Apply for our Associate Teacher programme

Running on Tuesday evenings from September 2026 until July 2027, this year-long programme has been designed to offer the consistency and community you need to thrive and has been specifically created to support and champion dance educators  from the Global Majority working in any dance style.

Whether you are just starting out, returning after a break, or looking to elevate your current classes, we’re here to help you find your footing. We know that launching your own classes can feel daunting; our goal is to provide the professional tools and peer support to make your journey successful and enjoyable.

What does the programme include?

A supported package including:

• 1 x hour class slot in The Dance Space classses programme on a Tuesday evening 7:30pm – 8:30pm
• A supported pricing structure to help you manage studio hire fees: Term one will be fully supported by South East Dance so your slot will be free of charge, allowing you to focus on building your class numbers. Term two will be charged at £17.50 per hour and term three will be charged at £23.45 per hour.
• Support from the South East Dance marketing team to get your class up and running, including a class listing on our website, a spotlight page on you as our Associate Teacher for 26/27, and support to create social media content that will speak to your target audiences
• 1:1 sessions with members of the South East Dance team with specialist knowledge in business support & financial planning; producing & professional development; and marketing & branding. We’ll also work with you to find ways to support your professional development.

Who is it for?

We are looking for passionate individuals who are ready to commit to their professional growth and contribute to the vibrant dance community of Brighton&Hove. 

To be eligible for the Associate Teacher Programme, you should meet the following criteria:

1. Global Majority Focus

This programme is specifically dedicated to dance artists and educators from the Global Majority. This includes people of Black, Asian, Dual Heritage, and indigenous to global south communities. We have developed this initiative to proactively address underrepresentation in the dance sector and to provide a dedicated space for community, equity, and professional empowerment.

2. Teaching Status

We welcome applicants at various stages of their journey, including:

• Emerging Teachers: Those looking to launch their first classes.
• Returning Teachers: Those coming back to the studio after a career break or parental leave.
• Established Teachers: Those currently running classes but looking to refine their business skills or refresh their approach in a new setting.

3. Location & Commitment

Location: You should be based in, or have a clear intention to build your teaching practice within, the Brighton & Hove area.

Schedule: You must be available to run these sessions held at The Dance Space on Tuesday evenings. The programme runs for three school terms (September 2026 – July 2027).

Vision: You should have a desire to develop your own independent classes and a willingness to engage in a supportive peer-learning environment.

We actively encourage applications from artists who are underrepresented in the dance sector, including those who have physical or hidden disabilities.

You must be aged 18+ and able to teach at The Dance Space in Brighton.

When is it?

The programme runs for three terms listed below:

• Term 1: Tuesday 8th September 2026 – Tuesday 15th December 2026
• Term 2: Tuesday 5th January 2027 – Tuesday 30th March 2027
• Term 3: Tuesday 20th April 2027 – Tuesday 20th July 2027

The class will take place on a Tuesday evening during term time from 7:30pm – 8:30pm.

What’s the commitment?

To get the most from our Associate Teacher Programme, we ask that you commit to:

• Actively promoting your classes
• Participating in contributing to the creation of South East Dance promotional materials
• Upholding South East Dance’s vision for inclusivity and ensuring everyone feels welcome

How do I apply?

Step 1 – Send us an email to studios@southeastdance.org.uk telling us about you, your teaching practice, and how this opportunity would support your development. You can use the following questions as a guide:

Tell us about your journey as a dance teacher so far? What is your vision for your classes in Brighton over the next year?

The Dance Space is an inclusive dance studio, and people of all genders, ethnicities, and abilities are welcome here. Please tell us how you will make your classes welcoming to all.

Tell us about your visibility and/or profile as a dance teacher locally, and who your participants are/or are most likely to be

This programme provides a dedicated package of support. What are the specific challenges you currently face in your teaching practice? (eg business skills, confidence, finding a venue)

Our goal is to help you build a sustainable practice and business. If you were to successfully complete this programme, what would ‘success’ look like for your dance classes by July 2027.

Step 2 – Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal chat with our working group which consists of:

• Linzi Whitton, Head of Programme at South East Dance
• Sian Willett, Head of Venue Hire at South East Dance
• Makeda Whittaker, Visitor & Events Support at South East Dance
• Chloe Barker, Joint Head of Marketing & Communications at South East Dance
• Jason Keenan-Smith, Artistic Director, Three Score Dance

Application timeline:

• Apply by emailing us at studios@southeastdance.org.uk by midday on Friday 29 May (shortlisting Fri 5 June)
• You will hear form us about whether or not you have been shortlisted on Wed 11 June
• Informal chat: Fri 19 June
• Final decisions will be communicated by Wed 25 June

We will work with you to plan introductory dates for planning, getting to know the team and preparing to launch your class across July & August – dates tbc

We will launch your class with our Autumn Season programme in September 2026

Questions? Email: studios@southeastdance.org.uk