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Career & Academic Pathways >> Visual & Performing Arts
Contact Information
Deanna Ross (Department Chair)
(831) 646-4220
dross@mpc.edu
For Additional Info
• Download our Info Sheet
• Visit MPC Dance
• Connect with a Counselor

Program Overview

Dance is an art form that uses the body as its medium. The MPC Dance program is designed to provide students with a wide variety of dance experience and technique. The curriculum includes courses in modern, jazz, ballet, ballroom, and ethnic dance along with opportunities to choreograph and perform. Students also learn the principles and concepts of the art form and practice working collaboratively in group activities.

Job Outlook

Dancers develop skills that go well beyond pirouettes. The tremendous discipline required to master dance technique is an asset in any profession; in addition, dancers must be organized, detail-oriented, and able to collaborate and communicate creatively and effectively. Graduates can go on to become performers, choreographers, and dance educators, or can pursue careers in arts journalism, physical therapy, arts administration, and performing arts production.

Potential Careers

Choreographers 

$22,900 - $119,060

*Exercise Trainers
(may require additional training)

$25,060 - $83,010

Dancers

$26,187 - $80,642

*High School Teachers
(may require additional training)

$56,560 - $115,360

*Physical Therapists
(may require additional training)

$66,880 - $133,260

MPC Degrees and Certificates

  • Dance - Associate in Arts (AA)

Suggested Course Sequence (AA)

Year 1

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS
ENGL 1A
 3 Area A2 4-5

LIBR 50

 1

   MATH 16 rec.

DANC 10A

 1

DANC 10B

 1

DANC 11A

 1

DANC 11B

 1

DANC 12A

 1

DANC 12B

 1
DANC 15A 1

DANC 15B

 1 
MUSI 1, 2, 3 3 THEA 1, 15A, 23 or 24 3 
Area D 3  Area F 3
   KINS 44 or 48 rec.  

   HIST 12, 24, or 25

  
       
Total Fall Units
 14
 Total Spring Units
 14-15

Year 2

FALL
 UNITS
 SPRING UNITS

DANC 11C

 1

Choose 3: DANC 10C, 10D, 

 3

DANC 12C

 1

   11D, 12D, 15C, 20A, 20B, or 21

DANC 14A

 .5

MPC Elective: DANC rec. or 

.5-1
DANC 10C, 15C, 20A, 20B, or 21 1    SPCH 1, 2, or 3

Area B & Lab

 4

Choose 2: PFIT or PHED 

 2
MPC Elective: 3 MPC Elective: KINS 48  3
   KINS 44 rec. or ENGL 2
   MPC Elective: KINS 43  3
MPC Elective: KINS 41 rec. 3 MPC Elective: KINS 51 2
MPC Elective: KINS 45 rec.  3 MPC Elective KINS 63 2
       
Total Fall Units
 16.5 Total Spring Units 16-16.5

This is a suggested sequence of coursework and is one pathway for students to earn their degree/certificate. This is not an official educational plan. A counselor is able to assist you with creating a personalized education plan based on your academic, career, and personal goals. For more information about counseling and up-to-date program requirements, please visit www.mpc.edu/counseling. 

Testimonials 

Aaron Lichtanski

My dance experience at MPC was formative in my live performance training. Awareness of my body and my ability to create movement and tell stories were galvanized through the many dance classes I took at MPC and those skills directly transferred to my musical theater performance abilities and presence as a performer and dance instructor.

Brendan Barthel

Through concurrent enrollment, I began taking dance classes at MPC while attending Monterey High School in order to fulfill PE requirements. The field intrigued me enough that I stayed enrolled in dance during my first semester at MPC after graduating high school, even though it was not my declared major and I was intending to transfer to a four-year university focusing on visual arts. The MPC dance department and teachers within were inspiring enough and offered enough resources to me that I slowly transitioned my focus of study, and eventually was able to engage with the professional community across California. I have since led a successful career in performance dance for the past 16 years, working for and collaborating with dance companies both nationally and internationally--including Canada, Cuba, Germany, Sweden, Israel and India. This life path was initiated by the resources of MPC, and the passion and direction of the professors within the dance department. I currently live and work in New York City as a freelance dancer and massage therapist.

Carly Burgess

Having my dance education at MPC really allowed me the space to be able to truly learn and grow in such a nurturing community. I have received my associates degree in dance, and have used that to continue my path in teaching, creating locally, and dancing with various troupes in the area.

Nicholas Stettenbenz

The time I spent at the MPC dance department helped me develop a foundation for my educational and professional career as a performer. The faculty is invested in each and every student who walks into the studio and they do an outstanding job in helping their students pursue a future in the arts. By studying at the MPC dance department I became fully prepared to continue my education at the University of California, Irvine, as well my career performing throughout the United States.