Dance
Dance
Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences (A.A.)
Associate in Fine Arts Degree in Performing Arts (A.F.A.)

The Dance program offers rounded and intensive study of jazz, ballet, and modern technique. Students also receive training in choreography and perform in student-driven projects as well as the Mercer Dance Ensemble (M.D.E.), Mercer County’s own dance company.

The program offers two degree options, A.A. or A.F.A., both of which combine conservatory training in the performing arts with academic education in the liberal arts. The A.A. allows students to transfer as juniors into bachelor of arts programs. The A.F.A. includes additional training in performing arts and prepares students for work as well as further study in the field.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES
  • Master the physical discipline and time investment necessary to carry out professional concerts;
  • Choreograph independently to create their own dances;
  • Work collaboratively with artistic and production staff;
  • Create successful auditions by preparing materials and exhibiting professional conduct.

Graduates have transferred to four-year institutions including Rider University, George Mason University, Montclair State University, and Rutgers University Mason Gross School of the Arts, among others. Dance program students have also gone on to perform with Tsunami Productions, Nicholas Rodriguez and Company, Six Flags Great Adventure, and Sesame Street Live.

The program may be pursued part- or full-time. Dance courses are offered during the morning and afternoon. Students are required to attend some evening classes in order to complete the program. Admission requires a high school diploma or its equivalent.

SEE ALSO:
Dance certificate program

A.A. DEGREE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
 earlier / Archive
DAN.AA
CIP 500101

The course sequence below represents a recommended example of how this degree program can be completed in two years, presuming a Fall Term start and satisfaction of all Developmental Studies (foundation courses) requirements and prerequisites. Actual approaches toward completion depend on each student's anticipated transfer institution, career objectives, or other individual circumstances.

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Success Coach to consider options, establish plans, and monitor progress.

Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
To Do This Semester
FIRST SEMESTER
CMN 112 Public Speaking (3/0) 3

✔ Meet with your faculty advisor to complete an academic plan. Make sure you are aware of any course prerequisites you may need to take, and how long it will take to complete your degree.

✔ Use your online tools: Check your MercerMail daily, utilize features of Office 365, and get to know Student Planning.

✔ Take advantage of Learning Centers or Online Tutoring to support your studies and assignments.

DAN 101 Introduction to Dance and Culture (3/0) 3
DAN 116 Studio Dance Technique I (0/6) 3
ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0) 3
MAT 125 Elementary Statistics I (3/0)





3
SECOND SEMESTER
DAN 117 Studio Dance Technique II (0/6) 3

✔ Transitioning to college can be challenging. Meet with your Success Coach for guidance and support.

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Contact professors with questions and use their office hours to develop a connection.

✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

✔ Begin attending college transfer events and visit campuses. Be sure to visit the Transfer Services and Career Services offices to get to know how the transfer process works and to explore career options.

✔ Plan for how you will complete transfer applications while finishing your classes.

DAN 120 Choreography I (2/2) 3
ENG 102 English Composition II (3/0) 3
HIS  — Historical Perspective general education elective 3
  —    — Elective








3
THIRD SEMESTER
DAN 118 Studio Dance Technique III (0/6) 3

✔ Keep in contact with each professor and your faculty advisor. Make sure you are on track to graduate.

✔ Complete your applications to desired transfer institutions.

✔ Develop team and leadership skills by getting involved in activities and clubs.

✔ Manage your stress! Take advantage of the MCCC pool, Fitness Center, free yoga and Zumba. Reach out for counseling or other support if you need it. Your Success Coach can connect you with resources.

PHY 111 Physical Science Concepts (2/2) 3
THR 212 Central Voices in World Drama (3/0) 3
VPA 228 Artistic Collaboration Workshop (2/2) 3
  —    — Technology general education elective






3
FOURTH SEMESTER
ART 123 History of Modern Art (3/0) 3

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Talk to your faculty advisor and the Transfer office for advice on how to successfully transition to a new school.

✔ Apply for Graduating Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

DAN 119 Studio Dance Technique IV (0/6) 3
MUS 103 Introduction to Music (3/0) 3
  —    — Social Science general education elective 3
  —    — Social Science general education elective 3
  60  

NOTE: Students who forego the courses recommended above should select all other electives in consultation with an academic advisor in order to assure maximum transfer of credits.

A.F.A. DEGREE CURRICULUM
2023-2024 Academic Year
 earlier / Archive
DAN.AFA
CIP 500101

The course sequence below represents a recommended example of how this degree program can be completed in two years, presuming a Fall Term start and satisfaction of all Developmental Studies (foundation courses) requirements and prerequisites. Actual approaches toward completion depend on each student's anticipated transfer institution, career objectives, or other individual circumstances.

Students are encouraged to meet regularly with an academic advisor or Success Coach to consider options, establish plans, and monitor progress.

Code Course (lecture/lab hours) Credits
To Do This Semester
FIRST SEMESTER
CMN 112 Public Speaking (3/0) 3

✔ Meet with your faculty advisor to complete an academic plan. Make sure you are aware of any course prerequisites you may need to take, and how long it will take to complete your degree.

✔ Use your online tools: Check your MercerMail daily, utilize features of Office 365, and get to know Student Planning.

✔ Take advantage of Learning Centers or Online Tutoring to support your studies and assignments.

DAN 101 Introduction to Dance and Culture (3/0) 3
DAN 112 Ballet II (1/2) 2
DAN 116 Studio Dance Technique I (0/6) 3
ENG 101 English Composition I (3/0) 3
MUS 103 Introduction to Music (3/0)







3
SECOND SEMESTER
BIO 106 Human Anatomy (3/2) 4

✔ Transitioning to college can be challenging. Meet with your Success Coach for guidance and support.

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Contact professors with questions and use their office hours to develop a connection.

✔ Apply for Continuing Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

✔ Begin attending college transfer events and visit campuses. Be sure to visit the Transfer Services and Career Services offices to get to know how the transfer process works and to explore career options.

✔ Plan for how you will complete transfer applications while finishing your classes.

DAN 117 Studio Dance Technique II (0/6) 3
DAN 120 Choreography I (2/2) 3
ENG 102 English Composition II (3/0) 3
  —    — Social Science general education elective
  • ANT 101 or PSY 101 recommended.














3
THIRD SEMESTER
DAN 118 Studio Dance Technique III (0/6) 3

✔ Keep in contact with each professor and your faculty advisor. Make sure you are on track to graduate.

✔ Complete your applications to desired transfer institutions.

✔ Develop team and leadership skills by getting involved in activities and clubs.

✔ Manage your stress! Take advantage of the MCCC pool, Fitness Center, free yoga and Zumba. Reach out for counseling or other support if you need it. Your Success Coach can connect you with resources.

DAN 285 Special Studies: Dance 3
MAT 125 Elementary Statistics I (3/0) 3
THR 104 Fundamentals of Acting (2/2) 3
VPA 228 Artistic Collaboration Workshop (2/2)










3
FOURTH SEMESTER
DAN 113 Modern Dance II (1/2) 2

✔ Apply for financial aid by May 1.

✔ Talk to your faculty advisor and the Transfer office for advice on how to successfully transition to a new school.

✔ Apply for Graduating Student scholarships at www.mccc.edu/m-scholarships.

DAN 119 Studio Dance Technique IV (0/6) 3
ETT 200 Technical Production 1
THR 101 Introduction to Theatre (3/0) 3
HIS  — Historical Perspective general education elective
  • HIS 112 recommended.
3
  60  

NOTE: Students who forego the courses recommended above should select all other electives in consultation with an academic advisor in order to assure maximum transfer of credits.