Since its origin in 1962, Orange Coast College's Dance Department has enjoyed a national reputation for quality, creativity and a comprehensive curriculum with courses in a variety of dance styles. Students seeking to be either professional or recreational dancers receive training from instructors who excel in their dance/ somatic disciplines- Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Conditioning, Yoga, Pilates, Latin styles, Folklórico, Middle Eastern, African, and Polynesian. We promote high artistic and technical standards for both the beginner and advanced dancer, and offer a diverse array of career advancement and enrichment opportunities.
OCC dance students have several opportunities to perform each semester in our 916-seat Robert B. Moore Theatre in works choreographed by faculty, students, and guest artists. They also perform in festivals and invitationals throughout Southern California and participate in the American College Dance Association’s annual conference (Baja region).
The Department’s programs prepare the serious student for university transfer and offers two Associate Degrees, A.A. in Dance and A.A. in World Dance, as well as Certificates of Achievement as Dance Instructor, Commercial Dance, World Dance Instructor, Comprehensive Pilates Instructor and Pilates Mat Instructor.
OCC Offers a Dance Master Class Series, Artist Talks and a Pilates Guest Speaker Series, both open to the public.