Dance Technique Certificate

The Certificate of Proficiency in Dance Technique is designed for students interested in vocational opportunities in the local entertainment job market.  The program allows students to study a variety of dance techniques and styles to prepare them to audition at any of the numerous performance-based entertainment venues in the region or pursue further study.

  Dance Technique Certificate Course Guide

  Dance Technique Certificate Program Guide

COURSE GUIDE
Dance (DNCE) Certificate
Dance Technique Certificate of Proficiency *

Requirements:Certificates of Proficiency are granted for the completion of a specified program, or specified courses, whose total is less than 18 units.  These locally-approved certificates are designed to acknowledge basic workplace competencies and job readiness for students who are entering the workforce or upgrading their job skills.

Students must complete all courses in the certificate program with a grade of “A,” “B,” “C,” or “P.”  A minimum of 12 units in the certificate program must be completed at Irvine Valley College.

Waiver of Certificate Requirements:Students with previous educational or vocational experience who wish to waive a required course in a certificate program will be expected to verify equivalency by examination.  Petitions for course waivers or substitutions are available in the Counseling Center.

Application for Evaluation:  Certificates are not awarded automatically.  Students who expect to earn a certificate from the college must file an application for evaluation with the Office of Admission and Records.  Responsibility for filing this application rests with the student, and transcripts for all college work attempted must be on file for the application to be considered.  Filing deadlines for each semester are posted in the IVC catalog and class schedule.

*Locally-approved Certificates of Proficiency are low-unit certificates awarded by Irvine Valley College;  they do not appear on a transcript.  Programs are subject to change.  Please check with a counselor.

PROGRAM GUIDE
Dance (DNCE) Certificate
Dance Technique - 17 units *

Description: The Certificate of Proficiency* in Dance Technique is designed for students interested in vocational opportunities in the local entertainment job market.  The program allows students to study a variety of dance techniques and styles to prepare them to audition at any of the numerous performance-based entertainment venues in the region or pursue further study.

Affiliation With Professional/Community Organizations: Each year both faculty and students are selected to participate in various choreographic and performance festivals, competitions and events, such as the American College Dance Festival.  Selection is based upon the quality of the performers and the choreography of the dance.

Associate in Arts Degree: The Dance Technique program is only available as a Certificate of Proficiency.*  However, IVC does have an Associate in Arts degree in Dance as posted in the IVC catalog.  See a counselor for more information.

Four Year Institutions Offering Degrees/Programs in This Field:**

• California State University, Fullerton and Long Beach – Bachelor of Arts in Dance
• California State University, Northridge – Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology, Dance option
• University of California, Irvine – Bachelor of Arts or Fine Arts in Dance
• University of California, Los Angeles – Bachelor of Arts in World Arts & Cultures – Dance
• Chapman University – Bachelor of Arts in Dance or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance

**see counselor or transfer center for specific transfer requirements

Scholarships/Financial Aid: Students may contact the IVC Financial Aid office for more information and additional opportunities.

Work Experience/Internships: Students can enjoy the thrill of performing as part of the IVC Dance Ensemble. The IVC Dance Ensemble performs all styles of dance in concerts on and off-campus. Each spring the Ensemble goes on an annual tour to numerous California Colleges including participation at the American College Dance Festival. Participation is through the Dance Rehearsal and Performance class. Students commit to a varying number of dance pieces that are performed.

Career Options: Examples of careers for the dance major include:  choreographer, dance instructor, and professional dancer.

Job Description: Dancers perform in a variety of settings, including opera, musical theater, and other musical productions, and may present folk, ethnic, tap, jazz, and other popular kinds of dance. They also perform in television, movies, music videos, and commercials, in which they also may sing and act. Dancers most often perform as part of a group, although a few top artists perform solo.

Dancers work with choreographers, who create original dances and develop new interpretations of existing dances. Because few dance routines are written down, choreographers instruct performers at rehearsals to achieve the desired effect. In addition, choreographers usually are involved in auditioning performers.

Employment Opportunities:  Because many people enjoy dance and would like to make their careers in dance, dancers and choreographers face intense competition for jobs. Only the most talented find regular employment. However, there are always some jobs available.  Although job openings will arise each year because dancers and choreographers retire or leave the occupation for other reasons, the number of applicants will continue to vastly exceed the number of job openings.

Dancers and choreographers work in a variety of industries, such as private educational services, which includes dance studios and schools, as well as colleges and universities; food services and drinking establishments; performing arts companies, which include dance, theater, and opera companies; and amusement and recreation venues, such as casinos and theme parks. About 17 percent of dancers and choreographers are self-employed.

National dance companies will likely continue to provide jobs in this field. Opera companies and dance groups affiliated with television and motion pictures also will offer some opportunities. Moreover, the growing popularity of dance for recreational and fitness purposes has resulted in increased opportunities to teach dance, especially for older dancers who may be transitioning to another field. Finally, music video channels will provide opportunities for both dancers and choreographers.

Occupational Outlook for Orange County, CA: Employment of dancers and choreographers is expected to grow 6 percent during the 2006-16 decade, more slowly than the average for all occupations. The public’s continued interest in dance will sustain large and mid-size dance companies, but funding from public and private organizations is not expected to keep pace with rising production costs. For many small organizations, the result will be fewer performances and more limited employment opportunities. (Source:  Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov/oco )

Salary Range/Median for Orange County, CA:

(Source:  California Occupational Guides, www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/occguides )

***There is wide variation in the number of hours worked by those employed as actors, dancers, musicians, and singers.  Many jobs are for a duration of 1 day or 1 week and it is extremely rare for a performer to have guaranteed employment for a period that exceeds 3 to 6 months.

Job Related Skills Emphasized in Coursework: Courses are offered in theory, technique, appreciation, cultural dance, body conditioning, choreography and performance.

Personal Traits Desired for This Field: Because of the rigorous practice schedules of most dancers, self-discipline, patience, perseverance, and a devotion to dance are essential for success in the field. Dancers also must possess good problem-solving skills and an ability to work with people. Good health and physical stamina also are necessary attributes. Above all, dancers must have flexibility, agility, coordination, and grace, a sense of rhythm, a feeling for music, and a creative ability to express themselves through movement.
Because dancers typically perform as members of an ensemble made up of other dancers, musicians, and directors or choreographers, they must be able to function as part of a team. They also should be highly motivated and prepared to face the anxiety of intermittent employment and rejections when auditioning for work.

IVC Contacts:

Dance Certificate – Program Questions:

Professor Ted Weatherford
Health Sciences, Physical Education and Athletics
949/451-5291
tweatherfor@ivc.edu

Marie De La Palme, Dance Instructor
Health Sciences, Physical Education and Athletics
949/451-5533
mdelapalme@ivc.edu

Kathryn Milostan-Egus, Dance/PE Instructor
Health Sciences, Physical Education and Athletics
949/451-5526
kmilostaneg@ivc.edu

Certificates - General Questions:

Heather Whitecotton
Sr. Admin. Assistant
Career Technical Education & Workforce Development
949/282-2724
hwhitecotton@ivc.edu

This IVC Career Technical Education Program Guide was made possible by funds from the Carl D. Perkins Career Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006, awarded to Irvine Valley College by the Chancellor's Office, California Community Colleges.

For more information, see the Dance Department web page (School of Health Sciences, Physical Education and Athletics).

Last Updated: 11/12/09