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Associate of Occupational Studies Degree: Dance

    Professional, career-based Degree in Dance for Stage, Film, and Television.

    • Offered on the Los Angeles Campus
    • Accelerated Option Allows for Degree Completion in 1.5 years
    • Access to a Variety of Workshop and Performance Opportunities
    • Culminates in an Original Showcase Production in Los Angeles
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Program Description +

The Associate of Occupational Studies Degree in Dance Program embraces interdisciplinary artistic development with an emphasis on communication and storytelling through kinetic expression. Coursework builds on classical foundations in Ballet, Jazz and Modern with explorations of contemporary, commercial and cultural styles such as Hip-Hop, Contemporary, Jazz/Funk, Broadway, Heels, Contemporary, Latin Fusion and others. Additional courses provide opportunities for practical applications of theory, choreography, acting and dance for the camera. Dance productions and other theatrical performance opportunities expose students to a wide range of choreographers and choreographic processes. Supplemental coursework in scene study and musical theatre contribute to this uniquely demanding program. As part of their program completion, students perform in an originally choreographed production.

Program Learning Outcomes +

Students completing the AOS Dance program should be able to:

    • Demonstrate familiarity with influential periods and genres of theatre and dance history and the special vocabulary of theatre and dance.
    • Demonstrate foundational proficiency in voice and speech, including the production of clear, articulate and expressive speech as needed to enhance character in theatrical performance.
    • Explain the choreographic processes, aesthetic properties of style and the ways these shape or are shaped by artistic and cultural ideas and contexts.
    • Identify and incorporate elements of acting, movement, music and conceptual ideas that together compose dance performances.
    • Demonstrate proficiency in foundational dance techniques. including Ballet, Modern, Jazz and Contemporary, as used within theatrical dance performance.
    • Differentiate health and injury prevention through the integration of body, mind and spirit plus a practiced balance between activity, stillness, work and rest.
    • Generate acting, vocal and dance performances that engage the audience, reflecting strong narrative, characterization and believable relationships among characters.
    • Integrate technical accuracy and connected storytelling in the performance of dance works.
    • Apply the basic business procedures of an actor/singer’s profession, including auditions, résumés and professional self-promotion.

Curriculum +

Admission Requirements +

Please note that applying to AMDA is a multi-step process. Be sure to follow ALL 6 steps below to ensure the submission of a successful application.

  1. Submit Your Application +

    To apply, you must be at least 16 years old and/or in the final two years of high school/secondary education*.

    AMDA also accepts applications from CommonApp. If you have already applied through one of our partners, you do not need to apply again through our website.

    * If you are not yet 16, we would encourage you to consider attending the AMDA High School Conservatory.

  2. Complete Your AMDA Audition +

    Admission and scholarship consideration to AMDA require an audition. AMDA offers a robust calendar of auditions including regional auditions, campus auditions, live-online auditions and video submissions. Scheduling your audition will prompt a phone call with one of our enrollment specialists to help you prepare for a successful audition.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: To better prepare for your AMDA audition, we strongly encourage ALL applicants to review the Audition Instructions page prior to scheduling an audition or submitting a video submission.
  3. Phone interview with Admissions +

    This interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you, your educational background, and your interest in attending AMDA. We will be calling you, but if you would like to schedule an appointment for this interview, please email admissionsteam@amda.edu with the best day, time, and phone number to reach you.

  4. SUBMIT YOUR PERSONAL ESSAY +

    Towards the bottom of the application, space is provided for you to write a personal essay (500 words minimum) on the following topic: "Describe a challenging experience in your life and what you learned from it." Remember, this is an important part of your application, so answer thoughtfully!

    If you submitted your application but still need to submit your essay, click the button below.

  5. Submit One Letter of Recommendation +

    Please request and submit one letter of recommendation from teachers, school leaders, guidance counselors, coaches, or anyone familiar with your background and potential. Your recommendation letter must be written in English and signed and dated. To help with this process, please feel free to use AMDA's recommendation form by clicking the link below. Recommendation letters/forms may be submitted via email to docs@amda.edu or by mailing to the address on the form.

  6. Submit Your Academic Records (Transcripts) +

    Send an official transcript from your high school and (if applicable) college. Official transcripts from every educational institution that you listed in your application must be forwarded to AMDA. Please select one of the following options for submitting your official transcripts:
    1. If your high school or college uses the free service Parchment, please click below.

    2. If your high school or college does not use Parchment, please send the transcript request form to your guidance counselor/transcript office and request that they send your transcript(s) to AMDA using the address on the form.


    Important Note: The minimum grade point average (GPA) required for AMDA's programs is 2.0 out of 4.0 or its equivalent in other grading systems.

Five formally dressed dancers defy gravity in a synchronized jump
A single dancer on stage takes an artful leap
A dancer pops and glides into a dance move with a streetlamp in the background
Two ballet dancers in matching attire synchronize a forward split leap
A ballet instructor checks the form of her practicing students
A dancer in a flowing red outfit strikes a pose on one leg with her right arm outstretched skywards
Two dancers share a performance in front of a park bench as one archs backwards with the support of the other