Dance Degree or Certficate | Career Options
Associate of Arts

Visual And Performing Arts Dance Option

Earn a DegreeEarn A Certificate

Program Overview

Program Overview

Whether you are a performer, a teacher or simply exploring your passion, a focus in dance will give you the opportunity to teach, choreograph, perform and investigate endless opportunities while doing something you love. The Dance Option provides students with a broad base of cultural and historical knowledge as well as technique, pedagogy and repertoire in the various dance genres. The creative process is fostered by inclusion of production skills, the art of choreography, and performance opportunities. This foundation will prepare students to further their studies in teaching, choreography, and/or performance. Graduates may seek employment in dance education, dance studios, community service organizations, and as production assistants, choreographers, teacher assistants, dance therapy assistants, and as dancers in the arts and entertainment industry.

Earn a degree

  • Career-oriented graduates may seek employment in dance education, dance studios, community service organizations, and as production assistants, choreographers, teacher assistants, dance therapy assistants, and as dancers in the arts and entertainment.

Earn a certificate 

A certificate in dance is designed for individuals who are looking to enhance their technique, broaden their repertoire, and build their choreographic options and production skills. For those who do not wish to pursue a full two-year course of study, a formal pathways higher education institution for dance certification K-12 is also available .

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Career Possibilities

Career Possibilities

 

Some career opportunities may require additional education beyond an associates degree.

Additional Details

A Foundation to Further Your Studies in, Teaching, Choreography, and Performance

Dance courses provide students with a broad base of cultural and historical knowledge as well as technique, pedagogy and repertoire in the various dance genres. The creative process is fostered by inclusion of production skills, the art of choreography, and performance opportunities. This foundation will prepare students to further their studies in teaching, choreography, and/or performance. Graduates may seek employment in dance education, dance studios, community service organizations, and as production assistants, choreographers, teacher assistants, dance therapy assistants, and as dancers in the arts and entertainment industry.

We offer all of the courses you need - all in a two year cycle!


About the Formal Pathways for Dance Certification

Teachers qualify for unique endorsement with 30 credits If you are a

  • prospective teacher,
  • magnet school teacher dance teacher in school, or
  • certified teacher wishing to cross-endorse,

then you qualify for a unique endorsement with thirty credits.


Requirements

The State of CT Dance Education Task Force Committee has designated the following courses to fulfill the 30 credit requirement for Pre-K-12 Dance Certification or Unique Endorsement:

  • Applied Study in Ballet
  • Applied Courses in Modern Dance (2) 
  • Applied Study in a third Folkloric or Classical World Dance Form (Tap, Jazz, African, etc.)
  • Choreographic Principles/Composition and Dance Improvisation
  • Dance History/Cultures
  • Applied Anatomy/KinesiologyDance Education Methods/Curriculum (including elementary and secondary)
  • Nutrition in a Fitness context (Pilates)

In addition to day and evening courses, the dance department offers special programs throughout the year for the educator.

We are committed to dance education and will offer all of these requirements in a two-year cycle.

Follow your dream! Our dance program is affordable, accessible and accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges.


Dance

Terpsichorean Club

Love to dance? Looking for opportunities to meet others that do too? If you are a student at NVCC, whether for credit or as a community participant through the Continuing Education program, join The Terpsichorean Dance Club and

  • take trips to dance concerts, 
  • participate in club-sponsored master classes, and 
  • explore a variety of dance genres. 

The club, formed in 1993, is active in the College's arts and humanities and student activities productions. Like Terpsichore, the Greek goddess of dance and one of the nine muses in Greek mythology, the goal of members of the Terpsichorean's is to perpetuate and cultivate the Fine Arts.

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Certificate Programs

Certificate Programs

This certificate in dance is designed for individuals who are looking to enhance their technique, broaden their repertoire, and build their choreographic options and production skills. This program is tailored for those who wish to work or presently work with either children or adults in studio, theater, early childhood or community service environments. Individuals wishing to broaden their dance foundation for working in the art or entertainment industries also may be served.

Many individuals who teach dance have a limited access to higher education in dance. There is a need for technical as well as artistic training. This program will address these needs by providing a firm foundation in the major aspects of dance so that the student may feel confident in his/her involvement in the dance world.

A Formal Pathways to Dance Certification K-12 has been designed for the public school teacher wishing to obtain the State of Connecticut's pending certification.

Students entering this program should have a basic foundation in dance. If the individual does not possess either a degree or experience, he/she may consider enrolling in the Visual and Performing Arts/Dance Degree option. Credits may be applied toward the degree program. Students may substitute, with permission, other dance offerings to fit their needs.

Dance - Related Programs

Student Success


Where does this take me?

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Academic & Transfer

The requirements for a degree in visual and performing arts allow you to transfer seamlessly to most four-year colleges and to successfully complete your bachelor's degree in dance without loss of credit or time. 

Career Paths

Whether you are a performer, a teacher or simply exploring your passion, a focus in dance will give you the opportunity to teach, choreograph, perform and explore endless opportunities while doing something you love. Our classes will help you prepare to further your study or seek employment as a:

  • Dance Educator
  • Dance Studio Teacher/Owner
  • Dance Therapy Assistant
  • Community Service Organization Worker
  • Production Assistant
  • Choreographer
  • Dance Therapy Assistant
  • Dancer in the Arts and Entertainment Industry.
  • Stage Manager

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