Montgomery County Community College is accepting registration now for its new Associate in Arts degree program in Dance.

Beginning in the fall, this 63-credit program provides both a liberal arts background and dance courses comparable to classes offered during the first two years at a four-year institution. Classes include modern dance, ballet, jazz, hip hop, dance improvisation, dance composition, dance repertory and performance, dance wellness and fitness and dance history.

“The program is unique in that it offers courses for dancers of all levels, from beginners to experienced dancers,” said Dr. Melinda Copel, Coordinator of Dance, indicating that novices can take fundamentals-level dance courses while simultaneously taking degree courses. Dance classes are open to all students, regardless of their majors.

Small class size allows instructors—Dr. Copel, Antoinette Coward-Gilmore, Stephen Welsh, Heather Dougherty, William Thomas and Duane Holland—to give personalized attention.

The Associate in Arts degree program in Dance allows students to transfer into a baccalaureate program in dance at many colleges and universities.

“There are a number of career possibilities in dance including performer, choreographer, teacher, dance or movement therapist, dance historian and writer, dance critic, arts administrator, and dance notator,” Dr. Copel said. “There are performance opportunities in a variety of settings including dance concerts, opera, musical theater, musical productions, television, movies, music videos, cruise ships and theme parks, such as Disney World or Sesame Place.”

“Many dancers combine performance with careers in dance education or choreography,” she said. “Dance educators teach in higher education, K-12 schools, private dance studios and community centers. Some open their own studios. Students may wish to combine their studies in dance with a related field such as technical theater or physical therapy. The arts are a big industry in the Philadelphia area, and there are plenty of opportunities.”

The demand for dance classes is continually growing. Initially, dance classes were incorporated with the College’s Physical Education department. In 2008, under the direction of Dr. Copel and Dr. Stephen Grieco, Dean of Arts and Humanities, a Dance Department was created and four sections of dance were offered. The College increased this to 12 sections by the spring of 2010 and has now added the degree program for fall 2010.

Beyond courses, students have performance opportunities with the College’s Dance Performance Ensemble, which is open to all students. Both the Dance Ensemble and the Dance Repertory class perform at the end of each semester.

The Dance Program and Cultural Affairs collaborate to arrange performances and master classes with visiting dance artists. This year, AXIS Dance Company, a world-renowned company from Oakland, Calif., featuring physically integrated dance with dancers with disabilities, held several dance sessions during a week-long residency program. The community was invited to participate with students, faculty and staff. The residency concluded with a public performance involving the professionals and selected participants.

For more information on the College’s new Dance program, contact Dr. Melinda Copel at mcopel@mc3.edu or 215-641-6346.