Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Dance

The Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA), Emphasis in Dance provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who intend to specialize in dance. With an associate degree, students may pursue a number of careers, including but not limited to, dance performance, choreography, dance studio instruction, and fitness instruction. Upon completion of a bachelor`s degree, students may pursue a career in several areas including a dance education at the secondary level, artistic direction, and stage management. Upon completion of a graduate degree, students may pursue a career in dance education at the post-secondary level.

Details

Field of Interest
Visual and Performing Arts
Degree Type
Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA)
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Dance (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8312
Total credits required
63-95
Catalog Year
2023-2024
Effective Term
Fall 2023
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in each course in the program.

Students should meet with a residential dance faculty member each semester prior to enrollment for the following semester.

Students must attain a level III competency in Ballet (DAN 231++) and Modern (DAN 232++) before they can graduate. Placement into these classes and Level III competency is determined by the Dance Residential Faculty.

Students should enroll in two DAN technique courses each semester.

Enrollment in some courses may require an audition and/or permission of instructor.

All DAN technique courses can be repeated for credit.

This program replaces: AAFA/8103 Associate in Arts, Fine Arts (AAFA) - Dance

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

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 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 Arizona-based annual median wages* for this program. 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.

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

$63,670

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

$49,280

There are additional career opportunities associated with this degree that do not have occupational data available for Arizona at this time. These occupations are listed below:
  • Dancers
* Wage information sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics Program. Updated May 2021.

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 Pathway Planner 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.

Full-time Sequence

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

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
  • In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements:
    • Cultural [C] and
    • Global [G] or Historical [H]
  • Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN+++ Any DAN Technique Course Critical course Part II Courses 2–4
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Critical course Gateway course Note that audition is required. If student doesn't get into DAN150 in Term 1, he/she should audition and take the course in a later term 1
Part III Course Any Course from Part III Critical course Gateway course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 0–3
DAH100 Introduction to Dance Critical course Gateway course HU 3
Part IV Advised Course Advised Course(s) from Part IV Critical course Gateway course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 1–3
DAN221 or
DAN210 or
DAN264
Rhythmic Awareness I or Dance Production I or Choreography I Critical course 3
ENG101 or
ENG107
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC 3
MAT14+ College Mathematics OR Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area MA 3–6
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
DAN+++ Any DAN Technique Course Critical course Part II Courses 2–4
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Critical course Gateway course 0–1
Part III Course Any Course from Part III Critical course Gateway course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 0–3
Part IV Advised Course Any Advised Course from Part IV Critical course Gateway course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 1–3
DAN221 or
DAN210 or
DAN264
Rhythmic Awareness I or Dance Production I or Choreography I Critical course 3
ENG102 or
ENG108
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC 3
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM225 or
COM230
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication COM Requirement, Recommend selecting a course that satisfies COM and SB or COM and L requirements. SB or L 0–3
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking L 0–3
L Literacy & Critical Inquiry Recommend selecting a course that satisfies [L] and (COM) or [L] and CRE101 requirements simultaneously. 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN+++ Any DAN Technique Course Critical course Part II Courses 2–4
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Critical course Gateway course 0–1
Part III Advised Course Advised Course from Part III Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 0–3
Part IV Advised Course Advised Course from Part IV if still needed Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 0–3
DAN221 or
DAN210 or
DAN264
Rhythmic Awareness I or Dance Production I or Choreography I Critical course 3
DAH201 or
DAH250 or
DAH255
Dance, Culture, and Global Contexts or Dance in Popular Culture or Hip Hop: Arts, Aesthetic and Culture Gateway course G, HU or C, HU or C, HU, L 3
SB Social-Behavioral Sciences 3
BIO160 or
BIO201
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology or Human Anatomy and Physiology I SQ or SG 4

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN+++ Any DAN Technique Course Part II Courses 2–4
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Critical course Gateway course 0–1
Part III Course Any Course from Part III Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 0–3
Part IV Advised Course Advised Part IV Course if Still Needed Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 0–3
CS Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications 3
DAN280 Dance Practicum Critical course 2
SG or
SQ
Any Natural Sciences [SG] course or Any Natural Sciences [SQ] course At least four (4) credits must be designated as Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] SG or SQ 4
SB Social-Behavioral Sciences 3

Part-time Sequence

Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.

A list of additional requirements for this pathway map
Awareness Areas
  • In addition to the requirements identified in the sequence below, students must complete the following awareness areas if not otherwise met by other program requirements:
    • Cultural [C] and
    • Global [G] or Historical [H]
  • Students are strongly encouraged to visit with an academic advisor to ensure completion of all graduation requirements.

Term 1

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 1
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN+++ Any DAN Technique Course Critical course Part II Courses HU 2–4
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Critical course Gateway course Note that audition is required. If student doesn't get into DAN150 in Term 1, he/she should audition and take the course in a later term 1
DAN221 or
DAN210 or
DAN264
Rhythmic Awareness I or Dance Production I or Choreography I Critical course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 3
DAH100 Introduction to Dance Critical course HU 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
DAN+++ Any DAN Technique Course Critical course Part II Courses 2–4
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Critical course Gateway course 0–1
DAN221 or
DAN210 or
DAN264
Rhythmic Awareness I or Dance Production I or Choreography I Critical course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 3
Part IV Advised Course Advised Course(s) from Part IV Critical course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member G, HU 1–3
ENG101 or
ENG107
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL FYC 3

Term 3

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 3
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN+++ Any DAN Technique Course Part II Courses 2–4
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Critical course Gateway course 0–1
Part III Advised Course Advised Course from Part III Critical course Gateway course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 0–3
DAN221 or
DAN210 or
DAN264
Rhythmic Awareness I or Dance Production I or Choreography I Critical course 3
Part IV Advised Course Any Advised Course from Part IV Critical course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 1–3
ENG102 or
ENG108
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL ENG102 or ENG108 may be completed in term 3 if still needed FYC 0–3

Term 4

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 4
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN+++ Any DAN Technique Course SG 2–4
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Critical course Gateway course 0–1
Part III Course Any Course from Part III Critical course Gateway course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 0–3
Part IV Advised Course Advised Course from Part IV Critical course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 0–3
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking 0–3
L Literacy & Critical Inquiry Recommend selecting a course that satisfies [L] and (COM) or [L] and CRE101 requirements. 3

Term 5

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 5
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN+++ Any DAN 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 Critical course 0–1
Part III Course Any Course from Part III Critical course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 0–3
BIO160 or
BIO201
Introduction to Human Anatomy and Physiology or Human Anatomy and Physiology I SQ or SG 4
Part IV Advised Course Advised Part IV Course if Still Needed Critical course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 0–3

Term 6

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 6
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN+++ Any DAN 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 Critical course Gateway course 0–1
Part III Course Any Course from Part III Critical course Gateway course Select in consultation with Dance Faculty member 0–3
MAT14+ College Mathematics OR Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area MA 3–6
DAH201 or
DAH250 or
DAH255
World Dance Studies or Dance in Popular Culture or Hip Hop: Arts, Aesthetic and Culture Critical course G, HU or C, HU or C, HU, L 3

Term 7

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 7
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN+++ Any DAN Technique Course Part II Courses 1–2
DAN150 or
DAN155 or
DAN250 or
DAN255
Dance Performance I or Dance Performance II or Dance Performance III or Dance Performance IV Critical course Gateway course 0–1
SB Social-Behavioral Sciences 3
COM100 or
COM110 or
COM225 or
COM230
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication COM Requirement, Recommend selecting a course that satisfies COM and SB or COM and L requirements SB or L 0–3

Term 8

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 8
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
DAN+++ Any DAN 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 Critical course 0–1
DAN280 Dance Practicum Critical course 2
CS Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications 3

Term 9

A sequence of suggested courses that should be taken during Term 9
Course Number Course Name Requisites Notes Area Credits
SG or
SQ
Any Natural Sciences [SG] course or Natural Sciences Quantitative At least four (4) credits must be designated as Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] SG or SQ 4
SB Social-Behavioral Sciences 3

PART II: DANCE TECHNIQUE

Ballet Technique Courses:

Select from the following options to complete a minimum of nine semester credits. Students must attain Level III competency in ballet and modern dance courses. Courses listed may be repeated for credit:

DAN131 Ballet I
DAN134 Ballet II
DAN231 Ballet III
DAN231AA Ballet III: Intensive
DAN234 Ballet IV
DAN234AA Ballet IV: Intensive
DAN237 Ballet Pointe I

Modern Technique Courses:

DAN132 Modern Dance I
DAN135 Modern Dance II
DAN232 Modern Dance III
DAN232AA Modern Dance III: Intensive
DAN235 Modern Dance IV
DAN235AA Modern Dance IV: Intensive

Jazz Technique Courses:

DAN133 Jazz Dance I
DAN136 Jazz Dance II
DAN233 Jazz Dance III
DAN233AA Jazz Dance III: Intensive
DAN236 Jazz Dance IV
DAN236AA Jazz Dance IV: Intensive

Dance Conservatory Courses:

DAN290++ Dance Conservatory I
DAN291++ Dance Conservatory II
DAN292++ Dance Conservatory III

PART III:

Students can choose to complete a combination of up to three credits in Part III and the remaining credits in Part IV; or students can opt to complete all Elective credits in Part IV. No more than three credits may be selected from the following DAN prefixed courses. Courses listed may be repeated for credit:

Technique Courses:

Ballet
DAN131 Ballet I
DAN134 Ballet II
DAN231 Ballet III
DAN231AA Ballet III: Intensive
DAN234 Ballet IV
DAN234AA Ballet IV: Intensive
DAN237 Ballet Pointe I
Modern
DAN132 Modern Dance I
DAN135 Modern Dance II
DAN232 Modern Dance III
DAN232AA Modern Dance III: Intensive
DAN235 Modern Dance IV
DAN235AA Modern Dance IV: Intensive
Jazz
DAN133 Jazz Dance I
DAN136 Jazz Dance II
DAN233 Jazz Dance III
DAN233AA Jazz Dance III: Intensive
DAN236 Jazz Dance IV
DAN236AA Jazz Dance IV: Intensive
Hip Hop
DAN102++ Any Hip Hop Course
DAN202++ Any Hip Hop Course
Break Dancing
DAN103++ Any Break Dancing Course
DAN203++ Any Break Dancing Course
Ballroom
DAN104++ Any Ballroom Course
DAN204++ Any Ballroom Course
Swing
DAN105++ Any Swing Course
DAN205++ Any Swing Course
Latin
DAN106++ Any Latin Course
DAN206++ Any Latin Course
Country
DAN107++ Any Country Course
DAN207++ Any Country Course
Tango
DAN108++ Any Tango Course
DAN208++ Any Tango Course
Contemporary
DAN115 Dance Trends
World Dance
DAN120++ Any World Dance Course
Musical Theatre Dance
DAN129 Musical Theatre Dance I
DAN130 Musical Theatre Dance II
DAN229 Musical Theatre Dance III
DAN230 Musical Theatre Dance IV

Dance Performance Courses:

DAN150 Dance Performance I
DAN155 Dance Performance II
DAN250 Dance Performance III
DAN255 Dance Performance IV

Dance Conservatory Courses:

DAN290++ Dance Conservatory I
DAN291++ Dance Conservatory II
DAN292++ Dance Conservatory III

Other Dance Courses:

DAN164 Improvisation
DAN141 Dance Workshop
DAN/MUP285AA Multimedia Performance Ensemble
DAN298++ Special Projects

PART IV: Dance Theory

Students can choose to complete a combination of up to three (3) credits in Part III and the remaining credits in Part IV; or students can opt to complete all nine (9) Elective credits in Part IV. DAH classes cannot be used as an AGEC-A core area requirement and as a Dance Theory. Elective (Part IV). They may be counted toward designated [G], [H] and/or [C] Awareness area(s).

Dance Humanities Courses:

DAH110 Dance in Film
DAH190 Discovering Dance Careers
DAH201 World Dance Studies
DAH255 Hip Hop Arts, Aesthetic and Culture

Dance Courses

DAN138 Dance Seminar I
DAN170 Dance Kinesiology
DAN201++ Special Topics: Dance (any)
DAN211 Dance Production II
DAN220 Dance Career Preparation
DAN222 Rhythmic Awareness II
DAN238 Dance Seminar II
DAN241 Dance Notation I
DAN265 Choreography II
DAN272 Dance Technology
DAN275 Choreography for Film and Video
DAN282++ Service-Learning Experience in Dance (any)
DAN293 Teaching Dance in Elementary Education
DAN294 Teaching Dance in Secondary Education
DAN295 Teaching and Management of Studio Dance
DAN296++ Cooperative Education (any)
DAN298++ Special Projects (any)
Course Area Key

Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.

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

Disclaimer

Students must earn a grade of C or better for all courses required within the program.

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 curriculum website for the Associate in Arts, Fine Arts in Associate in Arts, Fine Arts, Emphasis in Dance (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=182695).

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.

Previous Catalog Years

The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.