Job Description: SAA-uk Dance Academy Assistant (Freelance)
Department: Education
Primary Contact: Dance Development Officer
Engagement Type: Freelance / Self-Employed Contractor
Location: Hybrid - Leeds/Wakefield (must be able to travel to dance studios - preferably able to drive)
Hours: 10 Hours
Availability: Weekend and evening work
Fee: £15 per hour
Role Overview
The Dance Academy Assistant will provide freelance support to ensure the smooth and safe delivery of SAA-UK Dance Academy activities. The Contractor will support in-studio operations, participant coordination, administrative tasks, and communications, working collaboratively with the Dance Development Officer and wider programme team.
Services may include supporting classes, bootcamps, workshops, rehearsals, and events as required.
Key Responsibilities
1. Classroom Setup & Logistics
- Prepare studios for Indian Classical Dance classes, ensuring a clean, safe environment.
- Conduct basic Health & Safety checks of studios and communal areas prior to sessions and update risk assessment.
- Set up music, audio‑visual equipment, and screens for online or hybrid classes where applicable.
- Ensure students remove and store footwear correctly before entering studio spaces.
- Ensure classrooms to their original layout and leave spaces tidy and secure after use.
2. Registration & Student Support
- Welcome parents, students, tutors, and visitors in a professional and friendly manner.
- Manage class registration and oversee students waiting between sessions.
- Monitor communal areas to maintain safety, appropriate behaviour, and safeguarding standards.
- Ensure that children and young people are never left unattended or with unauthorised adults.
- Log any injuries or incidents, notify parents/guardians, and report to the Dance Development Officer.
- Record attendance, enquiries, and relevant participant information accurately.
3. Operational & Administrative Support
- Assist tutors with capturing class related videos or materials as required.
- Support enrolment, attendance tracking, and data administration.
- Assist with ad hoc administrative tasks such as correspondence, data entry, venue research and booking, and contract support.
- Maintain accurate records and relay feedback, issues, or complaints from parents and participants.
- Reschedule missed classes and communicate regarding them.
- Support inventory and asset management where applicable.
- Stay informed of schedule changes and communicate updates clearly through the Dance WhatsApp group/emails.
4. Communication, Reporting & Compliance
- Maintain professional and weekly check-in/communication with the Dance Development Officer.
- Maintain records of weekly work done, log hours and share with the Dance Development Officer.
- Capture marketing photography or video content when requested.
- Promptly report safeguarding, Health & Safety, or building concerns.
- Complete all mandatory training and venue inductions.
- Always represent SAAUK positively, upholding organisational values and standards.
5. Additional Responsibilities
- Maintain strict confidentiality of student and organisational information.
- Uphold professional boundaries when working with children and young people.
- Adhere to safeguarding, data protection, equality, and Health & Safety policies always.
- Participate in termly reviews if required.
- Support delivery during events, performances, and occasional holiday or non-term time‑ activities where agreed.
Contract Details
- Engagement: Freelance/ Self-employed‑ contractor
- Tax & Insurance: Responsible for own tax, National Insurance, and relevant insurances including Public Liability
- Employment Benefits: Not entitled to employee benefits (holiday pay, sick pay, pension, etc.)
Working Pattern
- Wednesday: Wakefield – 2 hours (venue and evening time TBC)
- Thursday: Kathak dance classes
- Venue: Northern School of Contemporary Dance, 98 Chapeltown Road, Leeds, LS7 4BH
- Time: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm (3 hours)
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Friday: Bharatanatyam and Odissi dance classes
Venue: Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Leeds
Time: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm (2.5 hours)
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Administrative Hours: 4.5 hours per week, flexible by agreement with Dance Development Officer.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Legal right to work in the UK
- Access to a car and a valid UK driving licence
- Interest in, or basic knowledge of, Indian Classical Dance
- Clear, warm, and professional communication skills (written and verbal English)
- Awareness of South Asian cultural practices
- Experience working with children or young people
- Strong organisational and administrative skills
- IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office, OneDrive, Zoom, Google Classroom or Google Meet
- Understanding of safeguarding and data protection
- Reliable, punctual, and able to commit to evening and administrative work
- Physical capability to undertake light manual handling tasks
Desirable Criteria
- Ability to speak Hindi or South Asian languages
- Experience in an administrative, coordination, or assistant role, ideally within arts, education, or the charity sector
- Experience supporting young people within educational, creative, or community settings
- Interest in music, dance, or performing arts, particularly South Asian traditions
- Experience using data tracking tools or CRM systems
- Previous training in safeguarding, data protection, or manual handling
Compliance Requirements
- Willingness to obtain an Enhanced DBS check
- Adherence to Safeguarding, Health & Safety, and Data Protection policies
- Commitment to SAA-uk values and professional standards
What We Offer
- A supportive, collaborative, and values led‑ working environment
- Opportunities to contribute to and learn from high-quality‑ dance education programmes
- Free tickets (where applicable) to SAA‑uk concerts and workshops
- A professional, nurturing team culture
- First‑hand exposure to the nuances of Indian Classical dance form
How to Apply
To apply, please email education@saa-uk.org
- Your CV
- A covering letter (maximum two sides of A4) outlining your interest and how your experience meets the person specification
Application Deadline: Monday, 18th May 2026, 5:00 pm
