JOB: Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance pre-1900

[Olivia Sabee]

The Department of Dance at Swarthmore College invites applications for
a three-year full-time visiting appointment at the level of Assistant
Professor to begin in Fall 2026. We welcome applications from
specialists in the history of dance practices in Europe and the
Americas prior to 1900, with a special interest in specialists of the
Renaissance or 18th century. We seek candidates committed to
excellence in both undergraduate teaching and scholarly research and
who contribute to diverse and inclusive communities. Successful
candidates will be well-situated to teach special topics courses in
their areas of expertise as well as in our core Dance Studies courses,
including the course “Performance in Early Modern Europe.” They will
also be prepared to teach studio practice courses in either ballet or
contemporary modern dance, advise students in the dance major, and
contribute to teaching and advising Dance students in the Honors
Program.

Visiting faculty teach the same 2-2 course load as tenure-track
faculty, are provided mentoring and professional development
opportunities, and are eligible for funds to support research and
conference travel. The salary is highly competitive.

The Department of Dance is close-knit, collaborative, and
student-centered, and embraces a global focus to dance research and
dance making.  Over 300 students at Swarthmore enroll in Dance each
semester, and 5-8 students graduate each year in the Dance Major and
Minor. Additional information about the Department of Dance can be
found at http://www.swarthmore.edu/dance.

Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia and near Wilmington DE,
Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college whose
mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore
has a strong institutional commitment to non-discrimination and equal
opportunity. We welcome applications from all candidates with
exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable
experience effectively supporting, teaching, and engaging a highly
diverse student body. For more information available to all faculty at
Swarthmore, see
https://www.swarthmore.edu/provosts-office/welcome-to-provosts-office

Qualifications

Qualifications include a Ph.D. in dance studies or related discipline
in hand by August 2026, a passion for teaching and mentoring
undergraduate students of diverse backgrounds and identities, and the
potential for innovative and impactful scholarship.

Application Instructions

Applicants should include a cover letter describing their interest in
Swarthmore College, a curriculum vitae, teaching and research
statements, one or two syllabi, and three letters of recommendation.
The teaching statement should describe the applicant’s interests in
teaching at an undergraduate institution, previous teaching
experience, and approach to teaching and mentoring students from
diverse backgrounds. The research statement should describe the
applicant’s program of research (including research interests, recent
and current research, and anticipated areas for future work).
Optional: Applicants may also include a video of studio teaching, a
rehearsal, or dance performance that demonstrates their ability to
teach in a studio setting.

At least one letter of recommendation should comment specifically on
teaching. Applications will not be considered until letters of
recommendation have been submitted.  Please address any questions you
may have to departmental Academic Coordinator, Susan Grossi at
sgro...@swarthmore.edu

Applications should be submitted at apply.interfolio.com/180529 . All
applications received by February 13, 2026 will receive full
consideration, and review of applications will continue until the
position is filled.