Dance, A.A.
The Associate of Arts (AA) degree in Dance (non-transfer) is available by completing the 21-23 required units in the major and all MSJC General Education Option A requirements. This two-year concentration prepares the student for the rigors of teaching within the local studio system, recreational centers, after-school programs, or in opening their own studios. Students are immersed in a comprehensive program of dance study with a focus on choreography, improvisation, performance, history, and core techniques in commercial and contemporary styles. The Certificate of Achievement in Dance is completed on the path to this degree. If interested in transfer, students should instead pursue the transfer AA in Dance.
AA.DAN
Design Your Future!
Begin by exploring MSJC program maps to find career or transfer opportunities. Program maps show the recommended course sequence that leads to graduation or transfer. The maps were developed by program experts to give you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
- Starting in Spring? Choose Fall Semester 1 courses.
- Are you a part-time student? Start Fall Semester 1 courses and follow the course sequence.
MSJC General Education Option A
| Fall Semester 1 | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL-101 | College Composition | 3 |
| MATH-115 | Ideas of Mathematics | 3 |
| DAN-100 | History and Appreciation of Dance | 3 |
| DAN-120 | Conditioning and Alignment | 1.5 |
| Select two of the following: | 4 | |
| Beginning Ballet (Select two of the following:) | ||
| Beginning Modern Dance | ||
| Beginning Jazz Dance | ||
| Beginning Hip Hop (formerly DAN-131) | ||
| Beginning Tap Dance | ||
| Units | 14.5 | |
| Spring Semester 1 | ||
| ANTH-101 | Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH-111 | Biological Anthropology Lab | 1 |
| DAN-212 or DAN-213 | Dance Production or Dance Performance | 1 |
| HIST-111 | U.S. History to 1877 or U.S. History Since 1865 or Introduction to American Government and Politics | 3 |
| DAN-125 | Choreography I | 3 |
| DAN-201 | Dances of the World | 1 |
| Select two of the following: | 4 | |
| Advanced Beginning Ballet | ||
| Advanced Beginning Modern Dance | ||
| Advanced Beginning Jazz Dance | ||
| Advanced Beginning Hip Hop | ||
| Intermediate Tap Dance | ||
| Units | 16 | |
| Fall Semester 2 | ||
| COMM-100 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| DAN-108 | Improvisation for Dance and Theater | 3 |
| DAN-214 | Dance Touring Ensemble | 3 |
| DAN-212 or DAN-213 | Dance Production or Dance Performance | 2 |
| Select two of the following: | 4 | |
| Intermediate Modern Dance | ||
| Intermediate Jazz Dance | ||
| Intermediate Ballet | ||
| Intermediate Hip Hop | ||
| Units | 15 | |
| Spring Semester 2 | ||
| DAN-225 | Choreography II | 3 |
| PE-120 or PE-112 | Beginning Yoga or Body Conditioning | 1 |
| DAN-133 | History of Popular Dance in the United States | 3 |
| DAN-115 | Pilates Mat Work 1 | 1 |
| Select two of the following: | 4 | |
| Advanced Intermediate Modern Dance | ||
| Advanced Intermediate Jazz Dance | ||
| Advanced Intermediate Ballet | ||
| Advanced Intermediate Hip Hop | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Ethnic Politics in America | ||
| Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies | ||
| Introduction to Black Studies | ||
| Black History in American Context | ||
| American Indian Literature | ||
| Latinx/Chicanx Literature | ||
| Multiethnic Literature (formerly ENGL-280) | ||
| Indigenous Peoples of California | ||
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 60.5 | |
NOTE: Higher-level dance courses can be taken by audition. Other levels of technique courses can be substituted as needed.
Note: AREA G (Math Competency) can be demonstrated by a high school math course at or above the level of Algebra 2 with a grade of C or better.
An Associate Degree in this program requires students to complete MSJC's local General Education, Option A, by fulfilling all general education areas. In addition, students must complete all major requirements and complete an overall total of 60 degree applicable units with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSJC General Education Option A | 24 | |
| Required Dance Courses | 9 | |
| Required Dance Production/Performance Courses | 3 | |
| Dance Electives | 9-11 | |
| Electives (as needed to reach 60 units) | ||
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| DAN-100/HIST-151 | History and Appreciation of Dance | 3 |
| DAN-125 | Choreography I | 3 |
| DAN-133 | History of Popular Dance in the United States | 3 |
| Required Production/Performance Courses 1 | ||
| DAN-212 | Dance Production | 3 |
| or DAN-213 | Dance Performance | |
| Elective Courses | ||
| Area A - Required Courses | ||
| Select 6-8 units from at least two different subjects/genres of dance below: | 6-8 | |
| Conditioning and Alignment | ||
| Beginning Ballet | ||
| Advanced Beginning Ballet | ||
| Beginning Modern Dance | ||
| Advanced Beginning Modern Dance | ||
| Beginning Jazz Dance | ||
| Advanced Beginning Jazz Dance | ||
| Beginning Tap Dance | ||
| Intermediate Modern Dance | ||
| Advanced Intermediate Modern Dance | ||
| Intermediate Jazz Dance | ||
| Advanced Intermediate Jazz Dance | ||
| Intermediate Ballet | ||
| Advanced Intermediate Ballet | ||
| Intermediate Tap Dance | ||
| Beginning Hip Hop (formerly DAN-131) | ||
| Advanced Beginning Hip Hop | ||
| Intermediate Hip Hop | ||
| Advanced Intermediate Hip Hop | ||
| Dances of the World | ||
| Area B - Required Courses | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Improvisation for Dance and Theater and Improvisation for Dance and Theater | ||
| Dance Touring Ensemble | ||
| Choreography II | ||
| Total Units | 21-23 | |
- 1
Units may be combined from DAN-212 Dance Production and DAN-213 Dance Performance to satisfy the 3 unit requirement in this section.
It is highly recommended that the student be enrolled in a technique class (or more than one) every semester.
Discover information about careers that interest you!
- Take a Career Quiz to learn about yourself and receive career suggestions based on your interests.
- Search available in-demand jobs in your career areas of interest and find up-to-date salaries and education requirements.
- Find the MSJC Program that connects your interests to a career.
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.