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Dance

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses Faculty

Associate Degree

A.A. in Dance Studies

The Dance Studies program at Folsom Lake College offers students the opportunity to develop a breadth of multi-disciplinary dance abilities and knowledge. This program provides students with an exploration of world dance history, pedagogy, injury prevention and technical skills in classical and contemporary styles including but not limited to Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Hip-Hop and Ethnic/Folk forms. Career options such as performing, choreography, dance studio business ownership, dance movement therapy and non-profit arts management will enhance students’ appreciation of dance as a global industry, as well as a cross-culturally meaningful expressive form. Comprehensive, academically rigorous classes will sharpen their leadership and critical thinking skills, preparing students for success in dance either at university or in the workplace.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2024

Degree Requirements

Course Code Course Title Units
DANCE 309 Introduction to Dance (2) 2
   or DANCE 383 The Business of Dance (2)
DANCE 310 Jazz Dance I 1
DANCE 320 Ballet I 1
DANCE 330 Modern Dance I 1
DANCE 377 Musical Theatre Dance I 2
DANCE 380 World Dance History 3
DANCE 381 Pedagogy: Theory and Practice 2
DANCE 382 Fitness Injury Prevention and Management (2) 2
   or KINES 417 Fitness Injury Prevention and Management (2)
DANCE 410 Dance Composition and Production I 2
A minimum of 4 units from the following: 4
COMM 321 Interpersonal Communication (3)
DANCE 351 Urban Hip Hop I (1)
DANCE 440 Performing and Touring Group: MOSAIC Dance Company I (3)
DANCE 495 Independent Studies in Dance (1 - 3)
DANCE 498 Work Experience in Dance (0.5 - 4)
FITNS 392 Yoga (1)
FITNS 395 Stretch (1)
FITNS 414 Tai Chi (1)
FITNS 324 Mat Pilates (1)
INDIS 313 Freshman Seminar (3)
KINES 300 Introduction to Kinesiology (3)
MUFHL 300 Introduction to Music (3)
MUFHL 330 World Music (3)
TA 350 Theory and Techniques of Acting I (3)
TAP 340 Musical Rehearsal and Performance I (1 - 3)
DANCE 360 Tap Dance I (1)
Total Units: 20

The Dance Studies Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, plus general education requirements, plus sufficient electives to meet a 60-unit total. See FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  • examine the relationship between the socio-cultural, religious, political and scientific trends throughout world history in relation to the development of dance cross-culturally.
  • evaluate the technical and/or artistic achievements of particular dance pioneers in several genres, as well as the contributions of marginalized populations to the advancement of dance as an artistic expressive form.
  • demonstrate safe and correct technical execution of dance technique, as well as knowledge of proper nutrition and injury prevention techniques for optimal wellness.
  • support the development of community and cultural awareness by attending and/or participating in cultural events and evaluating their relevance.
  • formulate a plan for implementing practical applications for the dance degree to the real world, either professionally or for transfer to university.

Career Information

Career options related to dance will be explored and emphasized during the course of studies for this A.A. Degree. Careers including performing, teaching, teacher training, choreography, dance studio business ownership, pedagogy, dance movement therapy and non-profit arts management will jump start or enhance students’ understanding of work options, buttressed by comprehensive academically rigorous classes that will sharpen their leadership and critical thinking skills, preparing students for success both academically and in the workplace.