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
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.
This pathway map will help you gain the expertise needed to:
- Demonstrate technical proficiency by incorporating kinesthetic and somatic principles of movement in various dance styles.
- Apply and analyze artistic elements including intention, movement quality, breath, connection, phrasing, self-awareness, and musicality while performing.
- Correlate historical and cultural knowledge of various dance styles and approaches to movement practices and performance.
- Use critical and creative thinking skills in the composition of choreography.
- Critically analyze and evaluate choreography, technique, and performance and be able to communicate feedback using thoughtful written and oral dialogue.
- Integrate choreography with production elements in professional-level dance performance.
- Practice self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and effective interpersonal skills in group communication and collaboration.
- Synthesize the process of learning and the role of personal motivation to set and achieve educational goals.
- Engage in dance career exploration and develop skills and materials for self promotion and employment.
- Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior appropriate to the field of dance.
- Use dance to encourage civic and community engagement.
- 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 Show expanded career information for Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Choreographers
$48,590 Show expanded career information for Choreographers
Producers and Directors
$50,500 Show expanded career information for Producers and Directors
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
$49,280 Show expanded career information for Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Self-Enrichment Teachers
$46,910 Show expanded career information for Self-Enrichment Teachers
- Dancers
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.
Awareness Areas |
---|
|
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
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
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
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.
Awareness Areas |
---|
|
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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) |
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.
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First Year Composition
- G = Global Awareness
- H = Historical Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
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.
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.