Dance

Our Dance Associate of Arts (AA) degree takes up to two years to complete. 

There are many ways to pursue an exciting career in the field of dance. We’ll help you discover your options.

Choose a Degree Designed for a Dance Career or Transfer

Many El Camino dance students want to start their careers as soon as possible. Others aim to continue their education at a four-year college or university. We offer options perfect for either goal.

Dance Associate of Arts (AA) Degree

This degree prepares you for a job in dance, whether you choose performing or working on production details. You will also find the training and education needed to transfer and continue your studies at four-year college or university.

• Learn from experienced and certificated instructors who are active dance professionals.
• Practice a variety of dance styles such as ballet, modern, jazz, Latin social, American social, ballroom, African, Mexican, world, tap, hip-hop, and more.
• Develop technical, interpretive, and expressive abilities through a structured program that includes core techniques, historical and contemporary styles, choreography, performance, and dance history.
• Refine your skills in El Camino’s three state-of-the-art dance studios complete with Marley flooring and fixed-wall ballet barres. Additional free-standing ballet barres, Pilates reformers, and dance conditioning equipment are also available.
• Meet most common transfer requirements.

Pursue an Entry-Level Job in Dance or Further Education

As an El Camino dance graduate, you’ll be ready to work in a dance-related field or transfer to a bachelor’s degree program at another school. We can help you gain the training, skills, and experience to be successful in any path you choose.

• Work as a professional dancer/choreographer for stage, television, or film; or try costume, lighting, or set design.
• Explore careers as a dance teacher or dance therapist, or as a dance company director/artistic director.
• Start your journey toward a bachelor’s degree in dance.
• Careers associated with this program have a salary range from $18,000 to $187,000 with an average salary of $55,000.

Find Opportunities Outside of the Dance Studio and Classroom

El Camino is a great place to network, practice your skills, find entry-level jobs in your areas of interest, or transfer.

• Take advantage of the many opportunities to demonstrate your performance techniques and artistic skills in one of El Camino’s formal dance performances or informal dance showings, as a dancer, choreographer, or crew member.
• Gain experience in professional costuming and lighting during formal performances, where you also work closely with professional guest artists in a live theater environment.
• Network with experienced instructors who are active dance professionals in the area.
• El Camino’s proximity to Los Angeles/Hollywood offers a variety of internship/employment opportunities in film and theater.
• Attend master classes, events, and special events through our Center for the Arts.