Course Curriculum

The Dance curriculum at California State University, Sacramento is structured to provide students with comprehensive technical training, theoretical knowledge, and performance experience in the field of dance. The program consists of both lower division and upper division coursework that together total 48 units and are designed to develop well-rounded dancers, choreographers, and performers. Through a combination of technique classes, creative exploration, cultural studies, and production experience, students gain the skills necessary for professional careers or further academic study in dance.The required lower division courses (11 units) focus on building a strong technical and foundational understanding of dance. Students begin with technique courses such as Jazz Dance Level II (DNCE 11A, 11B, or 11C) and Contemporary Dance Level II (DNCE 12A, 12B, or 12C), which develop strength, coordination, and performance ability. Additional foundational study includes Music for Dance (DNCE 22), which introduces musical structure and rhythm as they relate to movement. Students also gain exposure to stage production elements through courses such as Stage Makeup and Costume Construction (THEA 14), Stagecraft (THEA 16), or Lighting (THEA 20). To broaden movement vocabulary, students choose from dance forms such as Tap Dance (DNCE 4A–4C) or Mexican Folklorico Dance (DNCE 5A–5C).The upper division coursework (37 units) focuses on advanced technique, choreography, theory, and performance. Students continue developing their skills through higher-level courses in Jazz, Contemporary Dance, and Ballet (DNCE 111–113 series). Creative development is emphasized through Dance Improvisation (DNCE 118), Dance Composition I and II (DNCE 120 and 122), and the Capstone Dance Project (DNCE 190), where students produce and present original work. Academic courses such as Appreciation and History of Dance (DNCE 130), Dance Cultures of America (DNCE 131), and African-Caribbean Dance (DNCE 132) help students explore the cultural and historical contexts of dance traditions.The curriculum also integrates scientific and critical perspectives through courses like Dance Science and Somatics (DNCE 142) and Dance Theory and Criticism (DNCE 150). Performance opportunities are provided through participation in the University Dance Company (DNCE 143) and rehearsal and performance courses (THEA 121). Technical production experience is gained through Practicum in Technical Production (THEA 120 series). Overall, the program prepares students with the artistic, technical, and academic skills needed to succeed in diverse areas of the dance profession.