FAQ on Dance Department

While there is no audition to declare a Dance major, you are expected to enter with and maintain adequate technical proficiency to progress through the curriculum. You must maintain at least a C average for classes to count towards the Dance major.

Yes. The Dance Department has two pre-professional companies: Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater and Global Motion World Dance Company. At the beginning of each semester, dancers who are interested in being considered for the ensemble, or who are interested in auditioning work as a choreographer, must attend the audition. Learn more about auditions.

• Form fitting stretchable attire that allows for viewing body alignment and placement and allows for full range of movement. (No pedestrian clothing such as jeans, hats, etc.) Appropriate examples include fitted leggings/tights, athletic pants, leotards, athletic tank tops, long sleeve/full length pants for floor work, etc.
• Wear clothing without logos, graphics, or prints (solid colors only); 
• Respect everyone by wearing clothing that is not excessively revealing; 
• Take all jewelry off before class so that it doesn’t cause potential injury; 
• Barefoot, socks, or footwear as specified by instructor;
• Hair pulled back off of neck in ponytail/bun before entering studio; 
• Supportive undergarments (for example: sports bra, dance belt, etc. Ask your instructor if you have questions).
• For discipline-specific requirements, please consult your instructor or the Dance Department Student Handbook.

Every Dance major is assigned a Dance Department adviser who is available to assist students in choosing the appropriate course(s) to enroll in based on student study plan and goals. Students are assigned an adviser based on their last name. Dance Adviser Assignments:

Student Last Name	Adviser
A through F	Jae Lee, lee_jae@smc.edu, 310-434-4316
G through K	Marissa Osato Moreno, moreno_marissa@smc.edu, 310-434-8784
L through Q	Sri Susilowati, susilowati_sri@smc.edu, 310-434-8245
R through Z	Vanessa Van Wormer, vanwormer_vanessa@smc.edu, 310-434-4865

It is up to the student to arrange to meet with your adviser at the beginning of every semester to discuss your individualized plan. Every dance major should fill out a Dance Major Guidance Form available in the Dance Department.

A schedule of classes is also available online. Check out our description of courses to find out which class is right for you.

The Dance Major is designed to be completed in four semesters (two years). It is possible to complete your degree faster if you also take classes during the winter/summer semesters. You will work with your Dance adviser to determine the best time frame for your transfer and career goals.

Yes. In addition to the AA in Dance, our department also offers a Teacher of Dance Pre-K-5 Certificate. Additional certificate programs are in development.

Our Department has a variety of travel study tour options. Our performance ensembles Global Motion World Dance Company and Synapse Contemporary Dance Theater have toured throughout California and Mexico for more than 30 years, with recent performances in Beijing, China; Bracciano, Italy, and Santiago, Chile.

Students can also experience dance in New York City by enrolling in Dance in NYC.