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 while also completing lower division transfer requirements, and/or combining educational goals with other fields with dance. The major concentrates on developing the student’s technical ability to at least the intermediate level in modern and ballet. Studies in dance science such as conditioning and correct, Pilates and GYROKINESIS® help to secure longevity and marketability in the dance field by educating students on how to optimize technical abilities while simultaneously minimizing potential injuries. Students also complete courses in music for dance, choreography, dance history, and performance courses to develop their awareness of the artistry and rigor of dance. In addition, the curriculum requirements also include options of other dance technique courses in jazz, tap, ballroom Middle Eastern, African dance and improvisation. Many of the courses for the AA degree are directly transferable into the dance major program at transfer institutions. Some students who achieve the AA degree can and have utilized their training to teach and choreographer in local dance studios, community centers, open their own studios, perform, or gain access to further dance education in such areas as dance science, dance history, critical issues in dance, and dance and technology. A bachelor’s degree with a teaching certificate would allow one to become employed as an instructor at the high school level and/or have more marketability as a dance critic, dance company manager, dance author, performer, or choreographer. Many dance students combine their interdisciplinary interests by double majoring in dance and another field including: biology, psychology, anthropology, technology, music, theater, or business. Dance education at the level of a masters degree, or in some areas of dance at the doctorate level can qualify students for careers as a: dance therapist, arts administrator, arts lawyer, dance scholar, dance researcher, dance scientist, a college professor and/or once again a choreographer or performer. Students can also obtain vocational certificates in various body therapies such as Pilates, Yoga and GYROKINESIS®. Dance is a highly competitive field. Factors related to success are highly variable as related to criteria that is both objective and subjective in nature. For example, technical and performance abilities are assessed in auditions while susceptibility to injuries is often assessed both medically and through visual analysis of technique.
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