Dance Performance and Technology

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Dance Performance and Technology degree is designed for students who plan to enter the field of dance as performers, choreographers, teachers, and multimedia technicians. The program provides classes in dance theory, performance, production, multimedia and the application of video and computer technology to dance. Students are offered the opportunity to demonstrate this knowledge by producing a short dance performance focusing on dance and camera techniques, lighting design, sound design, choreography for camera and non-linear editing techniques. A Certificate of Completion (CCL) in Dance Performance and Technology is also available.

Details

Field of Interest
Visual and Performing Arts
Degree Type
Associate in Applied Science (AAS)
Academic Plan
Dance Performance and Technology (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
3019
Total credits required
61-75
Catalog Year
2024-2025
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
P/Z classes do not apply to the degree.

Students must enroll in three of the following styles of technique each semester: Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Hip Hop.
Students must attain a level 4 in the following styles of technique before they can graduate: Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Hip Hop.

What You'll Learn

This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:

  1. Demonstrate technical proficiency by incorporating kinesthetic and somatic principles of movement in various dance styles.
  2. Apply and analyze artistic elements including intention, movement quality, breath, connection, phrasing, self-awareness, and musicality while performing.
  3. Correlate historical and cultural knowledge of various dance styles and approaches to movement practices and performance.
  4. Use critical and creative thinking skills in the composition of one or more of the following: music, digital art, lighting design, dance for the camera and choreography.
  5. Critically analyze and evaluate choreography, technique, and performance and be able to communicate feedback using thoughtful written and oral dialogue.
  6. Integrate choreography with production elements in professional-level dance performance.
  7. Practice self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and effective interpersonal skills in group communication and collaboration.
  8. Synthesize the process of learning and the role of personal motivation to set and achieve educational goals.
  9. Engage in dance career exploration and develop skills and materials for self promotion and employment.
  10. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior appropriate to the field of dance.
  11. Use dance to encourage civic and community engagement.
  12. Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.

Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Maricopa County-based annual median wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.

Painters, Sculptors, Illustrators, and Other Fine Artists

$19,030

Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators

$46,858

* Career and wage information provided by Lightcast using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources and Lightcast’s proprietary analytical processes. Lightcast’s data covers multiple classes of workers including QCEW, non-QCEW, and those who are self-employed. Disclaimer

Course Sequence by Term

The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:

  • Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
  • The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
  • Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
  • Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
  • Consult with your faculty mentor or academic advisor to determine educational requirements, including possible university transfer options, for your chosen career field.

Full-time Sequence

Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN191 Viewing Dance Critical course 1
DAN170 Dance Kinesiology Critical course 3
DAH190 Discovering Dance Careers Critical course 1
Technique Course Technique Course Critical course See list of Technique Courses below 1–2
Technique Course Technique Course Critical course 1–2
Technique Course Technique Course Critical course 1–2
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Performance Courses maybe completed in term 1, 2, 3, or 4 for a total of 1-2 credits per the pathway. 0–1
MAT140 or
MAT141 or
MAT142 or
MAT145 or
MAT146
College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics or College Mathematics with Review or College Mathematics with Review OR Satisfactory completion of higher level math course MA or MA or MA or MA or MA 3–6
DAH201 or
DAH250 or
DAH255
Dance, Culture, and Global Contexts or Dance in Popular Culture or Hip Hop: Arts, Aesthetic and Culture G, HU or C, HU or C, HU, L 3
FYE101 or
FYE103
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success 1–3

Term 2

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 2
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN210 Dance Production I Critical course 3
DAN272 Dance Technology Critical course 3
Technique Course Technique Course Critical course 1–2
Technique Course Technique Course Critical course 1–2
Technique Course Technique Course Critical course 1–2
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Performance Courses maybe completed in term 1, 2, 3, or 4 for a total of 1-2 credits per the pathway. 0–1
ENG101 or
ENG107
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN221 Rhythmic Awareness I Critical course 3
DAN264 Choreography I Critical course 3
Technique Course Technique Course Critical course 1–2
Technique Course Technique Course Critical course 1–2
Technique Course Technique Course Critical course 1–2
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Performance Courses maybe completed in term 1, 2, 3, or 4 for a total of 1-2 credits per the pathway. 0–1
ENG102 or
ENG108
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC or FYC 3
COM110 or
COM225
Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking SB or L 3
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment L 0–3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN280 Dance Practicum 2
DAN282AA or
DAN298AA
Service-Learning Experience in Dance or Special Projects 1
DAN192 Digital Music for Dancers 1
DAN193 Professional Promotion for Dancers 1
Technique Course Technique Course Critical course 1–2
Technique Course Course Technique Course Critical course 1–2
Technique Course Technique Course Critical course 1–2
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Performance Courses maybe completed in term 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 for a total of 1-2 credits per the pathway. 1
BIO160 or
BIO201
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology or Human Anatomy and Physiology I SQ or SG 4
EDU222 Introduction to the Exceptional Learner C, SB 3

Technique Courses

Students must enroll in three of the following four styles of technique courses each semester to complete 14-20 credits. Students must attain a Level IV in the following styles of technique before they can graduate. 

A list of additional, alternative, or supplemental courses for this pathway map
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN131 Ballet I 1
DAN134 Ballet II 1
DAN231 Ballet III 1
DAN231AA Ballet III: Intensive 2
DAN234AA Ballet IV: Intensive 2
DAN132 Modern Dance I 1
DAN135 Modern Dance II 1
DAN232 Modern Dance III 1
DAN232AA Modern Dance III: Intensive 2
DAN235AA Modern Dance IV: Intensive 2
DAN102 Hip Hop I 1
DAN103 Hip Hop II 1
DAN202 Hip Hop III 1
DAN203 Hip Hop IV 1
DAN133 Jazz Dance I 1
DAN136 Jazz Dance II 1
DAN233 Jazz Dance III 1
DAN236 Jazz Dance IV 1
Course Area Key

Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.

Disclaimer

Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.

View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm13?id=182651).

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.