Skip to main content
NDEO logo 
HomeInternships

Internships at the National Dance Education Organization

 
The National Dance Education Organization offers interns the opportunity for a hands-on immersive experience in arts administration at our national office located just outside of Washington, D.C. in Silver Spring, Md.

NDEO is not currently accepting internship applications, and the internship program is on pause due to the covid-19 pandemic.
 

Who Should Apply

Internships are designed for highly motivated, independent, and mature graduate and undergraduate students and young professionals who seek to understand dance arts education in relation to the national agenda of educational reform and have an interest in arts non-profit management. Candidates should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills and be ready to work in a collaborative environment. A dance or arts background is preferred but not required.
 

What to Expect

All NDEO interns will gain experience with the day-to-day operations of a non-profit member services organization. Based on interest and career goals and NDEO’s current needs and projects, each intern will develop an individualized work plan with NDEO staff for the duration of their internship. Past interns have:
  • Spearheaded, prepared, and submitted a successful Arts Works grant application to the National Endowment for the Arts
  • Reviewed current research on how dance impacts learning in K-12 and was a primary writer on a major research project published by NDEO
  • Researched, piloted, and aided NDEO staff in selecting a mobile app vendor for NDEO National Conference
  • Analyzed the dance education marketplace and existing NDEO programs to develop a recommendation and marketing plan for a new member benefit
Successful interns are given considerable leeway to develop, implement, and bring to successful completion projects of significant magnitude and importance. By the end of their internship, interns have had their hands on the pulse of dance arts education in the United States and have developed a valuable understanding of the ins and outs of arts administration and non-profit management.

NDEO accepts part time and full time interns. Part time interns work 15-20 hours a week; full time interns work 28 hours a week. The NDEO office is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Internship schedules may be individualized to accommodate other commitments and will be set with the internship advisor prior to the start of the internship.

How to Apply

Send the following to bloikow@ndeo.org:
  • Cover letter with brief personal statement and outline of career goals
  • Current resume citing the following: dance background, education, work experience, and relevant skills (computer skills, customer service, etc.)
  • Two academic and/or professional letters of reference
  • A writing sample

Application Dates

Internships typically are offered by semester: Fall (September-December), Spring (February - May), and Summer (June-August). However, applications may be accepted on a rolling basis as space permits. NDEO generally accepts only one intern per semester.
 

Program Benefits

Leadership

Interns will have the chance to work closely with all staff members, including the Executive Director. As the leading organization championing dance education in the arts, NDEO is at the forefront of national work in dance education, and interns are often invited to accompany staff to events and conversations of national importance. Based on the calendar and resources available, interns may be invited to attend and play a role in significant events including, but not limited to, NDEO National and Special Topic Conferences and Arts Advocacy Day.

Career Support

Staff are available to offer career guidance, conduct informational interviews, and review resumes. Successful interns have had NDEO staff write references for graduate school and job applications. As the largest membership organization for dance educators, NDEO has broad reach across the field and is happy to put interns in touch with NDEO members according to career goals and interests.

Membership

Interns receive a one-year complimentary membership to NDEO with full access to member benefits and the opportunity to engage with our wide member base to further their own careers in dance education.

Academic Support

Interns may receive university credit for NDEO internships. Staff are available as needed to communicate with academic advisors, review program-related assignments, and complete any necessary evaluations. If you are receiving academic credit for your internship, please make this clear in your application materials.

Financial Support

NDEO internships are paid. Housing and transportation are the responsibility of the intern. The NDEO office is within short walking distance of the Silver Spring Metro stop (red line).