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Certificate of Achievement
Dance

The Dance Certificate Program provides students with a core curriculum in contemporary dance practice and theory and prepares them for careers in dance education and dance performance. It is possible to complete this certificate in one calendar year. The curriculum has been designed to equip the student with a solid foundation so that they may pursue a job in private studios, recreational centers, gyms, colleges, after-school programs, dance companies, television, film, and musical theater.

Courses cover a range of styles and subjects in dance, including ballet, modern, jazz, hip hop, Latin social dance, conditioning and alignment for dance, choreography, performance, dance history, and instructional theory and analysis. The intent of this program is to prepare students for dance auditions, internships, and immediate entry-level employment in the field of dance education and dance performance. All credits may be applied to the Associate in Arts degree in Dance.

Dance students will be supported by a Student Success Team in the Arts Area of Interest. Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2024-2025 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: DANC 114 / KINA 114 M1.0
DANC 114 - Conditioning and Alignment (1.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This course is designed to provide the physical training and preparation for students interested in dance, Yoga, Pilates, and athletics, and is suitable for students seeking to move with greater efficiency and less pain in everyday activities. Students learn how to move safely and effectively while developing strength, flexibility, proper alignment, agility, balance, and coordination. Coursework is designed for those who want to work at a more deliberate pace and in a non-competitive atmosphere, or who are recovering from prior injury.

KINA 114 - Conditioning and Alignment (1.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written college composition and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (credit limit*), CSU
(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for KINA activity courses)

This course is designed to provide the physical training and preparation for students interested in dance, Pilates, Yoga, and athletics, and is suitable for students seeking to move with greater efficiency and less pain in everyday activities. Students learn how to move safely and effectively while developing strength, flexibility, proper alignment, agility, balance, and coordination. Coursework is designed for those who want to work at a more deliberate pace and in a non-competitive atmosphere, or who are recovering from a prior injury.

DANC 151 - Modern Dance IM1.0
DANC 151 - Modern Dance I (1.0 units)

Advisory: >It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This studio course offers beginning modern dancers an introduction to the fundamental principles of modern dance. The course emphasizes an awareness of breath and gravity, skeletal alignment, and core strength; and investigates kinesthetic and spatial awareness. Modern dance technique, improvisational exercises, and choreographic phrases provide physical, mental, and creative exploration for beginner students, students preparing for transfer, and students seeking careers in dance. This course is a requirement for the Associate of Arts Degree in Dance and the Certificate of Achievement in Dance. The course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.

DANC 153 - Ballet IM1.0
DANC 153 - Ballet I (1.0 units)

Advisory:>It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This introductory course is designed for students who seek technical skill in classical ballet. The course will focus on functional body alignment and placement, traditional steps and combinations, musicality, ballet terminology, and the development of strength and flexibility. Students also gain knowledge of classical and contemporary ballet history. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.

Select one: DANC 154 / DANC 157 / DANC 167 / KINA 167 M1.0
DANC 154 - Jazz Dance I (1.0 units)

Advisory:>It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:
UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This course is designed to introduce beginning students to the fundamental physical skills, polyrhythms, terminology, and historical context that form the basis of jazz dance technique. Highly visible on stage and screen, jazz dance is an eclectic and versatile contemporary art form with deep roots in African-American music and dance. A variety of jazz dance styles are introduced, and may include tap, musical theater, contemporary lyrical, pop, funk, hip-hop, Lindy Hop, and other African-American, Latin, Cuban, and Afro-Caribbean social dances that form the basis of this dance genre in the United States. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit..

DANC 157 - Hip-Hop Dance (1.0 units)

Advisory:>It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

In this course, students learn various forms of beginning hip-hop dance, including hip-hop funk, with an emphasis on body isolations, syncopations, and rhythms. The course explores the use of space, energy, rhythm, movement dynamics, and improvisation while emphasizing body control, alignment, balance, and use of weight changes. A basic history of hip-hop culture and music is discussed. The course fulfills an elective for the Associate of Art Degree in Dance, and is appropriate for students seeking careers in dance, looking to expand their dance skills, or wanting a dance-based aerobic workout.

DANC 167 - Latin Dance for Fitness (1.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This course combines dance, Latin and Funk rhythms, and aerobic elements to provide a fun, upbeat, cardiovascular workout. Students constantly move to various genres of Latin music utilizing various tempos. Salsa, Cha-Cha, Tango, Mambo, Latin Jazz, and Hip-Hop rhythms are incorporated in instruction, and by which students build stamina while increasing cardiovascular fitness. This course is designed to help students develop aerobic capacity, coordination, balance, rhythmic awareness, and flexibility. This class also includes exercises to build abdominal strength, lower body strength, and upper body strength. Classes may incorporate sections with small handheld weights, exercise bands, and/or other fitness props to further develop strength and endurance. Students build a foundation for a personalized exercise and fitness program that can be continued after the course has ended.

KINA 167 - Latin Dance for Fitness (1.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This course combines dance, Latin and Funk rhythms, and aerobic elements to provide a fun, upbeat, cardiovascular workout. Students constantly move to various genres of Latin music utilizing various tempos. Salsa, Cha-Cha, Tango, Mambo, Latin Jazz, and Hip-Hop rhythms are incorporated in instruction, and by which students build stamina while increasing cardiovascular fitness. This course is designed to help students develop aerobic capacity, coordination, balance, rhythmic awareness, and flexibility. This class also includes exercises to build abdominal strength, lower body strength, and upper body strength. Classes may incorporate sections with small handheld weights, exercise bands, and/or other fitness props to further develop strength and endurance. Students build a foundation for a personalized exercise and fitness program that can be continued after the course has ended.

Select one: DANC 152 / DANC 172 / DANC 182 M3.0
DANC 152 - Dance Rehearsal and Performance (3.0 units)

Corequisite: DANC 180
Advisory:DANC 151
Transfers to:UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This introductory course provides experience and laboratory exploration in all aspects of dance rehearsal performance for beginner level students. Students have the opportunity to perform in an evening-length dance concert, work with faculty choreographers and guest artists, and participate as a member of a touring dance ensemble. Students contribute as dancers and rehearsal assistants under the supervision and guidance of faculty choreographers. Productions will be presented for public performance on and off campus.

DANC 172 - Dance Repertory (3.0 units)

Corequisite: DANC 180
Advisory:DANC 151
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This course provides dance students the opportunity to rehearse and perform choreographic works based on existing dance repertoire created by well-known and established choreographers, faculty, and/or guest artists. Students will learn how to analyze movement using basic elements of Laban Movement Analysis in preparation for stage. They will also experience different methods of reconstructing existing repertoire and gain knowledge about the historical significance of the repertoire explored. Productions will be presented for public performance either on and/or off campus.

DANC 182 - Dance Ensemble (3.0 units)

Corequisite: DANC 180
Advisory:DANC 151; DANC 159
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This course provides an opportunity for dance students to develop and practice dance ensemble skills necessary to rehearse for and produce a professional dance performance. Modes of collaboration, basic ensemble skills used in the field of dance, rehearsal techniques, and the process of rehearsing and producing collaboratively are covered. Productions are presented for public performance on and/or off campus.

DANC 180 - PerformanceM1.0
DANC 180 - Performance (1.0 units)

Advisory: DANC 151; DANC 159; DANC 251
Corequisite:DANC 152 or DANC 162 or DANC 172 or DANC 182
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This course provides dance students the opportunity to participate in dance productions. Productions will be presented for public performance either on or off campus. Students will learn how to adjust a performance for presentation on a stage. Pre-performance and post-performance responsibilities will be outlined. In addition, students will be exposed to basic stage direction and techniques for overcoming stage fright. This course may be repeated for a maximum of 4 units in different semesters.

Total Semester Units:8.0 
2nd Semester
DANC 251 - Modern Dance IIM1.0
DANC 251 - Modern Dance II (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: DANC 151
Transfers to:UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This studio course offers intermediate modern dancers an opportunity to deepen and strengthen fundamental skills acquired in Modern Dance I. While continuing to develop proper alignment and modern dance technique, the intermediate student learns to perform combinations while shifting spatial orientation and integrating improvisation as required in auditions. Learning to create movement phrases, students develop a sense of artistry and dynamic phrasing necessary for performing. Furthering their understanding of and ability to identify the underlying movement principles of modern dance, students hone their technical skills in preparation for transfer or careers in dance. This course is a requirement for the Associate of Arts Degree in Dance and Certificate of Achievement in Dance. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.

DANC 253 - Ballet IIM1.0
DANC 253 - Ballet II (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: DANC 153
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This intermediate-level course is designed for students who want to further develop technical and performance skills acquired in Ballet I. The class includes more advanced technique work at the barre, across the floor, and in-center floor combinations. Complex adagio and allegro dance sequences are also introduced. Students have the opportunity to perform in an informal showing or concert setting. This course may be taken once and repeated three times for credit.

Select one: DANC 179 / DANC 179H M3.0
DANC 179 - Dance History (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following: DANC 179 or DANC 179H)

This survey course investigates the forces which and figures who have shaped dance through history. Through readings, films, research, and class discussions, students study dance forms from ancient to contemporary times, paying particular attention to Western concert dance. Comparisons of various dance techniques, theories, and personalities are conducted through dance movement analysis. This course is designed for students seeking to broaden their understanding of dance while fulfilling their general education arts requirement, and for dance majors pursuing an Associate of Arts Degree in Dance or Certificate of Achievement in Dance.

DANC 179H - Dance History Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:ENGL 101
Advisory:>It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC (*credit limit), CSU(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following: DANC 179 or DANC 179H)

This survey course investigates the forces which and figures who have shaped dance through history. Through readings, films, research, and class discussions, students study dance forms from ancient to contemporary times, paying particular attention to Western concert dance. Comparisons of various dance techniques, theories, and personalities are conducted through dance movement analysis. This course is designed for students seeking to broaden their understanding of dance while fulfilling their general education arts requirement, and for dance majors pursuing an Associate of Arts Degree in Dance or Certificate of Achievement in Dance. The course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

DANC 159 - Choreography IM3.0
DANC 159 - Choreography I (3.0 units)

Advisory:DANC 151
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*The UC will grant a maximum of 4 units credit for PE activity courses)

This introductory course focuses on the art and craft of dance composition. Through lecture and activity, students learn how to incorporate the elements of dance in order to create meaningful dance works. Basic elements of choreography—including form, design, motivation, phrasing, gesture, rhythm, dynamics, musical accompaniment, and production basics—are explored through improvisational exercises and experimentation. Additionally, students learn to analyze dance critically through Laban movement analysis (LMA). The class culminates in the presentation of student choreography.

KIN 145 - Theory and Analysis of Fitness InstructionM2.0
KIN 145 - Theory and Analysis of Fitness Instruction (2.0 units)

Advisory:This introductory course covers the principles and techniques involved in teaching group exercise and developing a personal trainer/client relationship. Emphasis is placed on client assessment, communication skills, program design, exercise adherence, teaching strategies, and professional responsibility and liability. This course is designed for students pursuing a career in the fitness industry or a certificate in the Fitness Specialist Program, as well as students interested in furthering their understanding of the effects of exercise on the mind and body.

Total Semester Units:10.0 
Total Units for Dance COA program 18.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

1

Given a real-life teaching scenario, students will analyze the learning environment and student population, design an appropriate dance class, and lead students in a well organized, safe, and engaging dance class.


2

Students will perform successfully on stage or in class showings.


3

When shown live or recorded dance performances, students will analyze dance material critically by utilizing the Laban/Bartenieff movement analysis categories of Body, Effort, Space, and Shape {BESS); and to recognize forces and figures in dance.


4

When presented with a choreographic or improvisational problem, students will be able to create dance material using choreographic components from the Laban/ Bartenieff movement analysis categories of Body, Effort, Space, and Shape, and which demonstrates understanding of dance production.


About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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