Tenure Track, Assistant Professor of Dance

Description

Position Summary

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Tulane University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Dance. We are particularly interested in candidates with research and teaching specialization in African-diasporic movement practices – including jazz, hip-hop, street styles, Afro-Caribbean, or other related forms rooted in African-diasporic cultural traditions – and whose work bridges traditional and contemporary approaches to dance and choreography.  

As an R1 research institution, tenure at Tulane is dependent on successful regional and national work in the field, and the successful candidate will be a scholar-artist with an active research/production agenda. We are particularly interested in candidates who are enthusiastic about contributing to the department’s evolving vision of providing innovative and challenging movement experiences that enrich the lives of our students. This position will contribute to our vibrant undergraduate program through both studio and academic instruction, and will be expected to engage students through performance, choreography, and mentorship. This position has the opportunity for future departmental leadership.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach a 2/2 course load.
•  Maintain an active program of research/creative work with regional/national or international visibility.
• Develop and teach courses in African-diasporic dance forms at all levels.
• Choreograph for departmental concerts and mentor student choreographers.
• Advise undergraduate dance students and participate in departmental service and recruitment.
• Participate in departmental leadership activities.

Secondary Interests

We welcome candidates with additional strengths in one or more of the following areas:

• Additional technique forms (e.g., ballet, contemporary, improvisation)
• Dance composition
• Arts administration and/or non-profit leadership
• Interdisciplinary performance

About the Program

Tulane’s Department of Theatre and Dance offers a BA, BFA, and MFA in Dance. Our program emphasizes both rigorous technique training and critical inquiry, with students engaging in creative practice, performance, theory, and interdisciplinary work. We present multiple faculty and student productions annually and support both traditional and experimental approaches to dance and theatre making.

Tulane is located in beautiful uptown New Orleans, a city known for its unique history, outstanding food, and rich arts and culture scene. 

Qualifications

Required:

• Terminal degree (MFA, PhD, or equivalent professional experience) in Dance or a closely related field by time of appointment.
• Evidence of active research or creative work.
• Experience choreographing and teaching at the undergraduate level.

Preferred:

• 1–5 years of teaching experience beyond graduate school.
• Demonstrated expertise in African-diasporic dance forms.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate students in both performance and academic contexts.
• A developing national or international presence in the field.

Application Instructions

All applications must be submitted through Interfolio. Required materials include:

• A cover letter describing your research and creative work, teaching experience, and interest in Tulane University
• Curriculum vitae
• Statement of research/creative practice
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Sample of choreographic or performance work (via link or uploaded media)
• Names and contact information for three references (letters will be requested at a later date)

The complete application should be received by November 1, 2025 to be given full consideration. For more information see the Department’s website at https://liberalarts.tulane.edu/theatre-dance. Contact: Leslie Scott, Department of Theatre and Dance, 215 McWilliams Hall, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118 (lscott12@tulane.edu).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Tulane University is an equal opportunity educator and employer committed to providing an education and employment environment free of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.   Legally protected demographic classifications (such as a person’s race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, shared ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws) are not relied upon as an eligibility, selectio