Associate of Arts - Dance

Students completing the program will be able to... • Demonstrate intermediate/advanced mastery of a variety of dance techniques utilizing proper alignment, axial and loco motor skills, and the ability to execute intermediate/advanced performance technique. • Analyze the evolution of dance through the twentieth century, including the history of dance and other art forms. • Demonstrate the ability to design a dance composition incorporating principles of technique, choreography, music, performance, staging, and aesthetic design. • Describe the career and advanced educational opportunities available to them. • Analyze the integration of various arts and ideas in selected technical, historical, and thematic contexts for the theater, music and dance performing arts. • Demonstrate knowledge of the human body, its relationship between diet and health, and incorporate alternative movement classes to improve physical health to improve performance.

The associate in arts degree in dance is a comprehensive two-year course of study that exposes students to all aspects of the dance discipline. Students will be provided with a solid foundation in dance movement, performance and theory, as well as an opportunity to explore related types of performing arts such as drama and music. Students will improve the technical aspects of their dance technique, gain knowledge in compositional methodology, and perform in dance concerts. Students may apply this knowledge to work in areas such commercial dance, choreography, dance therapy and dance instruction. Students wishing to pursue a career in the field of dance should consider this two-year program as it provides preparation for immediate entry into some of the areas listed above and provides a basic foundation for transfer to baccalaureate degrees necessary in other dance disciplines. While most of the dance major requirements are transferable and many meet prerequisites required of dance majors, this degree is not designed as a transfer curriculum. Students may use any of the three general education patterns for this degree (DVC, IGETC, CSU GE). Students who wish to transfer to four-year institutions must consult with program faculty and college counselors to ensure that the requirements for transfer to the four-year institutions of their choice are met. Students who intend to transfer are advised to select either General Education Option 2 (IGETC) or General Education 3 (CSU GE). General Education Option 1 (DVC GE is appropriate for students who do not intend to transfer. To earn an associate in arts degree with a major in dance, students must complete each course used to meet a major requirement with a “C” grade or higher and complete all general education requirements as listed in the catalog. Certain courses may satisfy both major and general education requirements; however the units are only counted once.