Associate of Arts (Dance )

The Associate of Arts Degree (AA) in Dance is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year university to major or minor in dance. A comprehensive dance education will develop skills required to create, perform, communicate and understand dance. These skills are acquired through the study of modern dance, ballet technique, jazz technique, performance, as well as production, dance appreciation, music appreciation, and composition. Demonstrate a working knowledge of production techniques, including backstage, and show management. Compose a dance demonstrating knowledge of the choreography process. Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation for the principal historical, theoretical, and critical approaches to dance as a performing art. Demonstrate the skills required to perform at a proficient level in a variety of dance styles including ballet, jazz, modern. Implement critical thinking skills and kinesthetic awareness in their observation, analysis and interpretation of dance performances on stage or in media. Develop dance composition and performance skills to successfully transfer to a university program or similar advanced dance study program.

Career Path

Employment opportunities in the field are numerous and include areas such as: 1. Performance: Dance or performance artist 2. Education: Dance instructor, dance studio owner, somatic educator (i.e., Yoga, Pilates, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais) 3. Administration/Management: Artistic director, rehearsal director, dance company manager, arts administration/management 4. Dance Medicine: Dance and physical therapist, dance kinesiology 5. Specializations: Choreographer, dance notator, dance critic, dance historian, dance researcher.