Dance
43 courses · San Jose City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
DANCE 002 Dance Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Advisory
- A solid command of the English language, particularly strong writing skills.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will explore dance from an aesthetic, historical, and cultural point of view. Students will examine the elements of dance, including body, space, time, and dynamic qualities, and develop a vocabulary with which to analyze and write critically about dance. Dance will be explored in many of its genres including social dance, jazz dance, ballet, modern, and dance from cultures around the globe from historical and contemporary perspectives. Attendance at a live dance performance may be required.
DANCE 004 Dance Pedagogy: Teaching Children Dance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 3
- Advisory
- Completion of at least two of the following courses with a C or better: DANCE 011 or DANCE 011B or DANCE 021 or DANCE 021B or DANCE 051 or DANCE 051B
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be introduced to the theories and methods of teaching dance to children. The focus of the class will be on teaching creative movement and dance technique for Pre-K and Elementary school age students in private and public settings. Students will learn how to plan developmentally appropriate and standards-based curriculum, participate in hands-on performing arts experiences, and recognize the anatomical and artistic fundamentals necessary for an effective movement class.
DANCE 006 Dance Conditioning and Injury Prevention
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 1, Lab Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will be presented with information pertaining to anatomy, kinesiology, nutrition, basic injury prevention, and self-care practices recommended for a dancer's best performance. This course will introduce students to conditioning and repatterning techniques, which may include Pilates, yoga, Bartenieff fundamentals, resistance training, myofascial release techniques, or other current practices to enhance flexibility, strength, endurance, postural alignment, balance, coordination and the mind-body connection for optimal technical ability. This course is intended for those who wish to deepen their physical practice, learn more about the human body in motion or look to become dance teachers.
DANCE 010 Ballet, Beginning 1
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Advisory
- Completion of DANCE 009 or previous dance experience
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students focus on the beginning level of ballet technique while learning classical ballet terminology through barre and centre work. Students will explore principles of alignment, port de bras, coordination, and musicality while developing strength, flexibility, control, and performance quality. The student will gain an appreciation of their unique bodies in relation to ballet as a classical art form. Students will be introduced to the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of ballet.
DANCE 010B Ballet, Beginning 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will refine the technique of beginning level ballet while deepening their application of classical ballet terminology through barre and centre work. Students will explore principles of alignment, port de bras, coordination, and musicality while developing strength, flexibility, control, and performance quality. The student will gain an appreciation of their unique bodies in relation to ballet as a classical art form. Students will be introduced to the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of ballet.
DANCE 011 Ballet, Intermediate I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 010 or DANCE 010B with C or better, or assessment based on instructor evaluation
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will develop their artistry and technique of classical ballet at the intermediate level. They apply theory and technique with attention to musicality and performance in the execution of intermediate level barre and centre combinations. The class will draw from the beginning level classes while increasing the difficulty in coordination, complexity, tempo, stamina, and the use of classical ballet vocabulary. Students will be discussing the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of ballet.
DANCE 011B Ballet, Intermediate 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 011 with C or better, or assessment based on instructor evaluation
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will continue to develop their artistry and technique of classical ballet at the intermediate 2 level. The student will apply theory and technique with attention to musicality and performance in the execution of intermediate 2 barre and centre combinations. The intermediate 2 level class will draw from the previous level classes while increasing the difficulty in coordination, complexity, tempo, stamina, and the use of classical ballet vocabulary. Students will be discussing the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of ballet.
DANCE 011C Ballet, Advanced
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 011B with C or better, or assessment based on intructor evaluation
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will continue to develop their artistry and technique of classical ballet at the intermediate 2 level. The student will apply theory and technique with attention to musicality and performance in the execution of intermediate 2 barre and centre combinations. The intermediate 2 level class will draw from the previous level classes while increasing the difficulty in coordination, complexity, tempo, stamina, and the use of classical ballet vocabulary. Students will be discussing the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of ballet.
DANCE 013A Dancers' Workshop - Student, Large Group
- Units
- 0.5-1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be involved in the dance rehearsal process which culminates in a public performance. Students participate as dancers, rehearsing and performing newly created, original student choreography. Dancers in this course will be required to perform in a large group using six or more dancers.
DANCE 013B Dancers' Workshop - Student, Small Group
- Units
- 0.5-1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be involved in the dance rehearsal process which culminates in a public performance. Students participate as dancers, rehearsing and performing newly created, original student choreography. Dancers in this course will be required to perform in a small group using three to five or more dancers.
DANCE 013C Dancers' Workshop - Student, Solo/Duet
- Units
- 0.5-1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be involved in the dance rehearsal process which culminates in a public performance. Students participate as dancers, rehearsing and performing newly created, original student choreography. Dancers in this course will be required to perform a solo or a duet.
DANCE 014A Rehearsal and Performance - Modern Dance
- Units
- 0.5-1.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be involved in the dance rehearsal process which culminates in public performances. Students participate as dancers, rehearsing, and performing newly created or restaged faculty or guest artist choreography in the modern dance genre. This class will require some evening and/or weekend commitments.
DANCE 014B Rehearsal and Performance - Jazz Dance
- Units
- 0.5-1.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be involved in the dance rehearsal process which culminates in public performances. Students participate as dancers, rehearsing, and performing newly created or restaged faculty or guest artist choreography in the jazz dance genre. This class will require some evening and/or weekend commitments.
DANCE 014C Rehearsal and Performance - Hip-Hop Dance
- Units
- 0.5-1.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be involved in the dance rehearsal process which culminates in public performances. Students participate as dancers, rehearsing, and performing newly created or restaged faculty or guest artist choreography in the hip-hop dance genre. This class will require some evening and/or weekend commitments.
DANCE 014D Rehearsal and Perfomance - Tap Dance
- Units
- 0.5-1.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be involved in the dance rehearsal process which culminates in public performances. Students participate as dancers, rehearsing and performing newly created or restaged faculty or guest artist choreography in the tap dance genre. This class will require some evening and/or weekend commitments.
DANCE 014E Rehearsal and Performance - Ballroom Dance
- Units
- 0.5-1.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be involved in the dance rehearsal process which culminates in public performances. Students participate as dancers, rehearsing and performing newly created or restaged faculty or guest artist choreography in the ballroom dance genre. This class will require some evening and/or weekend commitments.
DANCE 014F Rehearsal and Performance - Ballet
- Units
- 0.5-1.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be involved in the dance rehearsal process which culminates in public performances. Students participate as dancers, rehearsing and performing newly created or restaged faculty or guest artist choreography in the ballet genre. This class will require some evening and/or weekend commitments.
DANCE 015 Dance Team: Rehearsal and Performance 1
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 6
- Prerequisite
- Performance audition is required for all dancers.
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will be introduced to best practices as dance team performers in the commercial or entertainment industry. Students will gain technical proficiency and performance experience in jazz, hip-hop and contemporary dance styles. Performances will take place regularly at San Jose City College home athletic events, community outreach programs, and San Jose City College performing arts events. Elements of colorguard may be included. Performance schedule times are to be determined during the semester the course is offered.
DANCE 015B Dance Team: Rehearsal and Performance 2
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 6
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 015 with C or better
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will refine best practices as dance team performers in the commercial or entertainment industry. Students will gain technical proficiency and performance experience in jazz, hip-hop and contemporary dance styles. Performances will take place regularly at San Jose City College home athletic events, community outreach programs, and San Jose City College performing arts events. Elements of colorguard may be included. Performance schedule times are to be determined during the semester the course is offered.
DANCE 020 Jazz-Contemporary Dance, Beginning 1
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Advisory
- DANCE 019, or previous dance experience
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students are introduced to beginning skills and terminology of jazz dance technique. The student will integrate beginning positions, isolations, and locomotor movements into full body actions and explore movement qualities, rhythms, and musical phrasing unique to jazz dance. The students will gain an appreciation of their unique bodies in relation to jazz dance as a dynamic art form. Included in this course will be an introduction to the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of jazz dance.
DANCE 020B Jazz-Contemporary Dance, Beginning 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Advisory
- Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will refine the technique of jazz dance at the beginning 2 level while deepening their application of jazz dance terminology and rhythmic structures. The student will integrate beginning positions, isolations, and locomotor movements into full body actions and explore movement qualities, rhythms, and musical phrasing unique to jazz dance. The students will gain an appreciation of their unique bodies in relation to jazz dance as a dynamic art form. Students will be introduced to the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of jazz dance.
DANCE 021 Jazz-Contemporary, Intermediate 1
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 020 or DANCE 020B with C or better or assessment based on instructor evaluation.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will develop artistry and jazz dance technique at the intermediate level. The student will apply theory and technique with attention to musicality and performance in the execution of intermediate jazz dance combinations. The course will draw from the beginning level class while increasing the difficulty in coordination, complexity, tempo, stamina, artistry, and the use of terminology. Included in this course will be an introduction to the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of jazz dance.
DANCE 021B Jazz-Contemporary Dance, Intermediate 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 021 with C or better, or assessment based on instructor evaluation
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will continue to develop their artistry and jazz dance technique at the intermediate 2 level. The student will apply theory and technique with attention to musicality and performance in the execution of intermediate 2 jazz dance combinations. The course will draw from the intermediate level class while increasing the difficulty in coordination, complexity, tempo, stamina, artistry, and the use of terminology. Included in this course will be an introduction to the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of jazz dance.
DANCE 023 Hip-Hop Dance, Beginning 1
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course works to develop the student's artistry and technique in hip-hop dance at the beginning 1 level. The student will learn positions, isolations, gestures, traveling and jumping steps, turns, and level changes. The student will explore the syncopated rhythm and phrasing unique to hip-hop dance. The students will gain an appreciation of their unique bodies in relation to dance as an expressive art form. Attendance at a live dance performance may be required.
DANCE 023B Hip-Hop Dance, Beginning 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Advisory
- DANCE 023A
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course works to develop the student's artistry and technique in hip-hop dance at the beginning level. The student will learn positions, isolations, gestures, traveling and jumping steps, turns, and level changes. The student will explore the syncopated rhythm and phrasing unique to hip-hop dance. The students will gain an appreciation of their unique bodies in relation to dance as an expressive art form. It is recommended that students take DANCE 023A, Hip-Hop, Fundamentals, before enrolling in this course. Attendance at a live dance performance may be required.
DANCE 023C Hip-Hop Dance, Intermediate
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 023 or DANCE 023B with C or better, or assessment based on instructor evaluation
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course works to develop the student's artistry and technique in hip-hop dance at the intermediate level. Students continue to gain knowledge of hip-hop history and intermediate level positions, isolations, gestures, traveling and jumping steps, turns and level changes with increasingly more complicated patterns and weight changes. The student will explore the syncopated and polyrhythmic phrasing unique to hip-hop dance. Attendance at a live performance may be required.
DANCE 030 Dance Improvisation
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 1, Lab Hours: 2
- Advisory
- Completion of any two of the following dance courses: DANCE 010 or DANCE 011 or DANCE 020 or DANCE 021 or DANCE 050 or DANCE 051
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be introduced to the principles and practice of dance improvisation. Students will build dance literacy using the Language of Dance? motif notation to explore concepts of body, space, time, energy, relating, and rhythm as a means of generating movement. Students will learn to creatively problem solve and interpret motif scores through improvisational movement studies. Students may work in pairs or small groups to explore forms of relating and contact improvisation.
DANCE 032 Choreography
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture Hours: 1, Lab Hours: 2
- Advisory
- Completion of any two of the following dance courses: DANCE 010 or DANCE 011 or DANCE 020 or DANCE 021 or DANCE 050 or DANCE 051
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be introduced to the principles and practical applications of dance composition. Students will build dance literacy using the Language of Dance? motif notation to explore concepts of body, space, time, energy, relating, rhythm, form, and phrasing as a means to create contemporary dance choreography. Students investigate the meaning and aesthetics of movement through improvisations, solos, and small group choreography as a form of self-expression.
DANCE 034A Choreography Workshop - Large Group
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 032 with C or better, or assessment based on instructor's evaluation.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will apply concepts of dance choreography and composition to create a large group work of 6 or more dancers for public performance. Choreographers will also craft the look and feel of his/her dance through design elements of costume, lighting, set design, and music.
DANCE 034B Choreography Workshop - Small Group
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 032 with C or better, or assessment based on instructor's evaluation.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will apply concepts of dance choreography and composition to create a small group work of 3 to 5 dancers for public performance. Choreographers will also craft the look and feel of his/her dance through design elements of costume, lighting, set design, and music.
DANCE 034C Choreography Workshop - Solo/Duet
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 032 or DANCE 030 with C or better; or assessment based on instructor's evaluation.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will apply concepts of dance choreography and composition to create a solo or duet work for public performance. Choreographers will also craft the look and feel of his/her dance through design elements of costume, lighting, set design, and music.
DANCE 040 Tap Dance, Beginning 1
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be introduced to techniques of tap dance, including steps, rhythms and elements of improvisation at the beginning 1 level. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of their own physical coordination and rhythmic sense in relation to tap dance as a traditional and contemporary performing art. Attendance at a live dance performance may be required.
DANCE 040B Tap Dance, Beginning 2
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be introduced to techniques of tap dance, including steps, rhythms and elements of improvisation at the beginning 2 level. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of their own physical coordination and rhythmic sense in relation to tap dance as a traditional and contemporary performing art. Attendance at a live dance performance may be required.
DANCE 040C Tap Dance, Intermediate
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 040 or DANCE 040B with C or better, or assessment based on instructor evaluation
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will continue to learn steps, rhythms and elements of improvisation and will work to increase speed and rhythmic clarity. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of their own physical coordination and rhythmic sense in relation to tap dance as a traditional and contemporary performing art. This course works to develop the students' tap dance technique at an intermediate level. Attendance at a live dance performance may be required.
DANCE 050 Modern-Contemporary Dance, Beginning 1
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Advisory
- DANCE 049, or previous dance experience
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students develop artistry and technique of modern dance at the beginning level. The student will learn beginning positions, gestures, traveling and jumping steps, turns and level changes, and spatial orientation. The students will gain an appreciation of their unique bodies in relation to dance as an expressive art form. Included in this course will be an introduction to the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of modern dance.
DANCE 050B Modern-Contemporary Dance, Beginning 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Advisory
- Completion of DANCE 050
- Transfers to
- CSU
Students will refine the technique of modern dance at the beginning 2 level. The students will investigate beginning level sequences, integrating positions, gestures, traveling, springs, turns, level changes and spatial orientations. The students will gain an appreciation of their unique bodies in relation to dance as an expressive art form. Students will be introduced to the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of modern dance.
DANCE 051 Modern-Contemporary Dance, Intermediate 1
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 050 with C or better.
- Advisory
- Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will develop artistry and technique of modern dance at the intermediate level. The students will learn positions, gestures, traveling and jumping steps, turns, level changes and spatial orientation. The student will work towards a deeper level of artistry and expression through musicality and dynamic qualities of movement. The students will gain an understanding and appreciation of their unique bodies in relation to dance as an expressive art form. Included in this course will be an introduction to the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of modern dance.
DANCE 051B Modern-Contemporary Dance, Intermediate 2
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 051 with C or better, or assessment based on instructor evaluation
- Advisory
- DANCE 011
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students develop artistry and technique at the intermediate 2 level. The student will apply theory and technique with attention to musicality and performance in execution of intermediate 2 positions, gestures, traveling and jumping steps, turns and level changes with increasingly more complicated patterns and weight changes. Students will be discussing the aesthetic, cultural, and historical contexts of modern dance.
DANCE 064 Ballroom Dance, Beginning
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Advisory
- Completion of any two of the following dance courses: DANCE 010 or DANCE 011 or DANCE 020 or DANCE 021 or DANCE 050 or DANCE 051
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will be introduced to American and International styles of ballroom dance at the beginning level. The student will learn basic steps, rhythms, and partnering techniques of the waltz, tango, foxtrot, cha-cha, salsa, and others. Students will examine concepts of stylistic origins and modern transformations in social and historical contexts. Additionally, students will be taught proper ballroom dance etiquette. Attendance at a live performance may be required.
DANCE 065 Ballroom Dance, Intermediate
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 064 with C or better
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will continue their study of American and International styles of ballroom dance at the intermediate level. The student will learn more complex steps, rhythms and partnering techniques of the waltz, tango, foxtrot, cha-cha, salsa and others. Students will examine concepts of stylistic origins and modern transformations in social and historical contexts. Students will also continue to practice proper ballroom dance etiquette. Attendance at a live performance may be required.
DANCE 066 Intermediate Ballroom - Latin
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Advisory
- DANCE 064 or previous dance experience
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students gain in-depth instruction in the steps, rhythm, and partnering techniques of selected forms of Latin dance. Through improvisation and sequencing, students will explore the dynamics and style of various forms of Latin ballroom dances, such as: Rhumba, Cha-cha, Salsa, Mambo, and Samba. Attendance at a live performance may be required.
DANCE 067 Intermediate Ballroom - Swing
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 3
- Advisory
- DANCE 064 or previous dance experience.
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
Students will gain in-depth instruction in the steps, rhythm, and partnering techniques of selected forms of swing dance. Through improvisation and sequencing, students will explore the dynamics and style of various forms of swing dances, such as: Foxtrot, Lindy, Jitterbug, Charleston, and Jive. Attendance at a live performance may be required.
DANCE 098 Directed Study in Dance
- Units
- 0.5-9
- Hours
- Lab Hours: 2.07
- Prerequisite
- DANCE 010 or DANCE 020 or DANCE 023B or DANCE 030 or DANCE 032 or DANCE 040B or DANCE 050; all with C or better
- Advisory
- Read: 3 Write: 3 Math: None
- Transfers to
- CSU
Individual or small groups of students, with previous course work in the discipline, who would benefit from Independent Study under the direction of faculty members in specific or related disciplines, may develop individualized learning contracts designed to enhance their individual instructional programs. The students and the faculty member in consultation with the Division Dean will determine appropriate learning objectives and activities as well as the number of units to be earned. Instructions and the Learning Contract forms are available in the Division Office. Repeatable to a maximum of 9 units across all disciplines.