Dance Department Programs

• Associate in Arts degree in Dance
• Dance Certificate in Performance

Major Requirements/ Curriculum

The dance department is noted for the breadth of its curriculum and the individualized attention given to students' training. Required courses include somatics, ballet, modern, jazz technique; performance and production credits; dance history and world dance and cultures; and improvisation and choreography.  The Dance Certificate also includes hip-hop and commercial dance and studio practices. Auditions are not required for admission into the department. Proficiency levels are required for course completion. Students take between eight and 16 hours of technique classes, which are segregated by ability. Graduates have gone on to successful performing, choreography and teaching careers.

Faculty, Guest Artists

• The department has two full time and 5 adjunct faculty. Guest choreographers are brought in for a Fall Residency, and interact with students through master classes, setting original choreography on students and performance on concerts. Past guest artists have included: Joel Smith, LeeAnn Alduenda, Alvin Ailey Company dancers, Loretta Livingston, Regina Klenjoski Company, Backhausdance, Bare Dance Company, Nickerson-Rossi Dance, Doug Varone Company dancer, Shen Wei Dance Company and DeFore Dance Collective.
  

Performance

Noted for the high quality of its productions, the department showcases faculty, guest artist, and student choreography in two annual concerts. Advanced students, who are selected by audition, have performance and choreographic opportunities on campus, at area high schools, at dance festivals and community venues.

For more information contact:
Heather Gillette, Chair gillette_heather@sac.edu (714) 564-5640