Dance - Program Overview

Register for Summer and Fall 2026 classes
Get registration details and learn how to apply.
- Summer classes start Monday, June 8. View Summer term classes
- Fall classes start Monday, Aug. 17. View Fall semester classes
Get registration help before summer classes begin. �� is open Saturday, June 6. View details
Campus buildings are closed Fridays and weekends June 8 to July 31, 2026. View summer hours

Channel the healing art of movement

Dance has the power to influence and change perceptions. Find your rhythm and expand your imagination through movement by studying dance and/or yoga at the ��.

We help you cultivate a strong foundation in techniques and theories that interest you. Get your heart pumping as you pursue your dream of a career in dance, dance therapy, dance education�or wherever your steps take you.

Why study Dance with us?

With our dance practicum, you receive supervised, practical experience in dance performance, technique and production. We coach you with constructive feedback that builds your confidence and your skills.

Opportunities to shine on stage

You have opportunities to perform in front of a live audience as you develop your art. Our department hosts a fall and spring production and other outreach presentations offered throughout the year.

Featuring an eclectic range of dance styles including contemporary, jazz, hip hop, ballet and tap, the college dance company provides students and community members with an opportunity to experience performing on a stage. Dance company members learn choreography from professional choreographers, both locally and nationally, and perform the works in a weekend performance showcased at the end of the fall semester. Auditions take place in late August for a fall performance and are open to all skill levels.
A festival like no other, the annual Fear No Art festival is a lively celebration featuring a variety of emerging choreographers, dancers, musicians, singers, actors and poets. This festival plays a vital role in supporting the artistic development and work of both our college students and our community artists at large. Auditions take place in late January and are open to all skill levels.
Interested in singing, acting, and dancing? Each summer the �� Theatre Department presents a musical production presented in July. The auditions are in late May and are open to all �� students and community members.

State-of-the-art facilities

Take your talent to the stage at the located on campus. The JLC features three modern performance spaces poised to showcase professional touring events and concerts, as well as our student music, dance and theatre performances and productions.

Highlights

Performance Opportunities

Join the Prairie Spirits dance troupe for fall and spring shows, plus the annual "Fear No Art" festival.
Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Career Certificate

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning a certificate in 1 year or less.
Transfer Degree

Save money on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

Degrees and Certificates

For degree-seeking students planning to transfer to a 4-year college or university for a bachelor�s degree.

Transfer degree programs are built around general education classes that lead to an associate degree designed to transfer to a 4-year school. �� participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) to ensure that approved courses will transfer to other participating colleges and universities. Transfer degrees typically take 2 years of full-time enrollment to complete.

For certificate-seeking students who want to earn job skills for entry-level occupations or increase their career opportunities.

You can complete a certificate in less than two years. Many certificate programs include career degree courses, allowing you to stack certificates toward an A.A.S. degree.

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Transfer Degree
Dance A.A.
Associate in Arts

Cost

$10,500* (estimated)
View Details Dance A.A.
Career Certificate
Yoga Teacher Certificate

Cost

$3,150* (estimated)
View Details Yoga Teacher Certificate

*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, before financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at ��. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Earn a teaching endorsement in Dance

Want to teach dance? Earn a Subsequent Teaching Endorsement in Dance through the �� Dance Department. This endorsement is designed for educators who already hold a Professional Educator License (PEL) in the state of Illinois.

Endorsement requirements are:

18 credit hours: All course work must be at the 100-level or higher and completed with a grade of "C" or higher from a regionally accredited college or institution.
Dance (140/209) test: You take this test through the Illinois State Board of Education.

Courses in the program

We offer a wide range of courses in the Art of Dance, Teaching Methods, Contemporary Dance, Ballet, Tap, Latin Dance, Hip Hop, Choreography�and so much more!

View Dance courses