Dance
39 courses · El Camino College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Winter 2027 · Spring 2027
DANC 99 Independent Study
- Units
- 1-3
- Hours
- hours to be arranged
- Formerly
- Dance 99abc
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides special advanced studies in a subject field of Dance not covered in the regular departmental offerings. Regular conferences with the instructor are coordinated with assigned Dance projects (54 hours per unit).
DANC 101 Dance Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- eligibility for ENGL 1A (now ENGL C1000)
- Formerly
- Dance 1
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a survey of styles, artists, and cultural/historical context for dance as an art form and social expression. Topics of emphasis may be varied from semester to semester to reflect visiting artists, current events and popular culture. In addition to class time, students will be required to attend selected dance events.
DANC 103 History of Dance in the 20th Century
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 3 hours lecture
- Advisory
- Dance 110 or equivalent AND Eligibility for English C1000 or equivalent
- Formerly
- Dance 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course presents dance history of the 20th century. The course will focus on trends in ballet and modern dance forms as they relate to 20th century aesthetic viewpoints. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 105 Music for Dance
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Formerly
- Dance 5
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the relationship between music and dance through an introduction to the elements of music and to historical developments in style and formal structures of music for dance. Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of rhythms for dance accompaniments.
DANC 110 Beginning Dance
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Formerly
- Dance 19ab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to basic dance techniques and terminology. It includes segments on body alignment, flexibility, strength, coordination and combinations common to ballet, jazz and modern dance. Attendance is required at selected dance events. Note: Letter grade or pass/no pass option.
DANC 120A Beginning Ballet A
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- DANC 110
- Formerly
- Dance 32ab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is the first in a sequence of two levels of ballet. This course will reinforce basic barre and center work ballet skills and is required of all dance majors. Attendance is required at selected dance events.
DANC 120B Beginning Ballet B
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DANC 120A with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is the second of two levels of Ballet Technique I and is applicable to the dance major. Barre and center work will expand upon skills learned in the first ballet technique course. Emphasis will be on simple allegro and adagio combinations. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 122 Dance Conditioning and Alignment
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture/3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Dance Conditioning and Alignment is designed to increase dance specific body awareness, placement, efficiency and performance by increasing strength, flexibility, endurance and knowledge of proper anatomical alignment. Movement exercises and sequences utilized for the course include a fusion of somatic practices, dance conditioning modalities and alignment techniques.
DANC 130A Beginning Contemporary Modern Dance A
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- Dance 110 or equivalent and eligibility for English 1A
- Formerly
- Dance 42ab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is the first in a sequence of four levels of contemporary modern dance. It focuses on the development of dance skills through contemporary modern dance movement, emphasizing combinations on the floor and standing or traveling through space. Creative expression is included through exploration of dance skills. Attendance is required at selected dance events.
DANC 130B Beginning Contemporary Modern Dance B
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Dance 130A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is the second in a sequence of four levels of modern dance. This course focuses on the continued development of dance skills through contemporary modern dance movement, emphasizing combinations on the floor and standing or traveling through space. Technical skills are reinforced through creative expression of more complex movement. Attendance is required at dance events sponsored by the Center for the Arts.
DANC 140 Jazz Dance I
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Advisory
- DANC 110 or equivalent
- Formerly
- Dance 22ab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is the first in a sequence of two levels of jazz dance. This course includes work on centering, turns, timing, flexibility, and strength training. Attendance is required at selected dance events.
DANC 161 Tap Dance I - Beginning
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Formerly
- Dance 61ab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces elementary techniques of tap dancing, including music theory concepts as they apply to the rhythms of tap dance. Attendance is required at selected dance events.
DANC 162A Beginning Hip Hop Dance A
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hours lecture/3 hours lab
- Formerly
- DANC 162
- Transfers to
- CSU
In this course students are introduced to various forms of Hip Hop dance. The history, vocabulary, social and theatrical codification of Hip Hop dance are also explored.
DANC 162B Beginning Hip Hop Dance B
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture/3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Dance 162A with a minimum grade of C or higher
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is the second level of Hip Hop Dance in which students explore various forms within the Hip Hop dance genre and continue to work on elements of Hip Hop technique including footwork, body isolation, weight distribution and retention, execution and expression of a choreographic phrase. Students will also analyze the cultural and social dimensions of Hip Hop dance and examine its historical roots.
DANC 163 Beginning Belly Dancing
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides an overview of several styles of Belly Dance Including Egyptian, Turkish, Lebanese, American Cabaret, American Tribal Style and Fusion. The study of music, art, costumes, and regional customs of each style is also a component of this class.
DANC 165 African Dance
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Formerly
- Dance 16ab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces selected dances of Africa through the practice of steps and choreography. The music and artifacts of the dances are covered, as well as their social or religious significance in African cultures. The coordination of polyrhythmic body movements with the music is emphasized. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 167 Social and Ballroom Dance
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 3 hours lab
- Formerly
- Dance 10
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course includes instruction and practice of social and ballroom dances. Basic skills on leading and following, carriage and alignment of the body, animation, and etiquette are emphasized. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 168 Latin Social Dance
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Formerly
- Dance 51ab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an overview of Latin social dances including salsa, cha cha, tango, rumba, samba, mambo, and selected folk and regional dances. Areas of study include movement theory, dance vocabulary, dance courtesy, fundamentals of music as they relate to dance, and dance history. Students will be exposed to vintage dance forms as well as current trends. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 169 Heels Dance Class
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 4 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU
Heels Dance Class celebrates the art of dancing in heeled shoes as it pertains to a fusion of dance genres from current and historical dance lineages that promote feminine gender expression. This class fosters community and inclusion while promoting equity for all students to practice expressions of femininity in the styles of Burlesque, Dancehall, Stiletto Heels Dance, Femme Hip Hop and Commercial Dance Worlds.
DANC 170 Improvisation
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Formerly
- Dance 70abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for students with all levels of dance experience. The emphasis of the class is to encourage creative development rather than technical dance skills. It is highly recommended for non-dancers and beginning choreographers. Content areas include improvisational problems organized into three main areas: space, time, and movement invention. Topics progress from individual exploration to formally structured group improvisation. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 171A Beginning Choreography A
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DANC 170 with a minimum grade of C; DANC 170 may be taken concurrently with Dance 171A
- Formerly
- Dance 171
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to fundamental skills and concepts of choreography with an emphasis on utilizing movement for solo and duets in creating dances. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 171B Beginning Choreography B
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DANC 171A with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a continuation of Choreography 171A with exploration of movement extended to small group choreography. Emphasis is on the development from solo and duet work to trio and quartets. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 183ab Dance Workshop Ensemble
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Select one of the following courses: Dance 105, Dance 110, Dance 120A, Dance 120B, Dance 130A, Dance 130B, Dance 140, Dance 161, Dance 162, Dance 164, Dance 165, Dance 167, Dance 168, Dance 170, Dance 171A, Dance 171B, Dance 220A, Dance 220B, Dance 221, Dance 230A, Dance 230B, Dance 240, Dance 250, Dance 261, Dance 262, Dance 265, Dance 268, Dance 271A, Dance 271B with a minimum grade of C in prerequisite
- Formerly
- Dance 183abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to dance performance of works in progress. Students will participate in one or more formal or informal performances as dancers.
DANC 220A Intermediate Ballet A
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DANC 120B with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Formerly
- Dance 33abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is the second of two levels of ballet offered and is applicable to the dance major. Barre and center work will expand upon skills learned in Ballet I. Emphasis will be on complexity in allegro and adagio combinations. Students will perform variations from the classical repertoire. Attendance is required at selected dance events.
DANC 220B Intermediate Ballet B
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DANC 220A with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is the last in a series of four ballet courses and is applicable to the dance major. Barre and center work will expand upon skills learned in DANC 220A. Emphasis will be on complexity in allegro and adagio combinations. Students will perform variations from the classical repertoire. Attendance is required at selected dance events.
DANC 221 Ballet Variations
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DANC 220B with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Dance 35abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course continues the development of technical skills for ballet dance and emphasizes artistic expression through exposure to classical and contemporary ballet variations including partnering and dancing en Pointe. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 230A Intermediate Contemporary Modern Dance A
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Dance 130B with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Formerly
- Dance 43abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This contemporary modern dance course is the third in a series of four levels. This is an intermediate/advanced level class that further develops the student's ability to use the body as an instrument of expression, with emphasis on performance skills, technique related to specific modern dance styles, and dance as a concert art form. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 230B Intermediate Contemporary Modern Dance B
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Dance 230A with a minimum grade of C
- Advisory
- Eligibility for English 1A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is the fourth in a sequence of four levels of contemporary modern dance. This course further develops the student's ability to use the body as an instrument of expression, with emphasis on advanced performance skills, technique related to specific contemporary modern dance styles, and dance as a concert art form. Attendance at selected dance events at El Camino College sponsored by the Center for the Arts is required.
DANC 240 Jazz Dance II
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DANC 140 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Formerly
- Dance 23abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a continuation of Jazz Dance I with increased emphasis on ease of performance, projection, speed of learning and development of individual style. It will concentrate on dance terminology and techniques required for success in professional auditions. This course is highly recommended for those seeking a career in dance performance or related theatrical fields. Attendance is required at selected dance events.
DANC 250 Introduction to Pilates
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 2 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Formerly
- Dance 21abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course covers the concepts and exercises developed by Joseph H. Pilates. Emphasis is placed on mat work that features exercises for improving body alignment, strength, flexibility, muscle control, coordination, and breathing. Exercises are designed to enhance dance technique and performance as well as to help the dancer prevent injuries.
DANC 261 Tap Dance II - Intermediate
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DANC 161 with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Formerly
- Dance 62abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students continue studying Tap Dance. Students will refine basic tap dance skills and learn more complex tap combinations that incorporate a variety of rhythms and styles. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 262 Commercial Dance
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DANC 240 with a minimum grade of C
- Advisory
- DANC 120A
- Formerly
- Dance 25abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is designed for those attending commercial auditions on a regular basis and emphasizes movement for commercial dance work used in motion pictures, concert dance, television, industrial shows, and other commercial applications. It offers instruction in current trends in popular dance, jazz styling, and commercial audition preparation. Attendance is required at selected dance events.
DANC 265 Intermediate African Dance
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DANC 165 with a minimum grade of C
- Advisory
- DANC 130A or DANC 140
- Formerly
- Dance 17abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
As a continuation of African Dance, this course will introduce new movement patterns focusing on technical skills and traditional dances that are found in African dance. The class will also explore Dunham Technique as a means for providing a basic foundation in African dance, focusing on torso movements, isolations, and feet movements. Attendance is required at selected dance events.
DANC 268 Intermediate Latin Social Dance
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DANC 168 with a minimum grade of C
- Formerly
- Dance 52abcd
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course builds on the basic vocabulary and steps of the Latin social dances including salsa, cha cha, tango, rhumba, samba, mambo, and selected folk and regional dances. Areas of study include movement theory, dance vocabulary, dance courtesy, and musical rhythms as they relate to dance and dance history. Students will be exposed to vintage dance forms as well as current trends. Attendance is required at selected events.
DANC 271A Intermediate Choreography A
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- Dance 171B with a minimum grade of C or equivalent
- Formerly
- Dance 271
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students further develop choreographic concepts and skills from Dance 171B. Methods of expanding initial movement concepts from small group to large group composition are also emphasized. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 271B Intermediate Choreography B
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 1 hour lecture, 3 hours lab
- Prerequisite
- DANC 271A with a minimum grade of C
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students will further develop choreographic concepts and skills learned in DANC 271A. Methods for expanding concepts from small groups to larger group compositions will be explored while using solo and duet composition within large ensembles. This is an advanced level of choreographic development that incorporates and synthesizes all beginning and intermediate skill levels learned. Attendance at selected dance events is required.
DANC 287abcd Concert Dance Ensemble
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 4 hours lab
- Advisory
- Intermediate/advanced level of technique in ballet, contemporary modern dance, and jazz dance.
- Formerly
- DANC 287ab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course offers students an opportunity to participate in a live concert dance production as part of an ensemble in order to learn how to work as part of a dance group with a focused objective determined by the artistic and physical demands of the choreography learned and then performed. Original choreography for this class will be taught by a faculty member with concert dance performing and choreographic experience. Student ensemble members of this class will be part of a professional adjudication process run by the American College Dance Association Conference and will be ranked on group performance quality, dynamic range, technique and communication of subject matter. Students will receive a national ranking with the possibility of performing at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. if ranked in the top 10 nationally. Students are required to pass an audition process for entrance into this class.
DANC 289abcd Advanced Dance Theatre
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 4 hours lab
- Advisory
- Dance 183AB
- Formerly
- DANC 289ab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
In this course, students utilize skills as experienced dancers, technicians and choreographers to create original dance works performed by all member of the Advanced Dance Theatre Class. During this class students will organize production and design elements for original works and implement a rehearsal plan under the direction of an experienced faculty member that will be presented in an advanced live dance production. Members of the Advanced Dance Theatre class also participate in one work each semester choreographed by a professional guest artist in order to have a pre-professional experience. Emphasis is also given to preparation for pre-professional auditions and transfer auditions to college and university BFA dance programs. Students of Advanced Dance Theatre Class will be part of a professional adjudication process run by the American College Dance Association Conference and will be ranked on their choreographic skills, execution of ideas portrayed, original concept of works presented, performance quality of performers and communication of subject matter through movement. Advanced student choreographers will receive a national ranking with the possibility of presenting their original dance works at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. if ranked in the top 10 nationally. Students are required to pass an audition process for entrance into this class.
DANC 291abcd Dance for Musical Theatre
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 4 hours lab
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course prepares students for the learning and implementation of a wide variety of dance techniques and repertoire utilized in the musical theatre genre. Students participate in a live Musical Theatre Production to enhance performance skills that integrate singing, acting and dancing. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate and be ranked on their dancing, singing and acting skills as well as their insights into character development through an adjudicated competition hosted annually by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF).