Dance Education

(AS General Studies with Concentration in Dance Education)

(Transfer Option)

Brooke Desnoës, Instructor

256.352.8153

brooke.desnoes@wallacestate.edu

At a Glance

The AS General Studies in Dance offers two options of concentration in Dance Education and Dance Performance. Both programs are designed for students who wish to prepare for a career in dance as a dance practitioner, instructor, scholar or artist. The goal of these programs is to produce technically strong and artistically expressive dancers who are sought after for their professionalism and ability to easily adapt to the broad range of styles demanded of today’s dance professionals. This training provides a solid foundation in classical ballet, modern, jazz dance, choreography, and/or dance pedagogy. These programs develop skills needed to pursue industry career options or further education at a four-year college or university program

Dance Education training helps students increase their knowledge of innovative teaching methods and strategies while establishing the best practices relative to dance pedagogy. Students will build bridges between theory and in studio teaching techniques while focusing on young dancers, pre-professional dancers, and recreational dancers. This program prepares students to teach in private schools and studios, recreation and civic associations or for transfer to a university, where they may earn a bachelor’s degree, state certification to dance in public elementary and secondary schools or continue to an advanced degree and teach on the college or university level.

The Dance Performance program is designed for the student who wishes to prepare for a career in dance with options in professional performance, choreography, dance therapy, dance administration or dance research. Persons considering careers in dance performance should have strong dance technique, versatility, creativity, and for those performing poses poise and good stage presence. Quality performance requires constant study and practice; self-discipline is vital. Performers must achieve a level of performing excellence. Dancers who perform with regional and national companies and for those working on tour must have physical stamina to endure frequent travel and an irregular performance schedule.

Admission Requirements

Students must have a high school diploma, GED, or be a dual enrollment student and meet all the general admission requirements of WSCC.

NOTE: All dance students receiving Performing Arts Scholarships are required to participate in The Allegro Dance Theater the WSCC dance company and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher