In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) plays a unique and influential role in nurturing future generations of performing artists, including performers, practitioners, designers, and technicians. Ranked 10th in the 2026 QS World University Rankings for Performing Arts and 1st in Asia, 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 graduates and its partnerships with centres of excellence locally, regionally, and internationally. Through international residencies, visiting artists, and a distinguished alumni network—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 proposed new doctoral degree, 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 Chinese Dance reports to the Dean of the School of Dance. This position entails providing pedagogic, creative and artistic leadership across all levels and courses in Chinese Dance offered by the School. Responsibilities include curriculum development for the Chinese Dance 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 Chinese Dance will be required to teach Chinese Dance specialisation related courses. The successful candidate will serve on the School’s Management Committee and lead the Chinese Dance department. The Head will be expected to play a strategic role in the further development of Chinese Dance 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 the 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:
- Advanced academic qualifications (preferably a recognised university degree) in Chinese Dance, Dance Education or an equivalent discipline;
- Normally, a minimum of eight years’ experience in teaching in Chinese Dance specialisation, including teaching at University and Master’s level;
- Substantial academic leadership and administrative/management experience in a Chinese Dance specialisation or equivalent;
- A distinguished profile and professional achievement in Chinese Dance as a performer, choreographer, educator and director;
- Strong knowledge of Chinese Dance pedagogy, technique, repertoire, performance practice and contemporary developments in dance training;
- Excellent organisational, leadership and stakeholder management skills;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work in a multicultural environment; and
- Excellent command of spoken and written English.
Additional Desirable Criteria:
- Proficiency in spoken and written Chinese; and
- Established networks within the local, Chinese Mainland and overseas Chinese Dance communities.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment will be on a two-year renewable contract, subject to performance and mutual agreement. A gratuity payment may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the full contract. 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 September 2027.
APPLICATIONS
To apply, please submit a completed Application Form (https://www.hkapa.edu/job-opportunity/head-of-chinese-dance), together with a cover letter, curriculum vitae and copies of academic qualifications, to the Human Resources Office, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, No.1 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, or email (hro@hkapa.edu) on or before 22 November 2026. The application documents should be combined into one file in PDF format. Please quote reference code ‘H(CD)’ in the Application Form. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
HKAPA is an equal opportunity employer.
Personal data collected will be used for recruitment-related purposes only.
