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 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 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 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
or DANC A253 Preparation for Audition - Jazz
DANC A144Ballet III2
or DANC A244 Ballet IV
or DANC A254 Preparation for Audition - Ballet
DANC A145Modern Dance III2
or DANC A245 Modern IV
or DANC A255 Preparation for Audition - Modern
DANC A160Dance Composition/Choreography I3
or DANC A162 Dance Composition/Choreography II
or DANC A262 Dance Composition/Choreography III
DANC A201Rehearsal and Performance I1
or DANC A202 Rehearsal and Performance II
or DANC A204 Rehearsal and Performance III
or DANC A207 Rehearsal and Performance IV
DANC A211Repertoire I1-4
or DANC A212 Repertoire II
or DANC A213 Repertoire III
or DANC A214 Repertoire IV
Restricted Electives
Select four units of the following:4
African Dance and Drumming I
African Dance and Drumming II
African Dance and Drumming III
American Social Dance Styles
Ballet Dance Basics
Ballet 1
Ballet 2
Ballet Floor Barre and Correctives
Contemporary Commercial Dance
Contemporary Commercial Dance 2
Flamenco Dance 1
Flamenco Dance 2
Flamenco Dance 3
Flamenco Dance 4
Hip-Hop Dance I
Hip-Hop Dance II
Hip-Hop Dance III
Hip Hop 4
Jazz Dance Basics
Jazz Dance 1
Jazz Dance 2
Kinesiology For Dance
Latin Dance Styles I
Latin Dance Styles II
Latin Dance Styles III
Mid-Eastern Dance 1
Mid-Eastern Dance 2
Mid-Eastern Dance 3
Mid-Eastern Dance 4
Modern Dance Basics
Modern Dance 1
Modern 2
Pilates Apparatus 1
Pilates Apparatus 2
Pointe Work
Polynesian Dance
Polynesian Dance 2
Tap Dance Basics
Tap 1
Tap 2
Tap III
Tap IV
Preparation for Audition - Tap
Performing Dance Ensemble I
Performing Dance Ensemble II
Performing Dance Ensemble III
World Dance and Culture
Yoga For Dancers
Appreciation Of Dance
Classical Technique and Variation Workshop
Dance Wellness and Injury Prevention
Dance as a Profession Seminar
Dance Methodology
Movement, the Camera and the Creative Process
Program Major Units19-22
AA General Education Option 1, 2, or 3Varies
Transferable electives as needed to satisfy unit requirementVaries
Total Units60

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are general course curriculum maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. The course sequence may include course prerequisites and other placement requirements. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.

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

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 2
PSCI A180
American Government
or American Government Honors
3
OCC AA GE AREA A1- CHOOSE ONE 3
Select one of the following or satisfy Math competency (completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better): 1 3-4
Intermediate Algebra
or Combined Elementary and Intermediate Algebra
 Units13-14
Semester 2
DANC A145
Modern Dance III
or Modern IV
or Preparation for Audition - Modern
2
DANC A150 Dance Improvisation I 1
HIST A170
History of the United States to 1876
or History of the United States to 1876 Honors
or History of the United States Since 1876
or History of the United States Since 1876 Honors
3
OCC AA GE AREA A2- CHOOSE ONE 3-4
AA GLOBAL/MULTICULTURAL REQUIREMENT- CHOOSE ONE 3
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 4
 Units16-17
Summer
OCC AA GE AREA D2- CHOOSE ONE 3
 Units3
Year 2
Semester 1
DANC A160
Dance Composition/Choreography I
or Dance Composition/Choreography II
or Dance Composition/Choreography III
3
OCC AA GE AREA B (with lab)- CHOOSE ONE 4
AA RESTRICTED ELECTIVES- CHOOSE MULTIPLE (See Requirements) 4
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 4
 Units15
Semester 2
DANC A144
Ballet III
or Ballet IV
or Preparation for Audition - Ballet
2
DANC A250 Dance Improvisation II 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
OCC AA GE AREA D3- CHOOSE ONE 3
OCC AA GE AREA E1- CHOOSE ONE 2 0.5-4
ELECTIVES (DEGREE APPLICABLE) 3 4.5
 Units13-19.5
 Total Units60-68.5
1

Math A030 or higher OR take 3-4 degree applicable elective units if math competency was met through completion of High School Algebra 2 with a "C" or better; *100-level Math courses satisfy AA Math Requirement and OCC AA GE AREA A2

2

OCC AA Area E requires a minimum of 3 units to include one course from E1 and one course from E2.

3

VARIES TO REACH MINIMUM 60 DEGREE APPLICABLE UNITS

Additional Notations:

Highly recommended that students consult with Dance Faculty to determine proper placement in the correct Dance Technique levels. There may be additional prerequisites depending on placement. It is highly recommended that students – at this level- take a minimum of 2 dance technique classes each semester while pursuing this degree, and must achieve at least a level 3 in Ballet, Jazz, and Modern dance. Several courses are offered every other year, so this “map” may not line up with the semesters outlined here. We also hope students will take advantage of our World Dance forms, particularly rhythmic styles. Students are expected to perform at least once, this can be repeated each semester if a student so desires.