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Dance Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Associate Instructor (Dance)

CA · On-site

$80 - $90/hr

Dance Division: Instruction Opening Date: 05/16/2017 Closing Date: Continuous Salary Level: 1 ... AND A Master's degree from an accredited institution in physical education, any life science ...

$89.24/hr

Dance Opening Date: 10/02/2023 Description We are accepting applications for the Adjunct Dance ... OR - Bachelor's in either of the above AND master's degree in physical education, any life science ...

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Dance Science information

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$8

$24

$43

How much do dance science jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for dance science in California is $24.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I do with a dance science degree?

A dance science degree prepares individuals for careers in areas such as dance performance, choreography, dance education, sports science, physical therapy, and dance/movement therapy. Graduates often work as dance instructors, researchers, fitness trainers, or health consultants, utilizing knowledge of biomechanics, anatomy, and movement analysis. Certification and practical experience can enhance employment opportunities in these fields.

What is the difference between Dance Science vs Dance Therapist?

AspectDance ScienceDance Therapist
Required CredentialsDegree in Dance Science, Exercise Science, or related fieldMaster's or Doctorate in Dance/Movement Therapy or Counseling
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, sports teams, dance companiesClinics, hospitals, schools, private practice
Industry UsageFocus on performance, injury prevention, biomechanicsFocus on emotional, psychological, and physical healing

Dance Science primarily emphasizes understanding the physical aspects of dance performance, injury prevention, and biomechanics, often within research or athletic settings. Dance Therapists focus on using movement to support emotional and psychological well-being, working closely with clients in therapeutic environments. While both roles involve movement and dance, their goals, credentials, and work settings differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Dance Science, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Dance Science often encounter challenges such as bridging the gap between scientific research and practical dance applications, and effectively communicating findings to dancers and instructors. Collaboration with both dance practitioners and healthcare professionals is essential to ensure research is relevant and impactful. Staying current with advancements in both dance training and scientific methodologies can also be demanding, but active participation in professional organizations and ongoing education can help address these challenges.

How much do dance scientists make?

Dance scientists typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and work setting. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in biomechanics or physiology may offer higher salaries, especially in research or academic environments.

What careers can you do with dance?

A degree or background in dance science can lead to careers such as dance instructor, choreographer, dance therapist, performance coach, or researcher in movement and biomechanics. These roles often require knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and teaching skills, and may involve working in studios, healthcare settings, or academic environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Dance Science professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Dance Science professional, you need a strong background in anatomy, biomechanics, kinesiology, and dance technique, often supported by a degree in dance science or a related field. Familiarity with motion analysis software, injury assessment tools, and research methods is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively with dancers and healthcare providers are standout soft skills. These skills are essential for optimizing dancer performance, preventing injuries, and advancing research in dance health and movement.

What is dance science?

Dance science is an interdisciplinary field that applies scientific principles to the study, enhancement, and understanding of dance and dancers. It encompasses areas like biomechanics, physiology, psychology, nutrition, and injury prevention. Dance scientists work to improve dancers' performance, health, and well-being through research, education, and practical interventions. This field bridges the gap between dance and science, helping dancers optimize their training and reduce the risk of injury.

What jobs can you get if you major in dance?

A major in dance can lead to careers such as dance instructor, performer, choreographer, dance therapist, or arts administrator. These roles often require strong physical skills, creativity, and knowledge of dance techniques, and may involve working in studios, theaters, or educational settings.
What are the most commonly searched types of Dance Science jobs in California? The most popular types of Dance Science jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Dance Science jobs in California? For Dance Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Dance Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Dance Science jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Dance Science job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 49% Full Time, 42% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,942 per year, or $25 per hour.

World Arts & Cultures/Dance Lecturer Pool 2026-2027

University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$70K - $199K/yr

Other

Re-posted yesterday


UCLA rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

184th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position description
The UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures/Dance is creating a pool of candidates to teach courses in all areas of the department. Members of the pool would be called upon to teach lower division, upper division or graduate students during the 2026-2027 academic years, as needed and dependent upon funding.
CULTURE AND PERFORMANCE STUDIES - Applicants must be able to teach in any or all of the following areas: cultural studies, performance studies, folklore, material culture studies, popular culture studies, critical theory, ethnography, and research/methodology.
PUBLIC/COMMUNITY ARTS - Applicants must be able to teach in any or all of the following areas: community arts, public sector folklore, arts education, arts activism, arts outreach and service learning.
DANCE TECHNIQUE - Applicants must be able to teach any or all of the following: beginning to advanced levels of dance of selected cultures or practices (e.g., Modern/Post-Modern, Ballet, African, Asian, Latin American dance, hip-hop, salsa, tango, etc.). Must have substantial prior teaching and performing experience, and full knowledge of concepts, processes and techniques.
CHOREOGRAPHY - Applicants must be able to teach any or all of the following: beginning, intermediate, advanced and graduate choreography. Must have substantial prior teaching and performing experience, and full knowledge of concepts, processes and techniques.
DANCE STUDIES - Applicants must be able to teach any or all of the following: dance ethnology(culture-specific and comparative topics); dance theory (for example, theories of sexuality, gender, and race; cross-cultural perspectives on the body); dance science (movement and analysis, kinesiology, anatomy); dance history (Western and/or Non-Western)
PRODUCTION DESIGN - Applicants must be able to teach any or all of the following: lighting, sceneography, costume, digital design.
VIDEOGRAPHY - Applicants must be able to teach any or all of the following: ethnographic video(theory, history, and technique), performance video (theory, history, and technique), digital editing.
MUSIC -- Applicants must be able to accompany dance and other studio classes, and/or teach any or all of the following: introduction to music for dancers and performance artists, soundscape design for dance and performance, body music.
Title: Lecturer
Annual Salary Range $70,977-$199,722. Rank and salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. See table #15.
Minimum Qualifications: Masters degree or equivalent, extensive professional experience for performers and choreographers, five years university level teaching experience preferred.
This position is represented by the University Council - American Federation of Teachers.
Internal applicants will be considered for reappointment prior to the consideration of external applicants.
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
Masters degree or equivalent, extensive professional experience for performers and choreographers, five years university level teaching experience preferred.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter (Optional)
  • Statement of Research (Optional)
  • Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
  • UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
    The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows:
    Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles
    Expand our reach as a global university
    Enhance our research and creative activities
    Elevate how we teach
    Become a more effective institution
    Prompt for candidates for recruitment:
    Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service
    (Optional)
  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 1-3 required (contact information only)

Please provide only contact information of your references.
Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF10892
Help contact: katrina21@arts.ucla.edu
About UCLA
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Los Angeles, CA

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