AOS Dance

The Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Dance Program embraces interdisciplinary artistic development with an emphasis on communication and storytelling through kinetic expression. Coursework builds on classical foundations in Ballet, Jazz and Modern with explorations of contemporary, commercial and cultural styles such as Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Jazz/Funk, Broadway, Heels, Contemporary, Latin Fusion and others. Additional courses provide opportunities for practical applications of theory, choreography, acting and dance for the camera. Dance productions and other theatrical performance opportunities expose students to a wide range of choreographers and choreographic processes. Supplemental coursework in scene study and musical theatre contribute to this uniquely demanding program. As part of their program completion, students perform in an originally choreographed production.

Students completing the AOS Dance program should be able to:

• Demonstrate familiarity with influential periods and genres of theatre and dance history and the special vocabulary of theatre and dance.

• Demonstrate foundational proficiency in voice and speech, including the production of clear, articulate and expressive speech as needed to enhance character in theatrical performance.

• Explain the choreographic processes, aesthetic properties of style and the ways these shape or are shaped by artistic and cultural ideas and contexts.

• Identify and incorporate elements of acting, movement, music and conceptual ideas that together compose dance performances.

• Demonstrate proficiency in foundational dance techniques. including Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Contemporary, as used within theatrical dance performance.

• Differentiate health and injury prevention through the integration of body, mind and spirit plus a practiced balance between activity, stillness, work and rest.

• Generate acting, vocal and dance performances that engage the audience, reflecting strong narrative, characterization and believable relationships among characters.

• Integrate technical accuracy and connected storytelling in the performance of dance works.

• Apply the basic business procedures of an actor/singer’s profession, including auditions, résumés and professional self-promotion.

Program-related jobs* include, but are not limited to: Dancers - 27-2031 (Ballerina, Dance Artist, Tap Dancer), Choreographers - 27-2032 (Choreographer, Dance Director), Coach - 25-1121 (Dance). *The 6-digit codes following each job represent the Standard Occupational Classification determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov).