The Dance certificate program trains students for positions in the commercial and artistic areas of dance. Graduates of the program would be qualified as instructors with an emphasis in one of the following: ballet, modern, jazz, tap and world dance forms in private studios, recreation or other community dance programs. The Dance Department also recommends that students complete their General Education Requirements for an Associate Degree.

Students are able to apply principles of movement and creativity to all forms of dance, demonstrate skills of instructing dance to communicate through movement and words, and apply information learned in other disciplines to the art form of dance.

Instruction will utilize both classroom work, using a variety of instructional methods (lecture, lab/demonstration, independent and group projects) and internship experiences in business/industry to prepare the student for job requirements.

Program Outcomes

1. Communicate proper dance technique effectively through movement demonstration and verbal cueing, using appropriate corresponding terminology and safety measures.
2. Successfully teach and perform in one or more of the following styles, including but not limited to: Modern dance, Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop or Contemporary dance.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing. 

Some courses in this program may be offered once per academic year.