Dance
Built to Bring It: Leaping into a Fulfilling Career in Dance
Whether you want to dance to your heart’s content, or use dance to get to the heart of health problems, Irvine Valley College’s Dance department brings art and practice together so students can turn their mastery of movement into a money-making career.
Four degree and certificate options provide varying levels of achievement and focus for interested students. The associate degree concentrates on developing the student’s technical and artistic ability while preparing them to transfer to a four-year institution or to pursue dance as a career.
For those who have aspirations beyond dancing, the Certificate of Achievement in Commercial Dance marries technical training in dance with vocal and acting courses. Training sessions and workshops with regional entertainment agencies allow students to get an insider’s understanding of the demands of the industry. Similarly, the Certificate of Proficiency in Dance Technique prepares students to audition at any of the numerous performance-based entertainment venues in the region.
In response to the growth of movement-based health and wellness therapies, the Certificate of Proficiency in Mind Body Therapy provides the training necessary for entry-level employment in organizations that focus on mind-body therapies. This course of study blends Eastern and Western health practices with a focus on the interrelationship between the various anatomical systems and the energetic self.
If the idea of a career in Dance has you tapping your toes, it might be time to set the stage with IVC!
Ready to launch a Future BUILT career in Dance? It all starts at Irvine Valley College!
What You Need to Know
What Degrees and Certificates Are Available to Me?
IVC offers a variety of program types to help build your future-proof career!
Associate in Arts Degrees
These two-year college degrees are designed for students who want to gain in-depth understanding of a particular field in order to enter a specific profession or to prepare for further education at a technical or trade school, or a 4-year college or university.
IVC Offers an AA in:
Dance
Certificates of Achievement
Certificates of Achievement are state-approved certificates that acknowledge workplace competencies and job readiness in a particular field. In many cases, the courses that comprise a certificate of achievement are the same as those required for an associate degree minus the General Education courses.
IVC Offers a COA in:
Commercial Dance
Certificates of Proficiency
Certificates of Proficiency acknowledge basic workplace abilities and are designed for students who want to enter the workforce quickly or upgrade their job skills. These certificates have a total credit requirement of less than 18 units and are designed and approved by local business leaders in order to make them as practical as possible.
IVC Offers COPs in:
Dance Technique
Mind Body Therapy
Make sure your class schedule is built for success. Visit the course catalog to see what classes you need to earn your degree or certificate in Dance.
Irvine Valley College is proud to provide our communities with affordable, accessible Career Education opportunities. Click for details on program costs and fees for the Dance department.
Financial Aid, Scholarships & Grants
Want to learn how financial aid, scholarships and grants can make college more affordable? IVC’s Financial Aid Office has all the information you need!
School of the Arts
Department Offices: 949-451-5650
Joseph Poshek
Dean, the Arts
Email Contact Form
Full-Time Faculty:
Jennifer La Curan
Dance Department Chair
Email Contact Form
Kathryn Milostan-Egus
Faculty
Email Contact Form
IVC Dance graduates are building successful futures in careers like these, and more! Here are some in-demand job titles and their average yearly salaries.
Dancers = $37,056
Choreographers = $49,363
Self-Enrichment Teachers = $40,051
Actors = $33,581
Singers = $59,002
Recreational Therapist = $65,894
Artist Agents = $60,710
Entertainers & Performers = $34,694

Average Salary In This Field
$33,581 to
$65,894 Per Year

Potential Careers
Dancer
Choreographer
Singer
Artist Agent

Have Questions? Talk To A Counselor!
You’ve made an independent choice to boost your life and career through Career Education at IVC… but you’re not alone! Talk to a counselor for information on getting started, planning your career pathway, and more!