Dance

Dean: Joseph Poshek
Academic Chair: Jennifer La Curan
Faculty: Jennifer La Curan; 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 or a dance-related field, achieve an associate degree, or pursue a certificate for immediate employment, but also on providing opportunities for those in other fields to combine interests and/or learn about how to prevent injuries, reduce stress, improve their quality of life, and technique for any movement-based endeavor. The curriculum includes technique courses in ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, tap dance, ballroom dance, Middle Eastern and African dance, and an introductory course that includes many dance genres. It also includes dance science courses in Pilates, condition and correct, yoga, GYROKINESIS®, and academic courses in choreography, music for dance, pedagogy, dance history and dance appreciation. Many of these courses meet general education requirements in the arts, health and wellness, and cultural diversity categories. There are numerous opportunities for students of all levels and interests to perform by enrolling in one of our performing groups. Participation in formal concerts is by audition and enrollment in one of the performance courses or ensembles (see below). Due to new state regulations, anyone wishing to complete an AA, Mind Body Therapy Certificate, or one of the Dance Certificates should seek the ongoing guidance of the dance faculty.

Performing Ensembles

There are two performing ensembles within the IVC Dance Department. The Performing Dance Ensemble (PDE) is for intermediate and advanced dancers who seek a pre-professional company experience. Students learn a varied and challenging repertoire that stretches them technically and artistically. Students define their career aspirations and work on their resumés and professional audition abilities. Students also learn about health issues relative to performing. The Dance Rehearsal and Performance (R&P) Group is for those interested in any genre and those performing at any level. Both groups invite dance professionals to participate in the ensembles to 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.

The certificate of proficiency in mind body therapy provides the training necessary for self-employment or entry level employment within in any organization that focuses on mind-body therapies. These holistic methods focus on the interrelationship between the various anatomical systems and the energetic self, eastern and western medicine, or mind/body/spirit connections.

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 Association. Selection is based upon the quality of the performers and the choreography of the dance.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

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

Identify, analyze and differentiate key components of dance history over multiple genres and periods.
Recognize, analyze, and demonstrate dance appreciation.
Recognize, demonstrate and interpret technical body mechanics in movement practices including but not limited to weight distribution, coordination, body alignment, musicality and spatial awareness.
Attain an understanding of theoretical and practical scientific concepts of movement.

Certificate of Achievement - Commercial Dance

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

Accurately apply and demonstrate proper dance etiquette and safety in the studio and performance space for the different genres of dance.
Recognize the fundamental components of movement by identifying and demonstrating dance techniques and utilizing terminology.
Develop and demonstrate dance artistry through performance.
Identify, demonstrate and refine the use of dynamics within movements including use of space, weight, time, and effort.

Potential Careers

Examples of careers in dance or dance-related fields include the following. Note: Some of the careers listed require further education.

Artistic Director/Rehearsal Director
Arts Administrator
Arts Advocacy Agent
Arts Council Director
Arts Lawyer
Athletic Trainer
Choreographer
College/University Educator
Costume or Lighting Designer
Dance and Arts Administration
Dance Company Manager
Dance Critic
Dance Ethnologist/Historian
Dance Instructor
Dance Medicine Osteopath
Dance Notator/Reconstructor
Dance Physical Therapist
Dance Researcher
Dance Scientist
Dance Studio Owner
Dance Therapist
Dance Writer
Grant Writer
Instructional Aide - Dance; Somatics
Mind-Body Therapy Practitioner
Nutritionist/Dietician
Physical Therapy Assistant
Producer/Talent Agent
Production Manager
Professional Dancer
Publicist
Sales/Marketing Representative
Special Events Coordinator
Stage Manager
Studio Owner
Tour Manager
Yoga/Pilates/GYROKINESIS® Instructor

Programs

Associate in Arts

Dance, AA

Certificate of Achievement

Commercial Dance, COA

Certificate of Proficiency

Catalog and Student Handbook

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