Associate in Arts (Dance), Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, California

24 Months

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About this course

The Dance program is designed to prepare students for university transfer and offers dance training and enrichment suitable for both beginners and advanced dancers. It features a comprehensive curriculum that nurtures versatile dance artists by focusing on technique, creativity, and performance skills. The program encourages independent thinking, valuing creative thought and diversity, while fostering a sense of global citizenship. Students will develop an understanding of dance's cultural and historical contexts, analyze dance works and artists, and implement critical thinking through creative movement and performance. The goal is to equip students for careers in performance, choreography, and teaching by providing a broad range of dance classes that build technical, creative, and analytical skills.

Why this course is highly recommended

This program is highly recommended for serious dance students aiming for university transfer or specialized careers in dance. Its broad curriculum covers multiple dance styles and performance opportunities, preparing students for future roles in performance, choreography, or education. The inclusion of community outreach, performance projects, and advanced coursework supports skill development and professional readiness. The course emphasizes cultural appreciation, creative expression, and technical mastery, making it ideal for students committed to pursuing dance at a higher academic or professional level.

Specialisation

The program offers a diverse range of dance styles including ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, world dance, Mexican dance, Flamenco, African dance, Salsa, Brazilian dance, Middle Eastern dance, Asian Pacific dance, and more. Students can focus on performance, choreography, or technical mastery across these styles, with opportunities for performance projects, repertory, and community outreach. There are also foundational and advanced courses in ballet and modern dance, preparing students for stage performance and potential transfer to baccalaureate programs. Elective and repertoire courses allow for further specialization in global dance forms and performance techniques.

Course fees

Application fees

9.33L

1st year tuition fees

9.33L

Living cost

Degree requirements

The program combines a pathway for an Associate in Arts (AA) degree with the option of a Certificate of Achievement. It includes core courses such as dance history, fundamental dance techniques, choreography, and performance classes, along with general education and global citizenship requirements. Students are encouraged to meet with academic counselors to develop personalized plans that align with transfer goals and graduation requirements.

English language test

IELTS

TOEFL

PTE

DUOLINGO

Career prospects

Graduates can pursue careers in performance as dancers, choreographers, or dance educators. The program prepares students for stage performances, community outreach projects, and professional choreography. Many students may also work in arts management, dance instruction, or contribute to cultural preservation through various dance forms. Performance opportunities and industry navigation skills are integral parts of the curriculum, supporting students in establishing successful careers in diverse dance-related fields.

FAQs

Are performance experience and choreography emphasized in this program?

Yes, students participate in performance classes and choreography courses, gaining hands-on experience with staging, repertory, and artistic expression.

What types of dance styles can I learn in this program?

You can explore ballet, modern, jazz, hip-hop, world dance, Mexican dance, Flamenco, African dance, Salsa, Brazilian dance, Middle Eastern dance, Asian Pacific dance, and more.