Dance

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.

Orange Coast College's Dance Department has enjoyed a national reputation for quality, creativity and comprehensive curriculum with courses in a variety of dance styles since 1962.  Our Pilates and Yoga instructor programs lead to direct employment- graduates teach in Pilates, Dance, or Fitness studios, recreational facilities, and health clubs.

OCC 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. Performance and choreography opportunities include the Fall Dance Concert, Spring Dance Celebration and the end-of-the-semester Student Dance Showcases.

Students also perform in festivals and invitationals throughout Southern California and participate each year in the American College Dance Association’s annual conference (Baja region), and in the Palm Desert Choreography Festival.

OCC offers a Dance Master Class Series, Artist Talks and Pilates Guest Speakers, often open to the public.

Our curriculum offers opportunities for life-long learners, prepares students 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.