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Learn the Art and Science of Professional Dance and Choreography
On the surface, dance can look entirely spontaneous. But a deeper dip reveals a sophisticated art form, driven by a delicate balance of art and science. Do you love to move to the groove? Have you always been fascinated by movement and dance? Are you a highly creative and expressive person by nature? If this sounds like you, then a career in the performing arts, dance and choreography could be what moves you most. With a broad range of activities, insights and experiences in the fascinating world of dance, this program presents a unique and invaluable opportunity to get a jump start and a leg up on your dream career.
What You'll Learn
From 9th grade upward, enroll in A-G approved courses to start preparing for your career in the arts and entertainment industry. Classes include:
- CTE Intro Professional Dance
- CTE Con Professional Dance
- CTE Cap Professional Dance
What You’ll Do
Take what you’re learning in the classroom into the real world and experience for yourself all that awaits you in the fast-moving and ever-evolving fields of entertainment and professional dance. Hands-on, immersive experiences include:
- Introduction to various dance styles
- Choreography and performance planning
- Leadership roles and opportunities
- Body awareness and alignment studies
- Tour of local dance companies and theaters
Who You Can Be
Kickstart your career path with top-tier academic instruction and industry-leader insights. The Dance and Choreography program prepares you for potential careers such as:
- Professional Dancer
- Professional Dance Teacher
- Dance Troupe Coordinator
- Dance School Director/Teacher
- Choreographer
- Theater Director
- Entertainment Professional
- Entertainment Media Professional
Industry Average Wages: $38,880
Projected Industry Growth: 6%
What You Need to Know
VUSD’s Dance and Choreography CTE track prepares students for successful careers in the entertainment and arts industries, with a particular focus on the disciplines of professional dance, movement and choreography. Students (9th grade and up) can choose one of the levels of available classes, or advance through all three. The introductory class welcomes students of all levels to explore the art of dance. A wide variety of dance styles are introduced and practiced, including hip-hop, jazz and ballet. More advanced classes, including a CAPSTONE class, focus on choreography and dance performance routines. Classes typically begin with a warm-up period focusing on body awareness and alignment — followed by conditioning, center-floor, and across-the-floor exercises that emphasize working with different rhythms and movements, while also building strength and flexibility. The advanced-level CAPSTONE class teaches students higher-level dances and goes deeper into the art and science of choreography and performance planning. The program is based at Ventura High School and leads directly to VUSD’s Performing Arts pathway. Students emerge from this program with enhanced skills, insight, body awareness and confidence.
Get a jump start on your college future by earning college credits and valuable real-world skills you can use for college and career.
2 Year
AS Dance - Ventura College
4 Year
BFA Dance - UC Santa Barbara