Associate Degree in Dance
The Associate Degree in Dance teaches fundamental dance techniques and performance skills, preparing students for entry-level roles in dance or further study in performing arts.
About
The Associate Degree in Dance is a two-year program in the United States designed for students passionate about dance and performing arts. It offers foundational training in various dance styles and performance techniques. This diploma is aimed at those who want to develop their skills for professional opportunities or to continue their education in dance or related fields.
- The program focuses on building strong technical abilities in dance and stage presence.
- It is suitable for students who have completed high school or equivalent education.
- The degree prepares graduates for entry-level roles in dance companies, theaters, or educational settings.
- Students gain experience in both solo and group performances.
- The diploma also helps develop creativity, discipline, and physical fitness essential to a dance career.
What you study
The curriculum of the Associate Degree in Dance combines theory and practice over two years to develop well-rounded dancers. Early courses focus on basic techniques and body conditioning, while later years emphasize choreography and performance skills.
- Students study various dance styles such as ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary dance.
- The program includes dance theory covering history, anatomy, and music related to dance.
- Practical training is a major part, with daily classes and rehearsals.
- Students participate in performances to apply their skills in real situations.
- Workshops and masterclasses with professionals may be offered to enhance learning.
- Progression is designed to increase technical complexity and artistic expression year by year.
How to get in
To enter an Associate Degree in Dance program in the US, students typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Admission often involves demonstrating dance skills and motivation.
- Applicants usually submit a portfolio or audition showcasing their dance abilities.
- Some schools may require an interview or written statement about the candidate’s interest in dance.
- Basic academic qualifications such as a high school diploma are necessary.
- The selection favors candidates with prior dance experience and commitment to the art.
- Students from diverse backgrounds with a passion for dance can apply.
Day to day
A typical year in the Associate Degree in Dance involves a busy schedule of classes, rehearsals, and performances. Students balance technical training with creative projects.
- Daily classes focus on technique, conditioning, and choreography.
- Students often participate in group rehearsals preparing for shows or recitals.
- Some programs include internships or workshops with dance companies.
- The academic calendar usually follows two semesters with breaks for rest and practice.
- Students may work on individual projects to develop their own choreography or performance style.
Careers this degree leads to
Graduates with an Associate Degree in Dance can find opportunities in various areas of the performing arts, though many continue their studies to advance their careers.
- Entry-level roles include dancer in companies, performer in theaters, or assistant choreographer.
- Some work in dance education assisting in schools or studios.
- The entertainment and cultural sectors often recruit graduates for live performances and events.
- Employment can be competitive, and gaining experience through auditions and networking is important.
- The degree provides a foundation, but ongoing training and experience are key to career growth.
Careers after further study
These careers require a higher level of study than this degree.
Continuing your studies
After completing the Associate Degree in Dance, students can pursue further education to deepen their expertise and improve job prospects.
- Many continue with a Bachelor’s degree in Dance or Performing Arts.
- Other options include specialized diplomas in choreography, dance therapy, or arts management.
- Some students may choose to explore related fields such as theater or physical education.
- Changing direction towards other creative or educational careers is also possible.
Where to study this degree (200)
Liste des 200 établissements
- Bard CollegeAnnandale-On-Hudson
- Davis & Elkins CollegeElkins
- Rockland Community CollegeSuffern
- University of North Carolina at CharlotteCharlotte
- Iowa State UniversityAmes
- Community College of Beaver CountyMonaca
- San Diego City CollegeSan Diego
- California State University, SacramentoSacramento
- California State University, FresnoFresno
- Bowling Green State UniversityBowling Green
- Rochester Community and Technical CollegeRochester
- College of WoosterWooster
- Centenary College of New JerseyHackettstown
- Montgomery County Community CollegeBlue Bell
- Randolph CollegeLynchburg
- Point Park UniversityPittsburgh
- University of the ArtsPhiladelphia
- University of UtahSalt Lake City
- Purchase CollegePurchase
- New York UniversityNew York
- Marymount Manhattan CollegeNew York
- California State University, Long BeachLong Beach
- Berklee College of MusicBoston
- Texas State UniversitySan Marcos
- University of FloridaGainesville
- Dean CollegeFranklin
- University of North Carolina School of the ArtsWinston Salem
- Chapman UniversityOrange
- Montclair State UniversityMontclair
- University of ArizonaTucson
- Brigham Young UniversityProvo
- University of AlabamaTuscaloosa
- University of California-IrvineIrvine
- Fordham UniversityBronx
- Oklahoma City UniversityOklahoma City
- Muhlenberg CollegeAllentown
- Sam Houston State UniversityHuntsville
- The Ailey SchoolNew York
- American Musical and Dramatic AcademyNew York
- University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles
- The University of Texas at AustinAustin
- Rutgers University-New BrunswickNew Brunswick
- Utah Valley UniversityOrem
- University of North Carolina at GreensboroGreensboro
- San Jose State UniversitySan Jose
- Southern Methodist UniversityDallas
- Ohio State University-Main CampusColumbus
- Juilliard SchoolNew York
- University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle
- Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw
- Brigham Young University - IdahoRexburg
- University of South FloridaTampa
- Pace UniversityNew York
- University at BuffaloBuffalo
- Texas Christian UniversityFort Worth
- Rider UniversityLawrenceville
- Towson UniversityTowson
- University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles
- Ohio University LancasterAthens
- Florida State UniversityTallahassee
- University of California-Santa BarbaraSanta Barbara
- Texas Woman's UniversityDenton
- Temple UniversityPhiladelphia
- Arizona State University Campus ImmersionTempe
- University of Nevada, Las VegasLas Vegas
- University of OklahomaNorman
- Connecticut CollegeNew London
- University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUrbana
- Western Michigan UniversityKalamazoo
- George Mason UniversityFairfax
- Shenandoah UniversityWinchester
- Columbia College ChicagoChicago
- New Jersey City UniversityJersey City
- University of IowaIowa City
- University of South Carolina-ColumbiaColumbia
- University of Michigan-Ann ArborAnn Arbor
- Bennington CollegeBennington
- Lehman CollegeBronx
- East Carolina UniversityGreenville
- Slippery Rock UniversitySlippery Rock
- Butler UniversityIndianapolis
- Loyola University ChicagoChicago
- Ball State UniversityMuncie
- California Institute of the ArtsValencia
- Adelphi UniversityGarden City
- Dominican University of CaliforniaSan Rafael
- Wayne State UniversityDetroit
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens PointStevens Point
- DeSales UniversityCenter Valley
- SUNY FredoniaFredonia
- Alabama State UniversityMontgomery
- Belhaven UniversityJackson
- University of Central OklahomaEdmond
- Indiana University BloomingtonBloomington
- Tyler Junior CollegeTyler
- University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeMilwaukee
- Hope CollegeHolland
- University of Wisconsin–MadisonMadison
- Mercyhurst UniversityErie
- California State University, FullertonFullerton
- Nazareth CollegeRochester
- Hofstra UniversityHempstead
- University of HoustonHouston
- University of CincinnatiCincinnati
- University of Colorado BoulderBoulder
- Brenau UniversityGainesville
- Troy UniversityTroy
- University of Silicon AndhraMilpitas
- Hunter CollegeNew York
- Virginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmond
- Loyola Marymount UniversityLos Angeles
- University of Southern MississippiHattiesburg
- Texas Tech UniversityLubbock
- West Virginia UniversityMorgantown
- Radford UniversityRadford
- Hollins UniversityRoanoke
- Goucher CollegeBaltimore
- University of California, RiversideRiverside
- Manhattanville CollegePurchase
- University of North TexasDenton
- Cornish College of the ArtsSeattle
- Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore
- San Francisco State UniversitySan Francisco
- University of Maryland-College ParkCollege Park
- Wright State UniversityDayton
- Colorado State University-Fort CollinsFort Collins
- Jacksonville UniversityJacksonville
- George Washington UniversityWashington
- University of Wisconsin–Eau ClaireEau Claire
- SUNY BrockportBrockport
- Hobart and William Smith CollegesGeneva
- Saint Mary's College of CaliforniaMoraga
- San Diego State UniversitySan Diego
- Kent State University at KentKent
- University of Maryland-Baltimore CountyBaltimore
- University of Missouri-Kansas CityKansas City
- Grand Valley State UniversityAllendale
- Skidmore CollegeSaratoga Springs
- Sarah Lawrence CollegeBronxville
- Bridgewater State UniversityBridgewater
- Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro
- Stephen F. Austin State UniversityNacogdoches
- Visible Music CollegeMemphis
- University of Massachusetts-AmherstAmherst
- Lindenwood UniversitySaint Charles
- Long Beach City CollegeLong Beach
- Glendale Community CollegeGlendale
- Gonzaga UniversitySpokane
- Orange Coast CollegeCosta Mesa
- Western Kentucky UniversityBowling Green
- Tulane UniversityNew Orleans
- University of Hawaiʻi at MānoaHonolulu
- Case Western Reserve UniversityCleveland
- Winthrop UniversityRock Hill
- Modesto Junior CollegeModesto
- Oakland UniversityRochester Hills
- St. Olaf CollegeNorthfield
- College of the SequoiasVisalia
- Elon UniversityElon
- College of CharlestonCharleston
- University of KansasLawrence
- American UniversityWashington
- University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis
- Mount Holyoke CollegeSouth Hadley
- University of Nebraska–LincolnLincoln
- Webster UniversitySaint Louis
- Southwestern College - CaliforniaChula Vista
- Southern Utah UniversityCedar City
- Scottsdale Community CollegeScottsdale
- University of California-BerkeleyBerkeley
- Appalachian State UniversityBoone
- Roger Williams UniversityBristol
- The University of Texas at El PasoEl Paso
- Western Washington UniversityBellingham
- Oberlin CollegeOberlin
- Queensborough Community College, CUNYBayside
- University of AkronAkron
- Georgian Court UniversityLakewood
- West Texas A&M UniversityCanyon
- Seton Hill UniversityGreensburg
- Emory UniversityAtlanta
- University of New Mexico-Main CampusAlbuquerque
- University of Nevada, RenoReno
- Houston Community College SystemHouston
- Minnesota State University, MankatoMankato
- The University of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg
- The University of MontanaMissoula
- Utah Tech UniversitySaint George
- Palm Beach Atlantic UniversityWest Palm Beach
- Messiah UniversityMechanicsburg
- Kenyon CollegeGambier
- University of KentuckyLexington
- Moorpark CollegeMoorpark
- State University of New York at PotsdamPotsdam
- University of TampaTampa
- University of GeorgiaAthens
- Citrus CollegeGlendora
- University of OregonEugene
- Wesleyan UniversityMiddletown
- Columbia College - South CarolinaColumbia
Frequently asked questions
What prior experience do I need to apply?
Applicants usually need some dance training or experience to pass auditions. However, requirements vary by school, and some accept beginners with strong motivation.
Is this degree enough to become a professional dancer?
The degree provides foundational skills, but becoming a professional dancer often requires further training, auditions, and gaining performance experience.
Can I work while studying this degree?
The program is intensive with daily classes and rehearsals, so working alongside studies can be challenging but may be possible with good time management.
Are there opportunities to perform during the program?
Yes, students usually participate in performances and recitals to apply their skills and gain stage experience.
What kinds of dance styles will I learn?
Programs typically include ballet, modern, jazz, and contemporary dance, but exact offerings depend on the school.
Can I continue my studies after this degree?
Yes, many students pursue bachelor’s degrees or specialized diplomas to deepen their knowledge and improve career prospects.
Is financial aid available for this program?
Financial aid options depend on the institution and student eligibility. It’s important to check with each school’s financial office.
Are internships part of the program?
Some programs include internships or workshops with dance companies to provide practical experience, but this varies by school.























