Shape Up NYC Instructor Training Application

Deadline: August 7, 2025

The application period for this instructor training program is closed. Please check back later for more opportunities.

This Fall, NYC Parks will offer a comprehensive 12-week training program held twice a week (1 in-person and one virtual). This program is designed to teach individuals to become Dance Fitness instructors and volunteer for Shape Up NYC. Topics will include anatomy and physiology, choreography, cueing, injury prevention, and special populations. After 12 weeks of training and passing an evaluation, participants will get practical experience during a six-month internship by leading a 45-minute Dance Fitness class once a week. Upon a successful completion of the internship- participants will graduate and receive an NYC Parks Certificate of Completion (this is not a nationally credited certification).

Please note: This training will be geared towards developing instructors to specifically teach Dance Fitness classes. Applying for this program does not guarantee entry- space is limited. If you are interested in teaching bodyweight circuit training, please contact our Shape Up NYC team to sign up to be informed of upcoming instructor opportunities!

Qualifications

Must be currently attending and enthusiastically participating in group fitness classes in the format of dance fitness. Prior exercise instruction experience is not required (though, preferred), but a commitment to consistently taking exercise classes as part of your personal fitness routine is required.

Commitment

The following list of commitments is 100% mandatory.

The FIT program requires a commitment of at least nine months and includes:

• 12 weekly, 2 hour in-person training sessions
• 12 weekly, 1-hour virtual session
• Approximately 2-3 hours a week of individual practice and study
• 6-month teaching internship (1 class weekly) upon completion of the formal training sessions