Volunteering for GYD!
GYD has created opportunities that support dancers in a variety of ways as they grow through our programs. From age ten onwards GYD dancers can assist in studio classes as well as younger dancer care and orientation.
This volunteer work starts with the assistance of classes for the 3-5 year old and includes older dance classes as well as rehearsal assistance in companies’ rehearsals as the volunteer develops through our volunteer program.
In a GYD Company dancer’s final graduation year, dancers may be offered paid assisting, teaching & choreographing opportunities. These opportunities help dancers learn skills in classroom management, teaching, choreographing, supporting fellow dancers and interacting with parents.
Dancers who have volunteered in the past will be given priority for all paid positions if they have demonstrated the skills and expectations required.
GYD Teacher assistants are eligible to gain volunteer hours for high school credits and can ask GYD staff for references when applying for jobs in the future.
We thank you in advance for wishing to volunteer for GYD and to help create incredible memories for our youngest GYD students! Our volunteers are role models and inspirations to all our other students.
We are also excited to hear how our Parents can contribute to our community by volunteering with our shows, carpooling, costumes, etc. The possiblities are endless 🙂
Please fill out the form HERE if you are interested in volunteering in the upcoming GYD seasons.
How to be a GYD Teacher Assistant
Volunteers are a big part of what makes dance a great experience for younger dancers and we really appreciate the time and energy required to invest in this role.
To make this a great experience for all we wanted to be sure you are aware of what to expect as a teacher assistant and how volunteers can best help the class run smoothly.
Arrive on time:
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early for your class so that you can be sure you are dressed and ready to go and you can help younger dancers get ready for their class too.
Being dependable:
We do count on the volunteers to be there each and every week. If there is no helper in the class, this can mean a chaotic experience for all.
In classes with younger children, dancers can use your help if they need to go to the bathroom, are upset to leave their parents, need a bandaid, etc. We do count on you to be there to help make the class run smoothly. Please be sure to ask another dance friend to assist that week if you are unable to make it and call or text Catrina to let her know the change for that week (519-803-8829).
Dance Attire:
Please be sure you are dressed in the dress code of the class with hair and clothes neat so you can be a good example for the younger dancers to follow.
Electronics:
There is a no cell phone or electronics rule for all ages at Guelph Youth Dance. Please be a good example for all by following this school wide policy.
In the classroom:
The younger dancers are looking up to you to see how they should act. Please be sure to:
- Help the teacher by demonstrating the movements fully
- Listen and pay full attention to the teacher when they are talking or demonstrating
- Engage with all the children, not just one or two who try to get your attention
- Do not let children climb on you or sit on your lap (not encouraged behaviour during a class time!)
- Give positive reinforcement -comment on the good things they are doing and unless dangerous, ignore misbehaving. Don’t give them your attention when they are not doing what we want- give them all your attention when they are!
- Help the teacher by demonstrating movements fully
- Take a dancer to the washroom if required. Please do this as quickly and without talking or having fun on the way. We want the child to miss being in the classroom and to remember to go before class next time. You can gently remind them that next time they can remember to go before class. If they have lots of fun time with you while they are on the way to the bathroom they may end up wanting to leave class each week!
Volunteer hours:
Be sure to have us sign us your volunteer hour sheets!
Be sure to ask us for a reference if applying for a job in the future. We can comment on how you were on time, dependable, how well you work with children, and how you performed all the tasks mentioned above.
Thank you so much for your time!
Catrina