Since its origin in 1962, the OCC Dance program has embraced the philosophy that effective training for both professional and nonprofessional dancers requires more than just physical movement experience. In addition to training the dancer’s physical body to master technique, strength, flexibility and musicality within a particular dance form, the program guides students in exploring their own creative potential, introduces them to the artistry of professionals through live performances, develops their insight, perception, understanding and evaluative skills, and enhances wellness through the integration of mind, body and spirit.
Our Mission: The Orange Coast College Dance and Pilates Department is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and student-centered environment, serving our community by providing rigorous and effective training for both professional and nonprofessional dancers of all ages and skill levels. Our students are introduced to the artistry of the professional world through esteemed faculty and guests, and guided to explore their own creative potential, developing performance and evaluative skills through the integration of mind, body, and spirit.
Our comprehensive and culturally diverse curriculum offers opportunities for life-long learners, prepares students for university transfer, and offers an Associate of Arts degree and /or vocational Certificates of Achievement as instructors in Dance, Pilates, or World Dance. Above all, we inspire students to engage in the dynamic field of dance and to contribute to its vitality as artists, scholars, educators, advocates, and become responsible global citizens.
OCC Dance faculty are recognized professionals in their areas of expertise. They are active performing artists and choreographers. Among their honors are many national, regional and local awards, performance histories with highly esteemed dance companies and choreographers, international performances and film credits. Accompanists for dance classes are highly accomplished musicians and composers.
Our curriculum serves as preparation for serious dancers wishing to transfer to universities and offers classes that take dancers from beginning to advanced levels. Classes include ballet, modern, jazz, tap, world dance forms, choreography, improvisation, appreciation of dance, music for dancers, repertoire, rehearsal and performance, Kinesiology for dancers, dance methodology, plus Gyrokinesis and a comprehensive Pilates program.
Performance and choreography opportunities include Faculty Dance Concert (fall semester), Student Dance Concert (spring semester), World Dance Celebration (spring semester) and Studio Hour, a fully produced theatre performance offered at the close of each semester. The OCC Dance Department participates and performs each year at the American College Dance Festival. Faculty members also provide students outside performance opportunities both locally and with their companies.
Robert B. Moore Theatre
Our 916 seat Robert B. Moore Theatre stage measures 40 feet wide by 32 feet deep and has a state-of-the-art basket weave sprung floor. The facility has dressing rooms and quick change areas to accommodate up to 60 performers. All OCC Dance productions, including Student Dance Showcase, are presented in this excellent theatre space that beautifully supports dance.
Dance Studios
We have two large dance studios (60'x40' and 50'x40') with state-of-the-art basket weave sprung floors, pianos, and the latest audio/visual equipment (large flat screen TV, computers, and integrated audio).
Pilates Apparatus Studio
Our Pilates studio is fully-equipped with reformers, Wunda chairs, Cadillac/Trapeze tables and additional small apparatus.
Ballet
Students presenting as female must wear a black or solid color leotard with black or pink tights and black or pink ballet shoes. Students with long hair must wear hair in a ballet bun; shorter hair should be kept off the face. A short ballet skirt in black or pink may be worn for class. Students presenting as male must wear a black or white leotard with black tights, black ballet shoes and a dance belt. Hair must be well groomed. Students presenting as non-binary may present in either of the above-named manners on consultation with the instructor.
Note: Level 1 students taking class with Professor Costas will be required to wear a black leotard.
Modern Dance
Students must wear a black or solid color leotard with black or solid color tights or jazz pants. Hair should be well groomed, kept off the face, and pulled back in a bun or ponytail. Students presenting as male must also wear a dance belt.
Jazz Dance
Students must wear a black or solid color leotard and black or solid color tights or jazz pants. Students must have black or tan jazz shoes. Students presenting as male must also wear a dance belt. Hair must be well groomed, kept off the face, and pulled back in a bun or ponytail.
Note: Level 1 students taking class with Professor Costas will be required to wear a black leotard.
Improvisation and Choreography Classes
Students must wear fitted dance clothing that reveals body lines. Dancewear must be solid colors (no patterns or athletic stripes), and hair must be kept off the face. No jewelry is permitted for improvisation class. If neeeded, students must bring an extra T-shirt if they perspire excessively.
Latin Dance Styles, Hip Hop, and Tap
Students may wear street clothes with the appropriate shoes to their particular style of dance class. Ballroom dance shoes, character dance or jazz shoes are options for the Latin Dance classes. Tap dance students must wear tap shoes (low heeled shoes are preferred). Taps should be secured with screws that do not stick out above the tap; students must bring a screwdriver to every class.
World Dance (African, Middle Eastern, Flamenco and Polynesian)
Students in these classes are required to dress in the style of the class to create a more authentic experience.
African Dance: students presenting as female must wear a lapa or fabric wrap around their waist and students presenting as male should wear loose fitting pants or shorts and a tank top, preferably made of African materials.
Middle Eastern Dance: students should wear fitted dancewear with a scarf or belt around the hips.
Flamenco Dance: students presenting as female should wear Spanish dance skirts with leotards and character shoes. T-shirt, pants, and Spanish dance boots for students presenting as male.
Polynesian Dance: students should wear clothes they can move in and, ideally, students presenting as female should wear a pareau or pa'u skirt.
Pilates Testimonials