Dance

Program Description

Have you ever thought about a career in dance?  It’s not too late! The dance program at MSJC offers opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to pursue a career in the field of dance. Classes in various dance techniques, world dance forms, choreography, improvisation, performance, and dance history create a full program of study for the developing student. Dance techniques offered include modern dance/contemporary, jazz, ballet, hip hop, world dance forms, and tap. We look deeply into the genres we study to discover the intersections of race, class, and gender within the embodied histories of each form. Dance students enlarge their capacity to think critically and creatively, to embody compassion and sensitivity, and to build stronger, more supple and expressive bodies. 

Dance majors go on to teach, perform, choreograph, direct, become dance therapists, write dance criticism, and/or become dance historians. Get started now in an enriching field of study by following a dance pathway that leads to a Certificate of Achievement in Dance, a Transfer A.A. in Dance, matriculation to a university program, and/or jump-start into the professional arena.

Dance Department Page

Transfer Preparation

MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.  

Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.  

Related-Content Groups

(4 attempts within a related-content group/each course 1 time for credit unless otherwise noted)

Course Title Credits
Ballet
DAN-121ABeginning Ballet (formerly DAN-121)2
DAN-121BAdvanced Beginning Ballet2
DAN-128AIntermediate Ballet 12
DAN-128BAdvanced Intermediate Ballet 12
Choreography
DAN/THA-108Improvisation for Dance and Theater3
DAN-125Choreography I3
DAN-225Choreography II3
Conditioning
DAN-120Conditioning and Alignment1.5
Dance Production
DAN/MUS/THA-209 (thru SU16)
DAN-212Dance Production1-3
DAN-213Dance Performance1-3
DAN-214Dance Touring Ensemble3
DAN-216Musical Theater Production: Dance1-3
Hip Hop
DAN-131ABeginning Hip Hop (formerly DAN-131)2
DAN-131BAdvanced Beginning Hip Hop1.5
DAN-135AIntermediate Hip Hop2
DAN-135BAdvanced Intermediate Hip Hop1.5
Jazz Dance
DAN-123ABeginning Jazz Dance2
DAN-123BAdvanced Beginning Jazz Dance2
DAN-127AIntermediate Jazz Dance2
DAN-127BAdvanced Intermediate Jazz Dance2
Modern Dance
DAN-122ABeginning Modern Dance (formerly DAN-122)2
DAN-122BAdvanced Beginning Modern Dance2
DAN-126AIntermediate Modern Dance 12
DAN-126BAdvanced Intermediate Modern Dance 12
Musical Theater Production
DAN/MUS/THA-209 (thru SU16)
DAN-216Musical Theater Production: Dance1-3
MUS-216Musical Theater Production: Music1-3
THA-216Musical Theater Production: Theater 21-3
Tap Dance
DAN-124Beginning Tap Dance1.5
DAN-129Intermediate Tap Dance1.5
World Dance
DAN-201Dances of the World1
1

Repeatable 2 times for credit.

2

Repeatable 4 times for credit.

Contact Information

San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)
1-800-624-5561
Julie Freeman (951) 487-3630
jfreeman@msjc.edu

Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335
Julie Freeman (951) 487-3630
jfreeman@msjc.edu

Degrees

AA/AS Transfer Degrees

Non-Transfer Degree

Certificate

  • Develop an awareness of the history, diversity, and cultural significance of dance.
  • Apply knowledge and skills gained to new and varied situations through dance expression.
  • Discover and evaluate movement through the use of aesthetic tools gained.
  • Compose, perform and evaluate works of artistic expression.
  • Examine anatomical ideas and discover the connections required to demonstrate depth of knowledge and technical ability.

Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests!  See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.

Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.

Career/Industries CA Annual Median Salary or Range Employment Demand or Opening CA
Dancers (SM, A) $40,165 635
Choreographer (B) $53,755 398
Art, Drama, & Music Teachers, Postsecondary (M, D) $103,374 22,174*

(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)
*All Postsecondary Teaching Positions