Dance, Fine and Performing Arts Area of Concentration, Associate of Fine Arts

These areas of concentration are designed to help students transfer to colleges and universities that offer a baccalaureate degree with a major in Dance. Beyond the General Education requirements and other degree requirements, program requirements, and electives, this concentration should be considered in light of the requirements of the selected transfer institution. Students should consult with a transfer coordinator or an advisor for information about specific requirements.

It is strongly recommended that students who wish to pursue studies in these areas of concentration speak with the Dance program coordinator before registering for courses. The sequence of courses should be adjusted to meet the requirements of the transfer institutions. The CCBC Dance program is administered at CCBC Essex. Dance classes are offered on all CCBC campuses.

NOTE: Although these concentrations follow a two-year plan, students who work more than 15 hours per week or have other major obligations outside of school are advised to take fewer courses each semester over a longer period of time. Students who work 25 hours or more are advised to take 12 credits or less each semester.

The mission of the Dance program of The Community College of Baltimore County is to provide students with opportunities to experience and learn about a broad spectrum of dance (from classical ballet and various styles of modern dance to the dance of cultures from around the world); to partner with students in developing the physical and technical skills necessary to communicate through dance and to articulate the knowledge of dance; and to inspire students to participate in dance activities and to foster the intellectual, creative, and spiritual growth of dancers by instilling in them a commitment to artistic and personal excellence.

Program objectives

Upon successful completion of this area of concentration pattern, students will be able to:

  1. consistently demonstrate strong technical ability to remember and accurately perform extended dance sequences;
  2. utilize an integrated kinesthetic perception, focus, and concentration in order to self-evaluate, self-correct, and refine technique;
  3. choreograph and perform movement studies using a variety of creative elements such as phrasing, forming, abstraction, style, theatrical elements, music/sound, and props;
  4. write articulately about dance in projects, critiques, and a weekly journal of creative experiences; and
  5. produce a scholarly or creative project that utilizes effective oral, written, visual, and/or performance skills.

Total Number of Credits Required for Degree: 64-65*

Semester Sequence

This is a suggested full-time schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits. Refer to the College catalog for specific requirements in selecting General Education Courses. This schedule may be adjusted to meet the requirements of the transfer institution.

Semester 1*

Semester 2

Semester 3

  • CMNS 101 - Fundamentals of Communication
  • DANC 240 - Dance Workshop
  • Program Requirement - Ballet (level determined by Dance Coordinator) 2 Credit(s).
  • Program Requirement - Modern Dance (level determined by Dance Coordinator) 2 Credit(s).
  • Gen. Ed. Elective - Social and Behavioral Sciences 3 Credit(s).
  • Program Elective - approved by Dance Coordinator or DANC 203 3 Credit(s).
  • Program Elective - approved by Dance Coordinator 2 Credit(s).

Semester 4

  • DANC 291 - Independent Study: Capstone Project in Choreography & Performance
  • Program Requirement - Ballet (level determined by Dance Coordinator) 2 Credit(s).
  • Program Requirement - Modern Dance (level determined by Dance Coordinator) 2 Credit(s).
  • Gen. Ed. Elective - Information Technology (MUSC 110 recommended) 3 Credit(s).
  • Program Elective - approved by Dance coordinator or DANC 203 3 Credit(s).
  • Program Elective - approved by Dance Coordinator 2 Credit(s).

Important Information

Short Description

The mission of the Dance program of The Community College of Baltimore County is to provide students with opportunities to experience and learn about a broad spectrum of dance (from classical ballet and various styles of modern dance to the dance of cultures from around the world); to partner with students in developing the physical and technical skills necessary to communicate through dance and to articulate the knowledge of dance; and to inspire students to participate in dance activities and to foster the intellectual, creative, and spiritual growth of dancers by instilling in them a commitment to artistic and personal excellence.

Type of Credential

Associate of Fine Arts (A.F.A.) in Fine and Performing Arts
Area of Concentration - Dance

Program Code

A 143

Contacts and Additional Information

Program Coordinator:

Tommy Parlon
CCBC Catonsville - ARTS 113A
CCBC Essex - AHUM 237
443-840-1127 or tparlon@ccbcmd.edu

Additional Information:

Courses Needed for this Area of Concentration*

General Education Requirements and Electives - 24-25 Credits

General Education Requirements:
General Education Electives:

Choose courses in each category from the list of approved General Education Courses. One course must be a Diversity Course. 

  • Biological and Physical Sciences 3-4 Credits.
  • Information Technology 3 Credits.
  • Mathematics (MATH 125 recommended)​ 3 Credits.
  • Social and Behavioral Sciences 3 Credits.

Concentration Requirements and Electives - 40 Credits

Program Requirements, Dance Theory
Program Requirements, Dance Technique

Ballet and Modern Dance Technique - Students must take one Ballet course, one Modern course, and DANC 240 each semester. All technique classes may be repeated for 2 credits.  Please see Dance Coordinator for placement.

Program Electives

Choose 10 credits with the approval of the Program Coordinator.

Note

*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development: Transitioning to College. This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.