Academic Catalogs

Dance, Associate in Arts Degree

Banner Code: 1_AA_DANC

Control Number: 03993

Financial Aid Eligible


The degree provides students with a foundation in the theory, technique, and the aesthetics of the art of dance.  This is fulfilled through a comprehensive program of dance study in areas of core techniques, contemporary and commercial styles, choreography, performance, and world dance forms.  Students will demonstrate their proficiency through accurate technical execution, performance skills,  research papers, essays, and choreographic works.  Program assessment is measured by public performances, program completion, transferability, and periodic program review.  Students qualify to pursue a variety of dance-related careers and advanced degree options.

Program Outcomes

  1. Develop an understanding and appreciation of the art of dance and its relevance to the multicultural world we live in.
  2. Acquire the dance technical skills necessary to transfer to a university program or a similar advanced dance study program. 
  3. Implement critical thinking skills and kinesthetic awareness in their observation, analysis, and interpretation of dance performances on stage or in media.
  4. Develop dance composition and performance skills necessary to successfully transfer to a university program or a similar advanced dance study program.

Review Graduation Requirements and General Education

Course Title Units
Required Courses
Core Courses
DANC A150Dance Improvisation I1
DANC A250Dance Improvisation II1
DANC A170Music for Dancers2
DANC A143Jazz Dance III2
or DANC A243 Jazz IV
DANC A144Ballet III2
or DANC A244 Ballet IV
DANC A145Modern Dance III2
or DANC A245 Modern IV
DANC A160Dance Composition/Choreography I3
DANC A211Repertoire I3
or DANC A203 Performing Dance Ensemble I
Restricted Electives
Select four units of the following:4
Modern Dance 1
Modern 2
Pilates Mat Work
Ballet 1
Ballet 2
Pointe Work
Ballet Floor Barre and Correctives
Yoga For Dancers
Latin Dance Styles I
American Social Dance Styles
Kinesiology For Dance
Jazz Dance 1
Jazz Dance 2
Tap 1
Tap 2
Mid-Eastern Dance 1
Flamenco Dance 1
African Dance and Drumming I
Tap III
Flamenco Dance 2
Mid-Eastern Dance 2
Hip-Hop Dance I
Contemporary Commercial Dance
Latin Dance Styles II
Polynesian Dance
Polynesian Dance 2
African Dance and Drumming II
Hip-Hop Dance II
Latin Dance Styles III
African Dance and Drumming III
Hip-Hop Dance III
Hip Hop 4
Modern Dance Basics
Ballet Dance Basics
Jazz Dance Basics
Tap Dance Basics
Mexican Folklórico Dance 1
Mexican Folklórico Dance 2
Dance Wellness and Injury Prevention
Classical Technique and Variation Workshop
Appreciation Of Dance
Dance as a Profession Seminar
Movement, the Camera and the Creative Process
Dance Methodology
World Dance and Culture
Tap IV
Flamenco Dance 3
Flamenco Dance 4
Mid-Eastern Dance 3
Mid-Eastern Dance 4
Preparation for Audition - Tap
Contemporary Commercial Dance 2
Program Major Units20
OCC AA General Education and Multicultural Requirements 1,2,3up to 27
Degree-applicable electives to satisfy unit requirementVaries
Total Minimum Degree Units - OCC AA GE60
1

Some program major units may also meet GE requirements.

2

Cal-GETC pattern (up to 34 units) may be substituted.

3

Multicultural Requirement may be met with a General Education or Major course.

Plan of Study Grid
Year 1
Semester 1Units
DANC A143
Jazz Dance III
or Jazz IV
or Preparation for Audition - Jazz
2
DANC A170 Music for Dancers 1 2
OCC AA GE AREA 1A- CHOOSE ONE 3
AA GLOBAL/MULTICULTURAL REQUIREMENT- CHOOSE ONE 2 3
ELECTIVE (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 3
 Units13
Semester 2
DANC A145
Modern Dance III
or Modern IV
or Preparation for Audition - Modern
2
DANC A150 Dance Improvisation I 4 1
OCC AA GE AREA 2 - CHOOSE ONE 3-4
OCC AA GE AREA 1B- CHOOSE ONE 5 3
OCC AA GE AREA 6 - CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 2
 Units14-15
Summer
OCC AA GE AREA 4- CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 3
 Units6
Year 2
Semester 1
DANC A160
Dance Composition/Choreography I 5
or Dance Composition/Choreography II
or Dance Composition/Choreography III
3
OCC AA GE AREA 5 - CHOOSE ONE 3
AA RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 2
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 4
 Units12
Semester 2
DANC A144
Ballet III
or Ballet IV
or Preparation for Audition - Ballet
2
DANC A250 Dance Improvisation II 4 1
DANC A211
Repertoire I
or Repertoire II
or Repertoire III
or Repertoire IV
1-4
DANC A201
Rehearsal and Performance I
or Rehearsal and Performance II
or Rehearsal and Performance III
or Rehearsal and Performance IV
1
AA RESTRICTED ELECTIVES (See Requirements) 2
OCC AA GE AREA 7E THEORY- CHOOSE ONE 6 2
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 6
 Units15-18
 Total Units60-64
1

Not offered every year

2

OCC AA Global/ Multicultural required if not already taken in other GE areas, refer to AA Graduation Requirement webpage; if requirement is fulfilled, take degree applicable elective units

3

VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS

4

Only offered in Spring

5

Only offered in Fall

6

OCC AA GE AREA 7E requires a minimum of 3 units to include one course from 7E- Theory/non-activty and one course from 7E- Activity