NDA Staff

About NDA Staff

Our Instructors are hand-selected from leading universities across the country, verified through extensive training, and passionate about what they do. They’re not only talented dancers, they’re great role models. At camp, NDA Instructors work alongside dance teams every step of the way to provide individual and team growth opportunities. Our staff inspire dancers to become leaders and enhance school spirit.

Apply for NDA Staff

NDA Staff Application

1. 2024 Applications are now open! Apply HERE!

If you are interested in applying, join our BAND group for reminders, tips, and to learn more about the job from current staffers. JOIN HERE!

2. Team Dance Video Requirement & Music

  • College Camp Attendees: Pro Team Dance
  • All Other Applicants: Elite Team Dance
  • Join the Band group or contact sjames@varsity.com for video links and music.

3. Feedback Video Requirement

  • Video available in the BAND

4. NDA Application Example
View Example

5.  Additional Application Requirements:

  •  Must be 18 years of age by May 31st, 2024
  • 2 Letters of Recommendation

Completed video to include the following:

  • A brief intro including your name, where you currently dance and why you would like to be an NDA Instructor.
  • Team Dance (learned from provided video)
  • Kicks/Extensions to the front and side (center floor or progressive)
  • A combination of advanced/elite leaps (switch leaps are considered elite)
  • At least 1 turn combination that includes a triple turn
  • Verbal feedback in response to provided video (3 comments minimum)
  • Optional bonus skills

6. Submit Your Application!

Video Tryouts

Video Tryout Tips

  • Start early – it can be stressful to put together a quality video at the last minute.
  • Think of your video as a job interview – let us get to know YOU!
  • Review your video before sending it in to be sure you have all requirements.
  • Please do not wear warm-ups, t-shirts, wraps or any other over-sized clothing.
  • Only include the best of your abilities in each segment of the video.
  • Be sure to look your best in every way, including: hair, make-up, etc.
  • Technique is the key – there is no substitute for solid, well-rounded technique.
  • Showmanship, personality and speaking skills throughout the video can really set your video application apart from the rest!

About Being an NDA Staff Member

NDA Staff Credentialing

NDA is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for its participants’ physical, emotional and social development, and promoting an environment free from abuse and misconduct.

All of our NDA Instructors complete the following certifications:

  • Background Check
  • NFHS/CDC Heads Up Concussion Training
  • Athlete Safety and Wellness Program – must pass a 25 question, scenario-based test on the maltreatment of children and understanding mandatory reporting requirements
  • Good Moral Character Affidavit
  • Comprehensive Staff Training Program
  • Fingerprinting – as required by state law and camp requirements

NDA Staff Roles

NDA Staff is an exciting opportunity for dancers to develop professionally in a field they love! Our instructors are some of the most talented and personable dancers in the country.  The NDA Staff take great pride in being part of an amazing family of instructors that spans the country and positively affects the lives of thousands of dancers every year. The honor of being an NDA Staff Member is one that has the ability to open many future professional doors for you if you commit to the job and give 100% throughout your career.

As a member of NDA Staff, you will have the opportunity to wear many different “hats” both during and after camp. As the industry progresses and changes, so does your job. Each year that you are invited to return as an NDA Instructor will bring more responsibilities and opportunities that can be beneficial in your future as you attend college and interview for jobs. Below are some expectations, responsibilities, and benefits should you be chosen for this amazing opportunity.

If you’re looking for a job that’s fun, develops marketable skills, allows you to make friends nationwide and positively impact the lives of others.

As an NDA Staff Member, you will be a:

  • Teacher: 95 percent of this job is teaching – ensuring that dancers who attend your classes understand, comprehend, and retain the valuable information you provide them. Camp is about the campers and how well they learned and grew from their experience with you as a teacher and mentor.
  • Mentor: You are teaching more than choreography and technique; you are teaching values, hard work, dedication, perseverance, and determination…lessons of greater importance than any technical skill or element.
  • Customer Service Representative: The key to success in customer service is to communicate, be proactive, be attuned to the attitudes and needs of your customer, and ALWAYS be positive.
  • Evaluator: You will have the opportunity to give immediate feedback, verbal and written, on several performances throughout camp.
  • Performer: It is imperative to maintain your technical ability and performance quality. You are expected to perform/demo routines and various technical skills throughout camp.
  • Choreographer: NDA conducts open auditions for staff interested in choreographing for the Summer Camp Curriculum for the upcoming year. We also have choreography camps available to you.
  • Competition Crew/Adjudicator: Throughout the competition season, you could be contacted to help work and/or judge regional competitions for NDA or other local/state organizations.
  • Recruiter: You have the ability to spread the word about our camps, competitions, events, and recruit new teams to NDA each year.

NDA Staff Benefits

  • Instructor salary.
  • Per diem to cover meals and travel expenses.
  • Exposure to choreography opportunities.
  • Marketable professional skills such as public speaking, staff and team management, to name a few.
  • Networking opportunities.
  • Learn and teach innovative NDA curriculum to athletes and facilitate team bonding.
  • Staff discount in the Varsity Store.
  • Special Event opportunities.
  • Sponsorship discounts.
  • Memories that will last a lifetime!

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I be notified if I am hired?

You will be notified by March 1st of your employment status. Staff is hired in each region based on the number of returning veteran staff and the number of camps projected for the summer. If you are selected to be an NDA Instructor, you will be sent a comprehensive packet of information that will contain paperwork and detailed information on all areas of instructing summer camps for NDA.

If hired, how will I be trained?

All NDA Instructors attend a mandatory Staff Training. This extensive meeting will cover all aspects of your job as an instructor (policies, procedures, teaching methods, safety, etc.). NDA will coordinate transportation to and from the Staff Meeting, and all meeting expenses will be paid for and/or provided.

If hired, how will I be staffed for camps?

Your availability during the summer will be the biggest factor in determining how many camps you will have on your initial schedule. We require that you be available for at least five full weeks during the summer (June through August). You will be scheduled to drive to camps within a 4-6 hour radius from your home address; we will attempt to give you as much information as possible to set up travel with other instructors. You may also be scheduled for camps outside of driving distance. If this is the case, NDA will coordinate all necessary travel for those camps. Travel is a required part of the NDA Instructor position, and you are ultimately responsible for getting yourself to and from camp. The more flexible you are, the more camps you will be scheduled for throughout the summer. Camps that grow in enrollment and the addition of Home Camps will allow you to join camps as your schedule permits.

How much will I get paid?

Your NDA hourly pay rate will be based on the state in which you are working and will be no less than the State Minimum Wage. Once at camp, all lodging and meals will be paid for by NDA. On top of your base pay, you will receive non-taxed expense money per camp for travel and additional meals. If you are asked to travel a longer distance and you go beyond the fixed amount, you will be reimbursed through an expense report. If you are scheduled for a Commuter Camp or a Home Camp, you will be housed in a hotel and given more expense money since you will need to purchase more of your meals. You will be trained on all of these procedures at Staff Meeting.

Is the NDA Instructor position year-round?

Although the summer has the heaviest volume of camps, NDA has much to offer throughout the year. Regional Championships, Classic Championships and National Championships are held all over the country, and staff members play a vital role in the success of these events. NDA also recommends staff members for judging and choreography throughout the year.

Be sure to turn in your complete paperwork and video by the deadline. We look forward to reviewing your application.

Current Staff

New NDA Staff Registration

Meet the NDA Corporate Team

Leroy McCullough

NCA & NDA Brand Manager

Leroy McCullough

NCA & NDA Brand Manager

From Fayetteville, North Carolina

Why do you love working for NDA?
``I love working for NDA because it means that I get to be a part of a team that is driven to be a source of growth for young people while striving to innovate the dance community. These things have been synonymous with the Brand, and to be a part of such a dedicated group of people is inspiring.``

What do you love to do in your free time?
``In my free time I spend time with my family, play video games with my daughter, and am currently on a mission to learn to play the guitar.``

Contact Me

Lizzy Howard

NDA Program Director

Lizzy Howard

NDA Program Director

From Boise, Idaho

Why do you love working for NDA?
``Working for NDA is one of THE most rewarding jobs there is. Watching the athletes remember the dance and life lessons you taught them in their classes year after year is extremely fulfilling. Knowing as an instructor that you made such a giant impact on their life in just a few short days is something extremely rare and special. I am grateful for the opportunities that NDA has given me to inspire athletes across the globe.``

What do you love to do in your free time?
``When I am not working or traveling with NDA, I am spending my time camping, boating, or barbecuing by the pool with my husband and my dog, Rex!``

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Shannah James

NDA Staffing Director

Shannah James

NDA Staffing Director

From Ramona, CA

Why do you love working for NDA?
``I love working for NDA because of all the opportunities it involves that make impacts, inspire growth, and have lasting experiences. I have many great memories as a high schooler going to NDA camp and as a staffer working them, that have made me passionate about what NDA does. I love that I get the opportunity to do the work that inspired me and led me to where I am today and I hope to inspire many others.``

What do you love to do in your free time?
``In my free time I enjoy working out and challenging myself physically in the sport of CrossFit. I also love coaching, choreographing and overall helping teams prepare competitively and reaching their full potential.``

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