Dance
Associate in Arts Dance · San Jose City College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Description
The Associate in Arts in Dance degree will prepare students for transfer into a four-year dance major, minor, or performing arts program. It can also prepare students for further study in other dance-related fields including performing, dance teaching, choreography, dance science, dance therapy, dance history, or dance criticism. Upon completion of the degree, students will be proficient in three or more dance technique styles at the intermediate level, have a firm understanding of dance appreciation and music theory, and be competent in creating and performing dance.
The Associate in Arts in Dance degree course of study requires a sound foundation of ballet, jazz, and modern dance technique. Students must pass or test out of DANCE 010, DANCE 020, and DANCE 050 prior to beginning the required coursework for this degree. A minimum of 3 courses in the dance major must be taken at San José City College.
A grade of "C" or better is required for each course in the major or area of emphasis. A "P" (Pass) grade is an acceptable grade for courses in the major or area of emphasis if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.
CAREER OPTIONS:
- Dance Teacher
- Choreographer
- Dance Performer
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply proper posture, alignment, body organizations, vocabulary, and performance quality to a variety of dance techniques.
- Discuss the aesthetics and composition of dance as an expression of self and culture.
- Critically compare various dance genres on the basis of movement and historical context.
- Perform original dance choreography in class or for live public performances.
- Create dance choreography using the principles of composition for in class demonstration or live public performance.
Requirements
Students must pass or test out of Dance 010, Dance 020 and Dance 050 prior to beginning the required coursework for this degree.
Major Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | 8.5-10.5 | |
| DANCE 002 | Dance Appreciation | 3 |
| DANCE 030 | Dance Improvisation | 1.5 |
| MUSIC 091 | Music Appreciation: Western Civilization | 3 |
| THEAT 033 | Technical Theatre in Production (For this degree, THEAT 033 must be completed for 3 units) | 1-3 |
| Required Technique Courses | 7 | |
| DANCE 011 | Ballet, Intermediate I | 1 |
| DANCE 011B | Ballet, Intermediate 2 | 1 |
| DANCE 011C | Ballet, Advanced | 1 |
| DANCE 021 | Jazz-Contemporary, Intermediate 1 | 1 |
| DANCE 021B | Jazz-Contemporary Dance, Intermediate 2 | 1 |
| DANCE 051 | Modern-Contemporary Dance, Intermediate 1 | 1 |
| DANCE 051B | Modern-Contemporary Dance, Intermediate 2 | 1 |
| Elective Technique Courses | 1.5 | |
| Complete any combination totaling at least 1.5 units from the following: | ||
| DANCE 023B | Hip-Hop Dance, Beginning 2 | 1 |
| DANCE 023C | Hip-Hop Dance, Intermediate | 1 |
| DANCE 040B | Tap Dance, Beginning 2 | 0.5 |
| DANCE 040C | Tap Dance, Intermediate | 0.5 |
| DANCE 064 | Ballroom Dance, Beginning | 0.5 |
| DANCE 065 | Ballroom Dance, Intermediate | 0.5 |
| DANCE 066 | Intermediate Ballroom - Latin | 1 |
| DANCE 067 | Intermediate Ballroom - Swing | 1 |
| Approved Major Electives | 4 | |
| Complete any combination totaling at least 4.0 units from the following: | ||
| DANCE 004 | Dance Pedagogy: Teaching Children Dance | 3 |
| DANCE 013A | Dancers' Workshop - Student, Large Group | 0.5-1 |
| DANCE 013B | Dancers' Workshop - Student, Small Group | 0.5-1 |
| DANCE 013C | Dancers' Workshop - Student, Solo/Duet | 0.5-1 |
| DANCE 014A | Rehearsal and Performance - Modern Dance | .5-1.5 |
| DANCE 014B | Rehearsal and Performance - Jazz Dance | .5-1.5 |
| DANCE 014C | Rehearsal and Performance - Hip-Hop Dance | .5-1.5 |
| DANCE 014D | Rehearsal and Perfomance - Tap Dance | .5-1.5 |
| DANCE 014E | Rehearsal and Performance - Ballroom Dance | .5-1.5 |
| DANCE 014F | Rehearsal and Performance - Ballet | .5-1.5 |
| DANCE 032 | Choreography | 1.5 |
| DANCE 034A | Choreography Workshop - Large Group | 1 |
| DANCE 034B | Choreography Workshop - Small Group | 1 |
| DANCE 034C | Choreography Workshop - Solo/Duet | 1 |
| Total Units | 23 | |
AA Degree Requirements
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements | 23 | |
| General Education Requirements | 34 | |
| Degree Applicable Electives | 3 | |
| Complete two courses for the U.S. History, Constitution, and American Ideals Requirement (US-1, US-2, and US-3) | ||
| Total Units | 60 | |