The Dance Program is known for being on the cutting edge of new trends in dance, offering free master classes with top professionals, enthusiastic faculty interested in the students' progress and a wide range of classes. The Associate of Arts degree in Dance prepares students for careers in performance, teaching, dance studio operation and body or physical therapy. Students learn an appreciation o
f dance as an art form as well as quality instruction in dance technique, choreography and aesthetics. Students can also take dance courses that are transferable to any four-year college or university. Along with choreography, ballet, jazz, tap and modern technique classes, the Long Beach City College Dance Program offers courses in conditioning for dance/pilates-based, turns, stretch and relaxation. The program also offers Dance Forms Through the Ages, a dance history lecture course which meets the Humanities general education requirement for an associates degree or for transfer credit. In addition, the Dance program has added two new exciting sections of Folk and Ethnic Dance, one focusing on Latin dance and the other on African dance. Student choreographers produce their own full-scale theatrical productions and master their craft through hands-on experience. Dancers gain valuable performance experience while working under the direction of dance faculty who are active professionally and are committed to passing their experiences on to the student. There are many opportunities for students to perform or choreograph in an informal setting through the Dance Club. The Dance Club also sponsors master classes and provides scholarships to dance festivals or workshops for outstanding students. The Jose Limon Dance Company, Donald McKayle and Donald Byrd are just a few of the many prestigious guest artists who have presented master classes at LBCC. Pamintuan and Stephanie Powell, the Dance Program has evolved to provide the eclectic training needed for the demands of contemporary choreography. Students are challenged yet nurtured to discover their creative voice and to pursue their desired goals. Emphasis is on connecting the mind and body so the student completing the associate's degree program will become an informed dancer capable of both analyzing and doing.
