Dance

Dean: Joseph Poshek
Academic Chair: Katherine Milostan-Egus
Faculty: Kathryn Milostan-Egus

Courses

The dance curriculum focuses not only on training the student who wishes to transfer to a four-year institution in dance, achieve an associate degree, or pursue a certificate for immediate employment in the entertainment market, but also on providing opportunities for students in other fields to learn about dance. There are numerous opportunities for students of all levels and interests to perform by enrolling in the dance rehearsal and performance class or participating in one of the performing groups. The curriculum includes technique courses in ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, tap dance, ballroom dance, Middle Eastern and African dance; an introductory course in various dance forms; Pilates and dance conditioning courses; and academic courses in choreography, music for dance and dance history. Many of these courses meet general education requirements in the arts, health and wellness, and cultural diversity categories. Participation in formal concerts is by audition and enrollment in the dance rehearsal and performance class. Due to new state regulations, anyone wishing to complete an AA or a Dance Certificate should seek the ongoing guidance of the dance faculty.

IVC Performing Dance Ensemble

This ensemble is for intermediate and advanced dancers who are serious about performing. Students learn a varied and challenging repertoire that stretches them technically and artistically. They participate in the creation of new works and have the chance to grow in the interpretation and execution of choreography by performing the same repertoire in several shows each semester. Students work on their resumés, define their career aspirations, and prepare a promotional package. Students also learn about health issues relative to performing. Invited professionals participate in the program, sharing their experiences in all aspects of the dance profession.

Major

The associate degree in dance is designed for students who are preparing to audition for admission into a dance program at a four-year institution or for those wanting to pursue dance as a career. The major concentrates on developing the student’s technical ability to at least the intermediate level in modern dance, ballet and jazz dance. Students also complete courses in music for dance, choreography, dance history, conditioning for dance, and dance rehearsal and performance to develop their awareness of the artistry and rigor of dance. To fulfill the unit requirement for the major, students may choose among courses in tap, African and/or ballroom dance.

The certificate of achievement in commercial dance is designed for students seeking professional dance opportunities in the entertainment field. This comprehensive program trains the student in a variety of dance techniques coupled with vocal and acting courses. Training sessions/workshops with a number of the performance-based entertainment agencies will allow students to have an insider’s understanding of the demands of the industry.

The certificate of proficiency in dance technique is designed for students interested in vocational opportunities in the local entertainment job market. The program allows students to study a variety of dance techniques and styles to prepare them to audition at any of the numerous performance-based entertainment venues in the region or pursue further study.

Each year both faculty and students are selected to participate in various choreographic and performance festivals, competitions and events, such as the American College Dance Festival. Selection is based upon the quality of the performers and the choreography of the dance.

Ballet classes can be taken for transfer credit for a total of four semesters. For the AA degree or any dance certificate, Ballet II is required. In those cases, Ballet I should be taken a maximum of three times for transfer credit. Please see one of co-chairs before enrolling in Ballet for the second time.

Modern classes can be taken for transfer credit for a total of four semesters. For the AA degree or any dance certificate, Modern II is required. In those cases, Modern I should be taken a maximum of three times for transfer credit. Please see one of co-chairs before enrolling in Modern for the second time.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the dance program, students will be able to

Analyze, evaluate, and correlate various dance vocabulary, observations of dance performances, artistic and/or historical concepts and movement principles.

Certificate of Achievement - Commercial Dance

Upon completion of the program in commercial dance, students will be able to

Analyze, evaluate, and correlate the dance techniques from various commercial dance genres in order to be able to interpret and perform them at a proficiency level relevant to the professional commercial dance field.

Potential Careers

Examples of careers in dance or dance-related fields include the following:

Anthropologist
Artistic Director
Arts Advocacy Agent
Arts Council Director
Arts Lawyer
Certified Pilates, GYROKINESIS or yoga instructor
Child Development
Choreographer
Costume or Lighting Designer
Dance Accompanist
Dance and Arts Administration
Dance Company Manager
Dance Critic
Dance Historian
Dance Instructor
Dance Kinesiologist
Dance Notator
Dance Scientist
Dance Studio Owner
Dance Therapist
Dance Writer
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Production Manager
Professional Dancer
Publicist
Sales/Marketing Representative
Special Events Coordinator
Stage Manager
Talent Agent
Tour Manager

Programs

Associate in Arts

Dance, AA

Certificate of Achievement

Commercial Dance, COA

Certificate of Proficiency

Dance Technique, COP

Catalog and Student Handbook

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