Apr 29, 2026

2026-2027 Preliminary Catalog

Dance AA

Location(s): Essex

Program Checklist (opens a new window) |

Important Information

Short Description

The A.A. in Dance degree is a 65-credit transfer-oriented program. The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive foundation in dance technique, theory, history, and choreography, with students engaging in technique and theory classes each semester. The program prepares students for transferring to a four-year institution to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). Students engage in technique and theory courses each semester.

Type of Credential

Associate of Arts (A.A.)

Program Code

946

Contacts and Additional Information

Program Coordinator:

Melinda Blomquist
CCBC Essex - WELL 200A
443-840-1347 or mblomquist@ccbcmd.edu

Additional Information:

Opportunities to earn Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) - Several General Education classes offer CPL. See Portfolio, Departmental Exam, CLEP, DSST, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate.
Articulation and Transfer Agreements

Pathway & Track

Arts Pathway: Dance Track

Curriculum Maps

Curriculum Maps are a tool to provide students with a clear understanding of which courses to take and the order in which to complete them. Curriculum Maps help define a student’s individual path towards graduation, ensuring their time and efforts are not spent on credits that fall outside their program of study.

Each map identifies critical courses that must be completed in order to progress through the program and graduate. Curriculum Maps come complete with helpful hints for students - like recommended course electives and a reminder to apply to graduate.

Select the link(s) below to view the Curriculum Map(s) for this program:

Dance AA Curriculum Map

Courses Needed for this Program*

General Education Requirements and Electives - 34-35 Credits

General Education Requirements:

CMNS 101 - Fundamentals of Communication 3 Credit(s).
DANC 135 - Dance Appreciation 3 Credit(s).
ENGL 101 - College Composition I 3 Credit(s).
ENGL 102 - College Composition II 3 Credit(s).

General Education Electives:

Choose courses in each category from the list of approved General Education Courses . View course recommendations in the Curriculum Map . One course must be Diversity Course.

Students must have at least 60 credits for an associate degree. Students who choose to take 3 credits of Mathematics and 7 credits of Biological and Physical Sciences, rather than 4 and 8, may need to take an additional class in order to reach at least 60 credits.

Biological and Physical Sciences (from 2 different disciplines or 2-course sequence, 1 with a lab) 7-8 Credit(s).
Information Technology 3 Credit(s).
Mathematics (MATH 125 recommended) 3 Credit(s).
Social and Behavioral Sciences 6 Credit(s).
Wellness and Health 3 Credit(s).

Program Requirements and Electives - 30 Credits

Two-Semester Sequence

DANC 137 - Dance Improvisation 3 Credit(s).
DANC 237 - Dance Composition 3 Credit(s).

Critical Thinking

Choose one class from this list.

PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy 3 Credit(s). **
PHIL 103 - Critical Thinking 3 Credit(s). **
PHIL 240 - Ethics 3 Credit(s). **

Additional Course Requirements

Dance Theory

DANC 147 - History of Hip Hop Dance 3 Credit(s).
DANC 201 - Introduction to Dance Kinesiology 3 Credit(s).
DANC 202 - Music for Dance 3 Credit(s).

Dance Technique

Take 4 credits each of Ballet and Contemporary Modern Dance (8 credits total), one course of either type per semester. Please see Dance Coordinator for placement.

All technique classes may be repeated once for credit.

DANC 114 - Introduction to Ballet 1 2 Credit(s).
DANC 115 - Introduction to Ballet 2 2 Credit(s).
DANC 120 - Introduction to Contemporary Modern Dance 1 2 Credit(s).
DANC 121 - Introduction to Contemporary Modern Dance 2 2 Credit(s).
DANC 214 - Ballet 1 2 Credit(s).
DANC 215 - Ballet 2 2 Credit(s).
DANC 216 - Intermediate Ballet 1 2 Credit(s).
DANC 217 - Intermediate Ballet 2 2 Credit(s).
DANC 220 - Contemporary Modern Dance 1 2 Credit(s).
DANC 221 - Contemporary Modern Dance 2 2 Credit(s).
DANC 222 - Intermediate Contemporary Modern Dance 1 2 Credit(s).
DANC 223 - Intermediate Contemporary Modern Dance 2 2 Credit(s).

Program Electives

Take a total of 4 credits from two different dance styles.

DANC 108 - Introduction to Hip Hop 1 2 Credit(s).
DANC 130 - Introduction to Tap 1 2 Credit(s).
DANC 132 - Introduction to Jazz 1 2 Credit(s).
DANC 230 - Tap 1 2 Credit(s).
DANC 232 - Jazz 1 2 Credit(s).

Total Number of Credits Required for Degree: 64-65*

Notes

*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development 101 . This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.

**These courses may also be used to fulfill General Education Electives.

Program Description

This degree program offers foundational coursework in a variety of technique styles, dance history and theory. Students also take General Education course work to help prepare for transfer to colleges and universities that offer a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with a major in Dance.

The mission of the Dance program of The Community College of Baltimore County is to provide students with opportunities to experience and learn about a broad spectrum of dance; to partner with students in developing the physical and technical skills necessary to communicate through dance; and to inspire students to participate in dance experiences to foster the intellectual, creative, and spiritual growth of dancers by instilling in them a commitment to artistic and personal excellence.

The program is designed to provide training and help students transfer to colleges and universities that offer a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) with a major in Dance. General Education requirements and other degree requirements, program requirements, and electives, should be considered in light of the requirements of the selected transfer institution. Students should consult with a transfer coordinator or an advisor for information about specific requirements.

It is strongly recommended that students who wish to pursue study in this area speak with the Dance program coordinator before registering for courses. Students are required to take a minimum of one technique course each semester. The CCBC Dance program is administered at CCBC Essex and Dance major courses are offered at the CCBC Essex campus. All Dance major courses are offered in-person, except for DANC 135 and DANC 147 , which are also offered as an online or hybrid course.

Note: Although this program follows a two-year plan, students who work more than 15 hours per week or have other major obligations outside of school are advised to take fewer courses each semester over a longer period of time. Students who work 25 hours or more are advised to take 12 credits or less each semester.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

consistently demonstrate strong technical ability in various styles of dance in both technique class and in performance.
utilize an integrated kinesthetic perception, focus, and concentration to self-evaluate, self-correct, and refine technique;
produce a choreographic project demonstrating and understanding of the use of choreographic elements such as phrasing, forming, abstraction, style, theatrical elements, music/sound, and/or props;
write articulately about dance in projects, critiques, and self-analysis; and
utilize an integrated understanding of movement, music, and pedagogy principles when developing and teaching phrase material for either technique class or choreography.