Dance

Career Options

Examples of careers in dance or dance-related fields include the following: Artistic Director/Rehearsal Director, Arts Administrator, Arts Council Director, Arts Lawyer, Athletic Trainer, Choreographer, College/University Educator, Costume or Lighting Designer, Dance Company Manager, Dance Critic, Dance Ethnologist/Historian, Dance Instructor, Dance Physical Therapist, Physical Therapy Assistant, Dance Studio Owner, Dance Writer, Grant Writer, Nutritionist/Dietician, Producer/Talent Agent, Professional Dancer, Publicist, Sales/Marketing Representative, Special Events Coordinator, Stage Manager, and Yoga/Pilates Instructor.

Note: Some of the careers listed require further education

Dance Major Spotlight

Allyson Ahlswede

Allyson Ahlswede has been dancing since the age of 3, continuing her journey as a mover in the MiraCosta dance program. Her passion has led her to pursue her AA in Dance and become a Friends of Dance scholarship recipient in the Spring of 2023. Taking dance classes at MiraCosta has been her most valuable source of dance training in all her life, preparing her for a 4-year university and many professional dance settings. Allyson currently trains in ballet, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and musical theatre. Her experiences at MiraCosta have brought her into a community of dancers and instructors that strengthen her mind and body.

Learn more about the Dance program-

Misael Diaz

Meet Dance Major, Misael Diaz. This incredible dancer has an outstanding dedication to the arts. Misael has a desire to teach others. Although he started his dance journey a little later than others, he doesn’t let that stop him from finding himself in a performing class where he can explore his skills. Misael has also jumpstarted his commercial dance career, working with a few amazing artists and companies such as The Hives, Charlie xcx, Target pride, and Calvin Klein. Misael is on track to receive his Dance AA degree in Spring of 2025 and plans to transfer to Chapman University.

Learn more about the Dance program-

Anna Hartley

Anna Hartley is currently a dance major at Mira Costa College, aiming for an AA in Dance to transfer. She has had a passion for dance almost her whole life starting at the age of five, with no plans to stop. Dancing in studios around North County gave her the opportunity to learn from different teachers and fall in love with the art of dance more and more. Currently teaching dance at CAST Dance Academy, she is able to share that love and passion with younger dancers in different genres of dance. Anna’s favorite styles of dance are Contemporary, Jazz, and Hip-Hop.

Learn more about the Dance program-

Joseph Roberts

Dance major, Joseph Roberts, found dancing as his passion by taking Pacific Island Dance at MiraCosta when he was in high school. He grew closer to dance when he tried other dance classes like Hip Hop, Modern dance, Jazz, and ballroom. Joseph hopes to graduate with his AA degree in dance. He hopes to pursue a professional dancing career in his favorite style of dance, hip hop. His dream jobs are to be a backup dancer, performing with a dance company, and in the future to be a singer and dancer.

Learn more about the Dance program-

Kate Tomlinson

Dance major, Kate Tomlinson discovered her love for dance at age 12 when she took her first jazz class. As she proceeded to compete at her studio and later on the CSU Long Beach Spirit Squad, jazz remained her favorite style for its upbeat energy and ability to make others smile. However, dancing at Mira Costa College has opened her eyes to new and fun styles like Hip Hop and Musical Theater, as well as allowed her to improve her technique in classes like Ballet. Kate is excited to continue her dance education at Mira Costa College and earn her degree during the 2024-2025 school year!

Learn more about the Dance program-

Academic Programs in Dance

The academic maps will give you an idea of the classes you need to take. However, please meet with a counselor to personalize your education plan.

KEY:Certificate of ProficiencyCertificate of AchievementAssociate DegreeBachelor's Degree

Dance (prior training)	MAP	CAREERS
Dance (no prior training)	MAP	CAREERS
Dance Instructor (prior training)	MAP	CAREERS
Dance Instructor (no prior training)	MAP	CAREERS

Additional Resources

Dance Faculty
Dance Videos: Check out some of the amazing performances by MiraCosta College students.
Photo Gallery: See some of the captured moments in the photo gallery.
Dance Scholarship Recipients: See which of our students have received financial awards throughout the years.
Request Additional Information: Learn more about all that MiraCosta College has to offer.

The mission of the MiraCosta Dance department is to create artistic and academic excellence by engaging our students in a diversity of dance techniques, choreography, performance and scholarly practices. We foster student engagement through creative and critical thinking and value artistic exploration enriching the individual, classroom and community.

Students may take courses to prepare for a dance major to transfer to a four-year institution, to earn an A.A. degree in dance, or to meet general education requirements. Performance opportunities are available to both majors and non-majors.