The Santa Monica College Dance Department offers a comprehensive AA degree in dance
rooted in theory and practice that prepares students for BFA and BA transfer and dance
related careers, while serving the general student population through a breadth of
dance experiences. The Dance Department is dedicated to nurturing versatile dance
artists through a combination of rigorous technical training in contemporary modern,
ballet, commercial, and world dance forms with performance opportunities, theoretical
study and creative exploration. Our aesthetically and culturally diverse curriculum
inspires students to cultivate personal artistry, think critically, value difference,
and become responsible global citizens.
Transfer Preparation
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university need to know which courses completed at Santa Monica College will be accepted at the specific college/university. Please consult a Counselor. SMC has transfer articulation agreements with the many UC and CSU campuses, as well as many private and out-of-state institutions.
Degrees and Certificates
Associate in Arts Degree - Dance
33 units + General Education Requirements
The Dance program prepares the serious dance student for university transfer and provides dance training and enrichment for both the beginner and the advanced dancer. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum with a broad range of dance courses to nurture versatile dance artists. The dance department encourages students to think independently, to value creative thought and diversity, and to be responsible global citizens.
The goal of the Dance Program is to prepare students for future careers in performance, choreography, teaching and related careers in dance. The program offers a wide array of dance classes designed to cultivate technique, creativity and performance skills while enhancing self-confidence, creative thought/expression, and critical thinking.
Certificate of Achievement - Commercial Dance
20 units
The Commercial Dance Certificate of Achievement is specifically designed for the student seeking employment in the commercial dance world and related industries. The curriculum is designed to be completed in two semesters of study through coursework in the Santa Monica College Dance Department. Upon completion of this certificate, the student is prepared for the evolving demands of dance-related industries and demonstrates proficiency in diverse commercial dance techniques, performance and audition skills, and the presentation of artist materials. Coursework includes hip hop, jazz, tap, and world dance techniques, performance, choreography, and career preparation. Upon completion of SMC's Commercial Dance Certificate of Achievement, students will demonstrate technical and artistic proficiency in commercial dance genres and generate artist materials needed for dance-related careers. Students will possess the industry knowledge, creative skill sets, and audition and networking strategies to pursue various dance-related employment opportunities. Students will develop greater confidence and resilience as artists and collaborators equipped for the dynamic nature of a career in the arts.
Dance Major Advising
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 Majors should plan to meet with their assigned dance department advisor each semester before enrolling.
Dance Adviser Assignments:
Last name begins with A-E = Jae Lee
Last name begins with F-J = Mark Tomasic
Last name begins with K-O = Marissa Osato Moreno
Last name begins with P-T = Sri Susilowati
Last name begins with U-Z = Vanessa Van Wormer