Certificate of Achievement (Transcripted): Introduction to Commercial Dance - Level I Series

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

This introductory training program prepares students to transition to Santa Ana College's Commercial Dance Program. Students will learn foundational skills in dance techniques in the genres of commercial dance, jazz, musical theatre, and Hip Hop. Additionally, study in the areas of ballet, modern, tap, performance repertory, and production are offered. The required courses can be completed in one semester and students are encouraged to move to the next series, Introduction to Commercial Dance – Level II Series. Continued training in the advanced levels provides opportunities to prepare for employment in commercial and entertainment industries, studio instruction, performance, and choreography.  

Demonstrate foundational skills in dance techniques in the genres of ballet, commercial dance, jazz, modern, musical theatre, and Hip Hop.

Prepare in foundational dance skills and knowledge for advancement to the Introduction to Commercial Dance – Level II Series.

Demonstrate proficiency in commercial dance terminology and practices, aligning with industry standards.

Identify the core principles of dance repertory and production, preparing students for performance and behind-the-scenes roles.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

8 units
DNCE 122A
Commercial Dance I
Instruction for the beginning level dance student in commercial dance including technical steps, styles, audition techniques, and performance skills. The course focuses on level I skill set necessary for the preparation of dancing in commercial settings such as entertainment industries, cruise liners, music videos, mainstream entertainment productions, etc. DNCE 122A prepares the student for DNCE 122B.
    Plan 1: 7B. Lifelong Understanding - Activity
    DNCE 201A
    Ballet I
    Beginning level I ballet technique and terminology, including basic barre work, center work, and combinations en diagonale. Includes basic alignment, use of turnout, coordination, and ballet terminology. Dance 201A prepares the student for Dance 201B.
      Plan 1: 7B. Lifelong Understanding - Activity
      DNCE 219A
      Jazz Dance I
      Beginning level 1 jazz dance emphasizing movement technique, vocabulary, and creative expression. Includes an introduction to choreographic compositions. Prepares the student for DNCE 219B.
        Plan 1: 7B. Lifelong Understanding - Activity
        DNCE 240A or DNCE 204A
        Students develop rehearsal and performance skills through learning a repertoire of dances. Includes preparation for public concerts and performances at different venues. Dances vary each semester. Requires audition prior to enrollment.
        • Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Audition.
        OR
        Concert dance production experience culminating in public performances in Phillips Hall Theatre as part of the Spring Student/Faculty Dance Concert. Includes production basics, with an emphasis on performance techniques and working with faculty/student choreographers to create original dances. By audition only prior to enrollment.
        • Prerequisite: Prerequisite: By audition only.
        CHOICE: Commercial Dance Elective

        Second Semester

        6 units
        DNCE 206A
        Modern Dance I
        A beginning level modern dance class emphasizing movement technique, dance vocabulary, and creative individual expression. Includes an introduction to choreographic principles and cultural context of modern dance. Students learn modern dance exercises and short dance combinations. Prepares the student for Dance 206B.
          Plan 1: 7B. Lifelong Understanding - Activity
          DNCE 250A
          Hip-Hop Dance I
          A level I hip-hop dance course emphasizing movement technique, vocabulary, and creative expression. It includes choreographic principles, improvisation, and the cultural context of hip-hop dance.
            DNCE 133A
            Musical Theatre Dance Techniques I
            This is a beginner level course that covers a variety of dance genres and styles used in musical theatre with an emphasis on basic skills for ensemble dancing roles and character development. Study also focuses on the styles and contributions of major musical theatre choreographers and performers from the Golden Age to current musical theatre trends, and the audition process as a dancer related to musical theatre.
            • Recommended Preparation: DNCE 219A
            • Recommended Preparation: DNCE 250A
            CHOICE: Commercial Dance Elective