensation: $10 per class stipend.
- Mentorship Value: Includes 2-3 hours per week of one-on-one pedagogical coaching and in-studio feedback with the Director.
- Administrative Support: High-performing candidates may be offered an additional 6–10 hours/week of Studio Admin/Event work at $18/hour.
The 30-Day Milestone: At the 30-day mark, we conduct a formal performance review. This is an opportunity to calibrate your progress, adjust goals, or—for exceptional candidates—fast-track the timeline toward a full Faculty Contract.
The 60- Day Milestone: At the 60-day mark, we conduct a follow up performance review to track progress and determine next steps of mentorship, training and possible faculty.
The 90- Day Milestone: At the 90-day mark, we come up with next steps to either 1. Share a class(I teach one week, then you teach the next week), 2. We continue the assisting of classes as part of your residency, 3. And/or you are offered your own classes to teach as a faculty member.
Phase 2: Professional Faculty Appointment
Upon successful completion of the Residency and Curriculum Certification:
- 45–60 Minute Classes: $30.00/class
- 90 Minute Classes: $40.00/class
- Contract: 1-year legally binding Faculty Contract.
Learning Objectives (Handshake / University Credit)
This residency may qualify for university internship credit. Mentees will gain:
- Pedagogical Mastery: Proficiency in the SunMi Ballet "Function over Form" curriculum.
- Classroom Management: Techniques for engaging diverse age groups (young children to teens).
- Kinesiology Alignment: Specialized knowledge in optimizing individual body mechanics for dance.
- Professional Administration: (Optional) Skills in studio operations and community event coordination.
Candidate Requirements.
- Technical Foundation: Formal training in Ballet is required.
- Philosophical Alignment: A desire to move away from "aesthetic-only" dance and toward "functional empowerment."
- Community Mindset: Comfort working with diverse ethnicities, cultures, and family structures.
- Reliability: Dancers must be able to commit to 2–3 days per week for the duration of the residency.
Our Selection Process
- Technical Audition: Take a class with Founder SunMi Cho to assess movement style and alignment.
- Teaching Audition: Lead a session with our Performance Team to demonstrate your "voice" and presence.
- The "Coffee Shop" Interview: A formal review of your CV and a discussion regarding your administrative strengths and career goals.
How to Apply
Please email your Resume (CV) and a Cover Letter to sunmi@sunmiballet.com.
In your cover letter, please mention one aspect of our "Core Values" (Integration, Function over Form, or Empowerment) that resonates most with your personal dance philosophy.