HEAD OF BALLET

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts plays a unique and influential role in nurturing future generations of performing artists, including performers, practitioners, designers, and technicians. As a QS global Top 20 ranked institution, the Academy and its Schools of Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts—form a vibrant centre of practice, production, teaching, and practice-as-research. Its outstanding reputation is reinforced by the quality of its performers and its partnerships with other centres of excellence locally, regionally, and internationally. Through international residencies, visiting artists, and alumni—including some of the most respected professionals in their disciplines, the Academy is committed to training future world-class performers and practitioners.

The School of Dance offers full-time programmes from sub-degree Diploma to MFA level, and a new doctoral degree (expected 2027), together with its part-time Gifted Young Dancer Programme. In keeping with its conservatoire status, the School's philosophy is centred around performance practice and reflects the unique cultural mix of Hong Kong, emphasising both Chinese and Western traditions. Our graduates are versatile and work across genres/styles, media and forms; and the integration of core contextual knowledge and performance practice as theory and practice forms the uniqueness of the School's programmes.

The Head of Ballet reports to the Dean of the School of Dance.  This position entails providing pedagogic, creative and artistic leadership across all levels and courses in Ballet offered by the School. Responsibilities include curriculum development for the Ballet programmes and the selection and development of repertoire for public performances and tours.  Additionally, the Head will provide administrative support to the Dean in matters of scheduling, course evaluation, assessment, student mentoring, committee work, staff development, and planning.

The Head of Ballet is required to teach Ballet specialisation related courses such as Ballet Technique and at least one of the following areas: Dance Pedagogy or Ballet Pedagogy, Pointe Work, Male Technique, Ballet Repertory, Partnering, Creative Work, Dance History or Ballet History.  The successful candidate will serve on the School’s Management Committee and lead the Ballet department.  The Head will be expected to play a strategic role in the further development of Ballet within the School, aligning with the Academy’s new strategic plan and School priorities, particularly concerning research in practice-based programmes.

The Head will also be committed to fostering strong connections with professional dance community at local, regional and international levels, engaging in professional development, and staying current with trends in professional dance training and scholarship.  Additional duties may be assigned by the Dean from time to time.

Applicants should have: 
(a) Advanced-level academic qualifications in dance studies (preferably with a postgraduate qualification); and normally a minimum of eight years' experience in teaching in Ballet specialisation, including teaching at University and Master’s level;
(b) Substantial academic leadership and administrative/management experience in a Ballet specialisation or equivalent;
(c) Proven ability to be a team player and leader within a programme;
(d) Demonstrated commitment to the scholarship of learning and teaching, as well as practice-based research;
(e) Strong dedication to the integration of theory and practice within curriculum content and employing innovative teaching practices, including e-learning;
(f) Solid understanding of Ballet teaching and performance practice, and current developments in the discipline, particularly as they relate to practice-based research;
(g) Experience in curriculum design and writing;
(h) Excellent command of spoken and written English.

Additional Desirable Criteria:
(a) Experience in teaching in a multi-cultural context;
(b) Fluency in spoken and written Chinese.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT 
Appointment will be on a two-year renewable contract, subject to performance and mutual agreement.  A gratuity payment equals up to 15% of the total basic salary earned during the contract period, may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the full contract. The amount of gratuity payable will be the sum which, when added to the Academy’s contribution to a Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme as required by the MPF Schemes Ordinance, that equals 15% of the total basic salary drawn during the contract period. Fringe benefits include leave, medical, and dental benefits. The starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A non-accountable Cash Allowance will be provided to the eligible appointee. The expected commencement date will be 1 September 2026.