Skip to Content


Dance

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degree

A.A. in Dance

This degree provides an educational and practical foundation for students pursuing a professional career in dance. It is designed to create avenues toward further study and employment in educational dance, choreography, cultural dance, and dance performance. Topics include cultural dance forms, intermediate dance technique, performance studies, and nutrition. Students interested in transferring to a four-year college should meet with a counselor to determine the appropriate coursework.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
Cultural:
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
DANCE 300 Diverse Cultures in Dance (1)
DANCE 301 Belly Dancing (1)
DANCE 302 African Dance (1)
DANCE 304 Polynesian Dance I (1)
DANCE 305 Hawaiian Dance I (1)
DANCE 306 Polynesian Dance II (1)
DANCE 307 Hawaiian Dance II (1)
DANCE 326 Ballet: Variations and Combinations (2)
DANCE 352 Urban Hip Hop II (1)
DANCE 353 Urban Hip Hop III (1)
DANCE 360 Tap Dance I (1)
Technique:
A minimum of 8 units from the following: 8
DANCE 312 Jazz Dance II (1)
DANCE 313 Jazz Dance III (1)
DANCE 314 Jazz Dance IV (1)
DANCE 315 Jazz Dance V (1)
DANCE 321 Ballet II (1)
DANCE 322 Ballet III (1)
DANCE 323 Ballet IV (1)
DANCE 324 Ballet V (1)
DANCE 332 Modern Dance II (1)
DANCE 333 Modern Dance III (1)
DANCE 334 Modern Dance IV (1)
DANCE 335 Modern Dance V (1)
DANCE 341 Ballroom Dance II (1)
DANCE 342 Ballroom Dance III: Club Dancing (1)
DANCE 343 Ballroom Dance IV: Latin (1)
DANCE 344 Ballroom Dance V: Swing (1)
DANCE 345 Ballroom Dance VI: Tango (1)
DANCE 361 Tap Dance II (1)
DANCE 362 Tap Dance III (1)
DANCE 363 Tap Dance IV (1)
DANCE 377 Musical Theatre Dance I (2)
DANCE 390 Contemporary Dance I (1)
DANCE 401 Pre-Pointe and Conditioning (1)
Choreography:
A minimum of 2 units from the following: 2
DANCE 403 Choreographic Studies (2)
Production:
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
DANCE 415 Dance Production: Rehearsal and Backstage Organization (3)
DANCE 416 Dance Production: Choreography and Costumes (3)
DANCE 417 Dance Production: Studio and Stage (3)
Performance:
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
DANCE 430 Jazz Dance Performance Group (3)
DANCE 431 Performance Group: SunDance Project (3)
DANCE 432 Dance Performance: Contemporary Dance Alliance (3)
Total Units: 18

The Dance Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See ARC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • describe the basic structure of the human body and its potential for movement
  • recount the historical and personal significance of cultural dance
  • list the educational requirements for employment as a dance educator
  • compare the standards of class etiquette required for participation in ballroom, urban Hip Hop, modern, and ballet dance courses
  • discuss the level of training and commitment required for a concentration in dance performance
  • evaluate current trends, philosophies, and companies in professional dance
  • examine twelve areas for improvement in performance level
  • justify the importance of visualization, creativity, and critical feedback in dance education
  • demonstrate the necessary technique and performance skill for audition into a four-year institution or application to entry level employment in a professional dance setting
  • notate choreography and transpose from video into movement

Career Information

This degree is designed for those pursuing a career in professional dance. It prepares dancers for entry-level positions and for transfer to four-year colleges and universities.