"Dance, like all forms of cultural expression, reflects the society in which it exists. Just as the history of the United States encompasses a broad array of complex influences, so do its dance forms stem from a rich pool of diverse forms" (Encyclopedia of American Studies, ed. Miles Orvell (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011), s.v. "Dance" (by Luke C. Kahlich).
Dance courses will provide the theoretical and technical mastery for students to experience a comprehensive curriculum, which can apply to the Kinesiology, AA-T Degree for Transfer, liberal arts major, and exercise benefits. Students enrolled in dance courses are exposed to many different forms of dance, as well as dance history, kinesiology, ethnic/cultural influences, and production. The dance program also affords students the opportunity to interact with each other and to perform in dance shows. Kinesiology is required for the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees and all dance courses fulfill this requirement.
See the Dance, AA degree, and Fundamental Dance Teacher Certificate.
As part of the Kinesiology Discipline, you may also be interested in Health which offers a Nutrition and Dietetics, AS-T degree and a Public Health Science, AS-T degree.
Career Opportunities
Dance coursework provides a strong foundation for students interested in careers related to performance, education, fitness, and the arts. Depending on further education and training, career paths may include dance performance, choreography, dance instruction, studio assistance, fitness and movement instruction, recreation leadership, arts administration support, and production or stage assistance. The study of dance also develops transferable skills such as discipline, collaboration, creativity, physical literacy, and cultural awareness that are valued across many professional fields.
Faculty
Guardado, Lynn
Transfer
Dance courses are designed to support transfer to four‑year institutions as part of a Kinesiology, liberal arts, or arts‑related major. Coursework may apply toward lower‑division major requirements or general education, depending on the transfer institution and program. Students interested in transferring are encouraged to work closely with counselors to ensure course selection aligns with university requirements and to explore transfer pathways that integrate dance with kinesiology, performing arts, or interdisciplinary studies.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication, and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program.
Upon completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Recognize fundamental concepts of physical activity, nutrition, and health, and apply critical thinking to solve problems from the student’s personal perspective and a public perspective.
- Critically evaluate forms of information related to Kinesiology and physical education, the student’s personal health, and public health, including nutrition.
- Demonstrate social responsibility to improve quality of life for others and ensure equitable access for diverse groups by creating appropriate environments to initiate and maintain a physically active and a healthy lifestyle.
Kinesiology Dance Courses
KIND 090 Hawaiian Dance (0.0 Units)
Instruction of basic steps of Hawaiian dance, arm movements, terminology, the usage of Hawaiian implements for routines to Hawaiian music. Enhances mental and physical skills and quality of life.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Not transferable
KIND 152 Dance Choreography I (0.5-1 Units)
Dance Choreography is designed to introduce dance students to the basic elements of dance choreography. Dance students will work in solo and small groups by using concepts of space, time, and energy to investigate and explore the basic elements of choreography. Students should be familiar with basic dance elements and dance vocabulary. Grade option. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only
KIND 160A Tap Dance IA (1.0 Units)
Students who would like to explore tap dancing for the first time will experience basic tap dancing techniques with the foundational sense of musicality. During this course, many essentials elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 160A.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 160B Tap Dance IB (1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore tap dancing after having some tap experience will expand on their basic tap dance techniques with the foundational sense of musicality. During this course, many essential elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm,interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing and performance clarity in movement combinations. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 160B.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 160C Tap Dance IC (1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore tap dancing after having some tap experience and preparing for Tap IIA will expand on their tap dance techniques with the foundational sense of musicality. During this course, many essential elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing and performance clarity in complex movement combinations , and the refinement of performance style. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 160C.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 161A Tap Dance IIA (1.0 Units)
Students who would like to explore tap dancing at an intermediate level for the first time after having had some tap dance will experience intermediate tap dancing techniques with the foundational sense of musicality. During this course, many essential elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 161A.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 161B Tap Dance IIB (1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore tap dance at an intermediate level after having had some tap dance will experience intermediate tap dance techniques with a fundamental sense of musicality. During this intermediate course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, and performance clarity in movement combinations.Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 161B.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 161C Tap Dance IIC (1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore tap dance at an intermediate level,working towards Tap III, after having some tap dance will experience intermediate tap dance techniques with a fundamental sense of musicality. During this course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis is placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, performance clarity in complex movement combinations, and the refinement of performance style. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 161C.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 162A Introduction to Ballroom Dance (1.0 Units)
Techniques, styles and rhythms of basic social dances from selected historical periods. Emphasis on exploring the movement characteristics of the dances through dancing. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 162B American Rhythm Ballroom Dance (1.0 Units)
Techniques and stylization in the following ballroom dances. Dances may include the Swing, Mambo, Bolero, ChaCha, and Rumba. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 163A Latin Ballroom Dance (1.0 Units)
Techniques, styles and rhythms of the basic level of latin ballroom dances. May include at least the following dances; Samba, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive and Tango. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 163B Standard Ballroom Dance (1.0 Units)
Techniques and stylization in the following ballroom dances. Dances may include the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 166A Introduction to Ballet Dance IA (1.0 Units)
Students with no previous training or experience in ballet will explore introductory level ballet technique, style, and movement characteristics. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 166A.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 166B Building Ballet Basics IB (1.0 Units)
Students with introductory level ballet training will build and expand basic ballet technique, style, and movement characteristics.Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 166B.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 166C Ballet Fundamentals IC (1.0 Units)
Students who have previous training in introductory Ballet IA and Building Ballet Basics IB will further explore and perfect their training in ballet fundamentals. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 166C.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 167A Introduction to Intermediate Ballet IIA (1.0 Units)
An introduction to the technique and style of beginning intermediate level Ballet IIA dance. This course is for the student who has taken Ballet I level courses. Emphasis on exploring the movement characteristics of beginning intermediate Ballet IIA dance through dancing. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 167A.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 167B Intermediate Ballet IIB (1.0 Units)
Students who have been introduced to intermediate Ballet IIA will build and explore intermediate Ballet IIB skills and concepts. Grade Option.Crosslisted with TA 167B.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 167C Intermediate Ballet IIC (1.0 Units)
Students who have training in Intermediate Ballet IIA and Intermediate Ballet IIB will explore and build advanced intermediate ballet skills. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 167C.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 169A Introduction to Yogalates (1.0 Units)
Yogalates is an introduction of Pilates concepts developed by Joseph Pilates. The course will introduce core matwork and yoga-type exercises. It will also introduce improved body alignment, strength, flexibility and control. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 169B Basic Yogalates (1.0 Units)
Basic Yogalates is a class encompassing Pilates concepts developed by Joseph Pilates. The course will introduce basic core matwork and yoga-type exercises. It will also introduce improved body alignment, strength, flexibility and control. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 169C Yogalates Core Stability and Stretch (1.0 Units)
Yogalates Core Stability and Stretch introduces physical conditioning techniques focusing on core muscle stregthening, balance, coordination and flexibity through Pilates matwork and basic yoga exercises. This class uses exercise ball, yoga mat, hand weights to strengthen the core, improve balance, coordination and flexibility. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 169D Yogalates Core Stability and Stretch II (1.0 Units)
Yogalates Core Stability and Stretch II is a physical conditioning class that focuses on an intermediate level core muscle strengthening, balance, corrdination and flexibility. This class uses intermediate level Pilates matwork and yoga exercises and enhanses posture, body awareness and muscular conditioning. This class also uses exercise ball, yoga mat, and hand weights. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 170A Jazz Dance IA (1.0 Units)
Students who would like to explore jazz dance for the first time will experience basic jazz dance techniques with a fundamental sense of musicality. During this beginning course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 170A.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 170B Jazz Dance IB (1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore jazz dance after having some jazz dance experience will expand on their basic jazz dance techniques and fundamental sense of musicality. During this course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm,interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, and performance clarity in movement combinations. Other styles such as theater jazz may be incorporated. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 170B.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 170C Jazz Dance IC (1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore jazz dance after having some jazz dance experience, will expand on their jazz dance techniques and fundamental sense of musicality. During this course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis is placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, performance clarity in complex movement combinations, and the refinement of performance style. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 170C.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 171A Jazz Dance IIA (1.0 Units)
Students who would like to explore jazz dance at an intermediate level for the first time after having had some jazz dance will experience intermediate jazz dance techniques with a fundamental sense of musicality. During this intermediate course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 171A.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 171B Jazz Dance IIB (1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore jazz dance at an intermediate level after having had some jazz dance will experience intermediate jazz dance techniques with a fundamental sense of musicality. During this intermediate course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis will be placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, and performance clarity in movement combinations. Grade Option. See cross listing for TA 171B.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 171C Jazz Dance IIC (1.0 Units)
Students who would like to further explore jazz dance at an intermediate level, working towards Jazz III, after having some jazz dance will experience intermediate jazz dance technique with a fundamental sense of musicality. During this course a number of elements will be stressed: style, proper counting techniques, rhythm, interpretation of music, and basic choreographic elements. Emphasis is placed on enhancing musical and rhythmic phrasing, efficient alignment, performance clarity in complex movement combinations, and the refinement of performance style. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 171C.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 174A Introduction to Modern Dance (1.0 Units)
Introduction to technique and stylization of modern dance. For the student who has never had modern dance or who is new to the beginning level of modern dance. Emphasis on exploring the movement characteristics of introductory level modern dance through dancing. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 174A.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 174B Basic Modern Dance I (1.0 Units)
Basic technique and stylization of modern dance. For the student who has never had modern dance or who is new to the beginning level of modern dance. Emphasis on exploring the movement characteristics of introductory level modern dance through dancing. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 174C Beginning Modern Dance I (1.0 Units)
Beginning level technique and stylization of modern dance. For the student who has never had modern dance or who is new to the beginning level of modern dance. Emphasis on exploring the movement characteristics of beginning level modern dance through dancing. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 174D Intermediate Modern Dance I (1.0 Units)
Level I technique and stylization of modern dance. For the student who has had Introduction to Modern Dance, Basic Modern Dance I, Beginning Modern Dance I or who is new to modern dance. Emphasis on exploring the movement characteristics of level I modern dance through dancing. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 175A Introduction to Modern Dance II (1.0 Units)
Technique and stylization of introductory level modern dance II. This course is for the student who has taken Modern Dance I level classes. Emphasis on exploring the movement characteristics of introductory level modern dance II through dancing. Grade Option. Crosslisted with TA 175A. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 175B Basic Modern Dance II (1.0 Units)
Technique and stylization of basic modern dance II. This course is for the student who has taken Modern Dance I level classes and/or Introduction to Modern Dance II. Emphasis on exploring the movement characteristics of basic level modern dance II focusing on improving Modern II level technique. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 175C Modern Dance II (1.0 Units)
Technique and stylization of Modern Dance level II. This course is for the student who has taken Modern Dance I and Basic Modern Dance II levels of dance. Students will prepare their bodies as an instrument for dance. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 175D Intermediate Modern Dance II (1.0 Units)
Technique and stylization of Intermediate Modern Dance II. This course is for the student who has taken Modern Dance I, Basic Modern Dance II levels with the emphasis of the class on exploring Intermediate Modern Dance II level movement technique by progressing to longer, faster-paced, more difficult modern dance movement phrases. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 176A Introduction to Dance Rehearsal and Performance I (1-3 Units)
This course is designed to introduce students to the methods used for introductory level I dance rehearsal and performance. This class is for the student who has never taken dance performance before but has taken some form of dance technique. Students will learn the etiquette of introductory level I dance rehearsal and performance, develop skills needed for quick pick up in dance choreography, and performance skills needed for dance production purposes. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 176B Performance Dance Ensemble (1-3 Units)
This course is designed to introduce students to the methods used for dance performance and to provide students with an opportunity for public dance performance onstage. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 176C Dance Production (1-3 Units)
This course is specifically designed for the student to learn and perform dance choreography of multiple dance disciplines. It includes learning, rehearsing and performing one or more choreographed dance pieces. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 176D Dance Performance (1-3 Units)
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity for intensive preparation for public performance of choreographed works. Grade Option.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 180 Introduction to Classical Musical Theatr (1.0 Units)
This course is an in-depth performance experience focusing on styles of body movement indicative of Classical Musical Theatre stage productions (1943 - 1965). The fundamentals of Classical musical theatre dance will be introduced, including Classical Broadway jazz and tap-style genres. Concepts of the history of dance in Classical musical theatre will also be introduced. See cross listing for TA 180. Grade Option. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Not transferable
KIND 181 Introduction to Contemporary Musical the (1.0 Units)
This course is an in-depth performance experience focusing on styles of body movement indicative of Contemporary Musical Theatre stage productions (1966 - Present). The fundamentals of Contemporary musical theatre dance will be introduced, including Contemporary Broadway jazz and tap style genres. Concepts of the history of dance in Contemporary musical theatre dance will also be introduced. See cross listing for TA 181. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 182 Beginning Classical Musical Theatre Danc (1.0 Units)
Technique and style of beginning Classical theatre dance (1943 - 1965) will be explored. This course is an in-depth performance experience focusing on styles of body movement for Classical Musical Theatre stage productions. The fundamentals of Broadway style dance will be reviewed, including basic Classical jazz and tap. Classical Musical theatre dance genres will be introduced by category, including more sophisticated character stylization of Classical musical staging. Concepts of the history of Classical musical theatre dance will be further explored. Cross listed with TA 182. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 183 Beginning Contemporary Musical Theatre (1.0 Units)
Technique and style of beginning Contemporary theatre dance (1966 - Present) will be explored. This course is an in-depth performance experience focusing on styles of body movement for Contemporary Musical Theatre stage productions. The fundamentals of Contemporary Broadway style dance will be reviewed, including basic Contemporary jazz and tap. Contemporary Musical theatre dance genres will be introduced by category, including more sophisticated character stylizations of Contemporary musical staging. Concepts of the history of Contemporary musical theatre dance will be further explored. See cross listing for TA 183. .
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to both UC/CSU
KIND 190 Dances Around the World (1.0 Units)
Dances Around the World covers many dance forms that can be identified as originating with an ethnic culture and expressing the movement of that culture. The course will explore cultural dances including Polynesian hula, and Middle Eastern belly dance. It will also include village folk dances like Bollywood, tribal dance, and many more.
Lab Hours: 54.0
Transfer: Transfers to CSU only