SAC Dance Department
Department Chair: Heather Gillette, Professor of Dance
Our Mission
DISCOVER....DIRECT.....DISCIPLINE.....DETERMINATION
The mission of the Dance Department at Santa Ana College is to be a leader and partner meeting the intellectual, cultural, technological, workforce and economic development needs of our diverse community. Students will develop skills in speaking, writing, critiquing, analyzing and problem solving in the areas of dance technique, choreography and performance, dance cultures and history, while developing an understanding of dance as an aesthetic art form and a means of artistic expression. These skills prepare students for completion of the Dance Certificate and/or AA Degree in Dance for transfer, both leading to employment and careers in the field of dance such as educators, performers, choreographers, company directors, studio teachers, production managers/technicians, critics, health fitness instructors, and somatic practitioners.
Degrees & Certificates Offered
Program Learning Outcomes:
Competency and experience in the creation and presentation of public performances of dance
Possess proficient skills and technique in modern dance and ballet, with competency in jazz dance, enabling students to transfer as juniors to a 4-year college dance program
Develop a clear understanding of the interaction between choreographer, performer and audience and the areas of lighting, costume and set designers through the creation and presentation of public performances in dance
Demonstrate competencies in choreographic processes that support the development of creative and collaborative projects and/or performances
Possess the skills necessary to critically analyze and review, both orally and in writing, the concepts, aesthetic qualities and history of dance
Demonstrate knowledge of the historical and scientific dimensions of dance, to give depth and perspective to the performance and pedagogical aspects of the dance discipline
Program Learning Outcomes:
Competency and experience in the creation and presentation of public performances of dance
Possess proficient skills and technique in modern dance, ballet, jazz and hip-hop dance, plus competency in other forms, enabling students to pursue a professional dance or dance studio owner career
Develop a clear understanding of the interaction between choreographer, performer and audience and the areas of lighting, costume and set designers through the creation and presentation of public performances in dance
Demonstrate competencies in choreographic processes that support the development of creative and collaborative projects and/or performances
Possess the skills necessary to critically analyze and review, both orally and in writing, the concepts, aesthetic qualities and history of dance
Demonstrate knowledge of the historical and scientific dimensions of dance, to give depth and perspective to the performance and pedagogical aspects of the dance discipline
Develop and demonstrate current methods and relevant strategies necessary to pursue professional careers in dance and dance-related fields
