Engagement Assistant in Cardiff

National Dance Company Wales are looking for an Engagement Assistant to assist in running their Young Associates programmes. You’ll work alongside the Engagement Artist in the studio to promote an enthusiastic, positive and safe environment for young dancers to thrive in. This role is perfect for those who enjoy teaching, getting to know young dancers and want to learn more about leading Youth Dance.

The Engagement Assistant will work closely with the company’s Engagement Artist and visiting artists and choreographers to support the delivery of National Dance Company Wales’s Young Associates and Elevate programmes for young people aged 13 to 18. This is a practical, studio‑based role, focused on enabling high‑quality dance training through active support in working spaces. The Engagement Assistant will contribute to a positive, safe and inclusive environment for young dancers. The role includes light‑touch pastoral support, ensuring young dancers feel supported, valued and able to engage in sessions.

NDCWales is committed to creating inclusive, supportive and inspiring environments for young people. The Engagement Assistant will play a vital role in:

• Enabling a positive studio culture
• Helping all young dancers feel valued and able to participate

Duties and responsibilities

Studio and Session Support

• Assist the Engagement Artist and visiting artists in delivering engaging and high‑quality contemporary dance sessions
• Prepare the space, welcome dancers, and assist with activities
• Reinforce tasks to support dancers’ understanding
• Demonstrate movement

Practical Delivery Support

• Take class registers and undertake other basic session administration
• Lead short elements such as warm‑up or task facilitation.

Pastoral and Participant Support

• Contribute to a welcoming, inclusive and supportive atmosphere
• Provide light‑touch pastoral and wellbeing support
• Build positive, professional relationships with participants

Safeguarding and Duty of Care

• Hold a clear working knowledge of safeguarding, confidentiality and health and safety; report any concerns in line with company policy
• Liaise with the Engagement Artist regarding welfare concerns

Key Relationships

• Engagement Artist
• Visiting artists and choreographers
• Young Associate and Elevate participants
• Company dancers
• General Manager (safeguarding and HR)

Person Specification

• Training in contemporary dance or related discipline
• Strong movement ability
• Experience or interest in working with young people
• Ability to follow direction within a fast‑paced environment
• Positive, proactive and supportive
• Good communication and teamwork
• Awareness of inclusive practice
• Basic knowledge of safeguarding practice (this will also form part of your induction)
• First Aider
• Licensed Chaperone

*If not already in place, successful applicants will be supported by NDCWales to achieve these qualifications within 1 month of starting the role.

Previous teaching or assisting experience in dance

Experience supporting young people with different needs (ALN, SEN and different learning styles.)

Recent completion of safeguarding training and knowledge of the Wales Safeguarding Procedures

Ability to communicate in Welsh

Working Pattern

The schedule below covers the programme from September 2026 to May 2027. Weekly sessions take place on Sundays during term time at the Dance House. Working hours will be from 9.15am to 2.15pm, extended to 5.15pm on those days marked with an*

6, 13*, 20, 27 September 2026
4, 11*, 18, 25 October 2026
8*, 15, 22, 29 November 2026
6, 13* December 2026
10, 17*, 24, 31 January 2027
7, 21, 28 February 2027
7*, 14, 21 March 2027
11*, 18, 25 April 2027
2, 9*, 16, 23, 30 May 2027

In addition, Young Associates participants work on extended creation periods and have rehearsal and performance days that will be offered to the Engagement Assistant team on a case‑by‑case basis.

LAUNCH Creation Week 6-12 February 2027 9:45am – 5:15pm

LAUNCH Technical rehearsal and Performances 13-14 February 2027

Spring Creation week (TBC) 30 March – 2 April 2027 9:45am – 5:15pm

Terms

Engagement Assistant appointments will be offered on a variable hours contract. Rate of pay: £15.69 per hour, this includes holiday allowance, paid monthly. Employment is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check and proof of right to work in the UK and is subject to a two‑month probationary period.

Recruitment Pledge

We will contact every candidate, whether they are shortlisted for interview or not.

Equality

NDCWales aims for dance to be part of everyone’s life and presents its work in different formats and contexts across Wales and around the world. We believe diversity should be fully embedded into our organisational culture and values, and we are continuing to expand the diversity of the company and its work. To that end we are talking with and listening to people from a range of communities, to bring understanding and insight, and to identify changes we can make. Details of the action we are taking can be found in our Strategic Equality Plan.

Social Justice

Social justice, equality and fairness are at the core of everything NDCWales does. We are committed to ensuring that everyone in Wales has equal opportunity to access dance. NDCWales will seek to ensure that no one receives less favourable treatment because of having a protected characteristic. We particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented in the arts sector, and from those who experience discrimination due to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability or age.