Dance
54 courses · MiraCosta College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026
DNCE 100 Dance Appreciation
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course examines the aesthetics of dance using the elements of time, space, and energy. It introduces students to the origins of dance within cultural contexts. Topics include dance genres, movement vocabulary, notation symbols, and dance-production elements that choreographers use to convey their creative intent. Students are required to attend a live dance performance.
DNCE 101 Dance History
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides a historical survey of dance in western civilization from antiquity to the present. It emphasizes the cultural context and historical development of ballet and modern dance, and it relates dance to other art forms within various historical periods. Students are required to attend a live dance performance.
DNCE 102 Introduction to Mexican Folkloric Dance: History, Culture, and Performance
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This academic course explores the evolution of Mexican folkloric dance from its pre-Hispanic roots to its modern expressions in Mexico and the US. The course covers regional styles, cultural symbols, and the socio-political contexts shaping these dances. Students examine the relationship between dance, music, and costumes and how folkloric dance preserves culture, builds community, and empowers education. Additionally, the course highlights the impact of colonialism on Mexican dance and the resilience of Indigenous forms, offering insights into dance as a tool for cultural survival, resistance, and identity.
DNCE 104 Dance on Film
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the influence of dance as entertainment in musical films from the 1920s to the present. It examines how dance as art has influenced and responded to societal issues such as race, gender, war, class, politics, and other significant socio-cultural topics of this time period. Students are required to attend a live dance performance.
DNCE 105 Dance Cultures of the World
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- Lecture 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course surveys dance around the world in a cultural and social context. It emphasizes the different ways dance is used to express ideas about the relationship between a person and the body, gender roles, religion, cultural traditions, and ritual. Cultures include Africa, Asia, Latin America, Middle East, North America, and Eastern Europe. Students are required to attend a live dance performance.
DNCE 121 Hip Hop I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to hip-hop dance, focusing on styles used for movies, television, and video productions. It includes popping, locking, b-boying, rocking, and other hip-hop styles at a beginning level.
DNCE 122 Hip Hop II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 121
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This continuation of hip-hop dance focuses on styles used for movies, television, and video productions. It includes popping, locking, b-boying, rocking, and other hip-hop styles at a beginning-intermediate level.
DNCE 134 Pacific Island Dance I
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces the dance and music of the Pacific Islands, including Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Specific countries may include but are not limited to Samoa, Hawai'i, Guam, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Naru, and Palau. Students learn basic dance steps, postures, rhythms, timing, songs, and movements of different Pacific Island dance in contemporary and traditional forms using Pacific Island movement terminology. The course examines the function and aesthetic of dance as ritual, social discourse, education, and artistic expression.
DNCE 135 Pacific Island Dance II
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 134
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course continues the exploration of dance and music of the Pacific Islands, including Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia. Specific countries may include but are not limited to Samoa, Hawai'i, Guam, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Naru, and Palau. Students learn intermediate dance steps, postures, rhythms, timing, songs, and movements of different Pacific Island dance in contemporary and traditional forms using Pacific Island movement terminology. The course examines the function and aesthetic of dance as ritual, social discourse, education, and artistic expression.
DNCE 136 Dance Practices Across Cultures and Borders
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This dance technique course focuses on the dance and music traditions of world cultures such as Africa, Asia, Central America and the Caribbean, North America, South America, the Middle East, and Europe. Students learn fundamental dance movements, postures, and rhythms. The course also examines the cultural roles and aesthetics of dance, including ritual, social, and artistic expression.
DNCE 140 Ballroom Dance Technique I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces beginning principles and techniques of American ballroom dances, which may include the slow waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, swing, and quickstep. Students learn and perform basic ballroom dances while improving alignment, timing, coordination, and partnering techniques.
DNCE 143 Ballroom Dance Technique II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 140
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This continued study of ballroom dance principles and techniques focuses on beginning-intermediate level American ballroom dances, including the slow waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, swing, and quickstep. Students learn and perform beginning-intermediate ballroom dance combinations while improving alignment, musicality, styling, and partnering skills.
DNCE 146 Latin Dance Technique I
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces beginning dance principles and techniques of Latin partnering dances, such as the cha cha, salsa, samba, and rumba. Students learn and perform basic Latin dances while improving alignment, timing, coordination, and partnering techniques.
DNCE 147 Latin Dance Technique II
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 146
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This continued study of Latin dance principles and technique focuses on beginning-intermediate Latin partnering dances, such as the cha cha, salsa, samba and rumba. Students learn and perform Latin partnering dances while improving alignment, rhythm, footwork, and styling.
DNCE 150 Pilates Mat & Reformer I
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This beginning-intermediate level Pilates-based program utilizes mat and reformer exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, enhance dance performance, movement coordination, and physical conditioning. May be repeated once.
DNCE 152 Ballet I
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course focuses on the fundamentals of ballet technique, principles, and terminology. It prepares students for more advanced study in ballet. Topics include terminology, variations of ballet barre, center, petite allegro, adagio, turns, and grand allegro work. Students develop increased proficiency and skill attainment with each repetition. May be repeated three times.
DNCE 154 Ballet II
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 152
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course focuses on intermediate ballet technique, principles, and terminology. It prepares students for more advanced study in ballet. Topics include terminology, variations of ballet barre, center, petit allegro, adagio, turns, and grand allegro work. May be repeated three times.
DNCE 166 Jazz Dance I
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course focuses on the fundamentals of jazz-dance technique, principles, and terminology. It prepares students for a more advanced study in jazz dance. Topics include terminology, warm-up, stretches, on-the-diagonal progressions, and dance combinations center floor. Students develop increased proficiency and skill attainment with each repetition. Students are required to attend a live dance performance. May be repeated one time.
DNCE 168 Jazz Dance II
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 166
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides study in intermediate jazz dance technique, principles, and terminology. It prepares students for more advanced study in jazz dance. Topics include warm-up, stretches, on-the-diagonal progressions, and dance combinations center floor. Students are required to attend a live dance concert. May be repeated one time.
DNCE 172 Musical Theater Dance I
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides study in beginning dance technique, principles, and terminology appropriate for musical theater dance. It prepares students to audition for the MiraCosta College musical and for more advanced study in musical theater dance. Topics include warm-up, across-the-floor progressions, and center-floor dance combinations. Students are required to attend a live dance concert.
DNCE 174 Musical Theater Dance II
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides study in intermediate dance technique, principles, and terminology appropriate for musical theater dance. It prepares students to audition for the MiraCosta College musical and for more advanced study in musical theater dance. Topics include warm-up, across-the-floor progressions, and center-floor dance combinations. Students are required to attend a live dance concert.
DNCE 176 Modern Dance I
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course introduces modern dance principles and techniques, exploring the elements of time, space, energy, and shape. Students learn correct body alignment, rhythm, breath, and balance through the study and practice of modern dance combinations. Students are required to attend a live dance performance. May be repeated three times.
DNCE 178 Modern Dance II
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 176
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is a continued study of modern dance, based on the principles of contraction and release, fall and recovery, and effort/shape. Students learn movement combinations and group choreography, utilizing intermediate modern dance technique, improvisation, and choreographic variations. Students are required to attend a live dance concert. May be repeated three times.
DNCE 179 Musical Theatre Dance Production
- Units
- 1-2
- Hours
- Laboratory 6 hours
- Corequisite
- DRAM 204
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course focuses on dance techniques within the context of historical and contemporary Broadway musicals and/or plays. Students assess how movement, energy, stage presence, and musicality affect level of performance, and they integrate these techniques into choreography of a theatrical performance. May be repeated two times.
DNCE 200 Contemporary Dance Production I
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the choreographic, rehearsal, and performance process of contemporary dance forms for dance concerts, outreach, and community events at a beginning level. Students work under professional working conditions and requirements. This course culminates in a live dance performance.
DNCE 201 Contemporary Dance Production II
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the choreographic, rehearsal, and performance process of contemporary dance forms for dance concerts, outreach, and community events at the intermediate level. Students work under professional working conditions and requirements. This course culminates in a live dance performance.
DNCE 202 Contemporary Dance Production III
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the choreographic, rehearsal, and performance process of contemporary dance forms for dance concerts, outreach, and community events at the intermediate-advanced level. Students work under professional working conditions and requirements. This course culminates in a live dance performance.
DNCE 203 Contemporary Dance Production IV
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the choreographic, rehearsal, and performance process of contemporary dance forms for dance concerts, outreach, and community events at the advanced level. Students work under professional working conditions and requirements. This course culminates in a live dance performance.
DNCE 204 Classical Dance Production I
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the choreographic, rehearsal, and performance process of classical dance genres for dance concerts, outreach, and community events at a beginning level. Students work under professional working conditions and requirements. This course culminates in a live dance performance.
DNCE 205 Classical Dance Production II
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the choreographic, rehearsal, and performance process of classical dance genres for dance concerts, outreach, and community events at the intermediate level. Students work under professional working conditions and requirements. This course culminates in a live, in-person dance performance.
DNCE 206 Classical Dance Production III
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the choreographic, rehearsal, and performance process of classical dance forms for dance concerts, outreach, and community events at the intermediate-to-advanced level. Students work under professional working conditions and requirements. This course culminates in a live, in-person dance performance.
DNCE 207 Classical Dance Production IV
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course explores the choreographic, rehearsal, and performance process of classical dance genres for dance concerts, outreach, and community events at an advanced level. Students work under professional working conditions and requirements. This course culminates in a live dance performance.
DNCE 221 Hip Hop III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 122
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This continuation of hip-hop dance, focusing on styles used for movies, television, and video productions. It includes popping, locking, breakdancing, rocking, and other hip-hop styles at an intermediate level.
DNCE 222 Hip Hop IV
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 221
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This continuation of hip-hop dance focuses on styles used for movies, television, and video productions. It includes popping, locking, b-boying, rocking, and other hip-hop styles at an intermediate-advanced level.
DNCE 234 Pacific Island Dance III
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 135
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course studies the dance and music of the Pacific Islands, including Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia at the intermediate-advanced level. Specific countries may include but are not limited to Samoa, Hawai'i, Guam, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Naru, and Palau. Students learn intermediate-advanced dance steps, postures, rhythms, timing, songs, and movements of different Pacific Island dances in contemporary and traditional forms using Pacific Island movement terminology. The course examines the function and aesthetic of dance as ritual, social discourse, education, and artistic expression.
DNCE 235 Pacific Island Dance IV
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 234
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course continues the study of dance and music of the Pacific Islands, including Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia at the advanced level. Specific countries may include but are not limited to Samoa, Hawai'i, Guam, New Zealand, Tahiti, Tonga, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Naru and Palau. Students learn advanced dance steps, postures, rhythms, timing, songs, and movements of different Pacific Island dance in contemporary and traditional forms using Pacific Island movement terminology. The course examines the function and aesthetic of dance as ritual, social discourse, education, and artistic expression.
DNCE 240 Ballroom Dance Technique III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 143
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This continued study of ballroom dance principles and techniques focuses on the intermediate level of American ballroom dances, including slow waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, swing, and quickstep. Students learn and perform intermediate ballroom dance combinations while improving musicality, styling, and partnering skills.
DNCE 243 Ballroom Dance Technique IV
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 240
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This continued study of ballroom dance principles and techniques focuses on the intermediate-advanced level of American ballroom dances, including slow waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot, swing, and quickstep. Students learn and perform intermediate-advanced ballroom dance combinations while improving musicality, styling, improvisation, and partnering skills.
DNCE 246 Latin Dance Technique III
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 147
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This continued study of Latin dance principles and technique focuses on intermediate Latin partnering dances, such as the cha cha, salsa, samba, mambo, and rumba. Students learn and perform Latin partnering dances while improving alignment, musicality, footwork, and styling.
DNCE 247 Latin Dance Technique IV
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 246
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This continued study of Latin dance principles and technique focuses on intermediate-advanced Latin partnering dances, such as the cha cha, salsa, samba, mambo and rumba. Students learn and perform Latin partnering dances while improving alignment, musicality, footwork, and styling.
DNCE 250 Contemporary Dance Intensive I
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The dance intensive focuses on contemporary dance as an expressive art form at the beginning/intermediate level. Guest artists may be brought in and work on building technical skills, improvisational skills, and partnering skills. Repertory may be taught from the guest artists' experiences. The course evaluates movement phrases in space, effort, and time and focuses on establishing kinesthetic awareness and the ability to find one's own groove.
DNCE 253 Contemporary Dance Intensive II
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The summer dance intensive focuses on contemporary dance as an expressive art form at the intermediate level. Guest artists may be brought in and work on building technical skills, improvisational skills, and partnering skills. Repertory may be taught from guest artists' experiences. The course evaluates movement phrases in space, effort, and time and focuses on establishing kinesthetic awareness and the ability to find one's own groove.
DNCE 254 Contemporary Dance Intensive III
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
The summer dance intensive focuses on contemporary dance as an expressive art form at the intermediate-advanced level. Guest artists may be brought in and work on building technical skills, improvisational skills, and partnering skills. Repertory may be taught from their company experiences. The course evaluates movement phrases in space, effort, and time and focuses on establishing kinesthetic awareness and the ability to find one's own groove.
DNCE 256 Contemporary Dance Intensive IV
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This summer dance intensive focuses on contemporary dance as an expressive art form at the advanced level. Guest artists may be brought in and work on building technical skills, improvisational skills, and partnering skills. Repertory may be taught from their company experiences. The course evaluates movement phrases in space, effort, and time and focuses on establishing kinesthetic awareness and the ability to find one's own groove.
DNCE 260 Dance Touring Ensemble
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course allows students to study traditional and contemporary choreography through rehearsal and competitive performance. Dancers participate in concerts and festivals on campus and throughout the community and region, including American College Dance Association (ACDA) competitions. Students experience different repertoire each semester the course is offered. May be repeated three times.
DNCE 263 Contemporary Dance Workshop and Performance A
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course offers students and choreographers a beginning-level experience working in a collaborative workshop setting. Students participate in the creative process throughout the workshop, which culminates in a public performance. Students work under professional working conditions and requirements.
DNCE 264 Contemporary Dance Workshop and Performance B
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course offers students and choreographers a beginning-intermediate level experience working in a collaborative workshop setting. Students participate in the creative process throughout the workshop, which culminates in a public performance. Students work under professional working conditions and requirements.
DNCE 266 Jazz Dance III
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 168
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides study in intermediate/advanced jazz-dance technique, principles, and terminology. Topics include musicality and a variety of jazz styles.
DNCE 267 Contemporary Dance Workshop and Performance C
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course offers students and choreographers an intermediate-advanced level experience working in a collaborative workshop setting. Students participate in the creative process throughout the workshop, which culminates in a public performance. Students work under professional working conditions and requirements.
DNCE 268 Jazz Dance IV
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Advisory
- DNCE 266
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course provides study in advanced jazz dance technique, principles, and terminology. Topics include musicality and a variety of jazz styles.
DNCE 269 Contemporary Dance Workshop and Performance D
- Units
- 1.5
- Hours
- Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course offers students and choreographers an advanced-level experience working in a collaborative workshop setting. Students participate in the creative process throughout the workshop, which culminates in a public performance. Students work under professional working conditions and requirements.
DNCE 278 Dance as a Profession
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is designed for the student planning to pursue dance as a career. Components of this course include audition techniques, resume building, professional headshots, costume design, light design, music/sound editing and creation, and other aspects of dance as a profession.
DNCE 292 Internship Studies
- Units
- 0.5-14
- Corequisite
- Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.
DNCE 299 Occupational Work Experience Education
- Units
- 0.5-14
- Corequisite
- Complete 54 hours of work per unit, paid or unpaid
- Transfers to
- CSU
This course is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major or career area of interest. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or work/intern at a new site upon each enrollment.