{"id":6443,"date":"2021-05-31T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-31T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=6443"},"modified":"2021-07-26T06:48:21","modified_gmt":"2021-07-26T13:48:21","slug":"the-power-of-dance-at-san-jose-city-college","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/the-roar.net\/?p=6443","title":{"rendered":"The Power of Dance at San Jos\u00e9 City College"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As the body of research<\/a> about the healing power of dance<\/a> continues to grow, we\u2019re learning more about how essential dance is to the well-being of our society. Not to mention how TikTok is reshaping collective dance through \u201csocial dancing<\/a>\u201d on a global level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No matter who you are or why you want to dance, San Jos\u00e9 City College welcomes everyone<\/em><\/strong> to dance class. And our growing Dance Department<\/a> offers both an Associate of Arts in Dance and a Dance Teaching Certificate if you\u2019re looking to become a dance instructor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve always dreamed of a dance career or you\u2019re looking to attend adult dance classes for fun, SJCC is the place for you. Let\u2019s explore the power of dance and how you can make a meaningful creative career in this field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have grown so much as an artist.\u201d<\/p>Minakshi Singh, former SJCC dance student<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\"San
San Jos\u00e9 City College’s Spring Concert, Danceology 2015.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Dance is a Critical Art Form<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most would agree that dance is a distinctly human form of self-expression, present in even the most ancient societies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDance is a powerful impulse,\u201d says Britannica<\/a>. It is \u201cthe movement of the body in a rhythmic way, usually to music and within a given space, for the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion, releasing energy, or simply taking delight in the movement itself.\u201d But it has even greater potential as an art form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dance Can Inspire Change<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dance is universal. From your teenage cousin learning the next viral move to your mom dancing in the kitchen. But dance as an art form can do much more than lift your spirits (though that is crucial too). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe art of dance<\/a> is that impulse channeled by skillful performers into something that becomes intensely expressive and that may delight spectators.\u201d While this is certainly true, dance can also shift your world. Because it has the ability to shape culture and inspire audiences to take action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI wholeheartedly believe that art, in many ways, is the impetus for social change,\u201d said Kevin Gaytan, an SJCC graduate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dance serves as an essential artistic platform for artists, activists, and healers. The link between art and social movements is so strong that degrees like Arts and Social Change<\/em> or Performing Arts and Social Change<\/em> are becoming increasingly common. But like we said, it\u2019s universal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dance is Dynamic and Deeply Personal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are so many reasons to study dance or to simply take dance classes. Whether you\u2019re seeking healing through Dance\/Movement Therapy (DMT)<\/a>, looking for a fun hobby, or an artistic career to channel your creativity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI believe dance can be many different things to people. Some people connect through their own culture with dance, some connect to different cultures through dance, and some dance as a form of self-expression or physical joy,\u201d said Amber McCall, dance faculty at SJCC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our instructors know that dance is personal. More importantly, they know that Dance enriches everyone\u2019s<\/em><\/strong> lives. That\u2019s why SJCC\u2019s Dance Program is wholly dedicated to creating meaningful spaces for dancers at every skill level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt does not matter your age, skill level, physical ability, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation; you are welcome to dance with us!\u201d<\/p>Amber McCall, SJCC dance faculty<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\"San
SJCC dance faculty, Amber McCall.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

SJCC\u2019s Dance Program is Proudly Inclusive<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At SJCC, anyone who wants to join a dance class can do so without an audition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt has always been a priority of mine to build a dance department which is inviting, supportive and inclusive. I want ALL people to feel like they belong in our program,\u201d said McCall. \u201cIt does not matter your age, skill level, physical ability, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation; you are welcome to dance with us!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Competitive dance spaces can be exclusive and intimidating, often requiring an audition. SJCC graduate and former dance student, Gaytan, commented on how SJCC\u2019s inclusive program makes a big difference, especially for those who face extra levels of exclusion from the dance world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI would not have been able to become a professional dancer if it wasn’t for this level of accessibility,\u201d Gaytan said. \u201cAs undocumented immigrants, often, these opportunities are not accessible to us.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So if you\u2019re hesitant to take a dance class for any reason at all \u2014 at SJCC you have nothing to fear. Here, you\u2019ll find a warm and encouraging dance community that will welcome you without hesitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Growing Dance Department Cultivates Successful Dancers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the last five years, the SJCC Dance Department<\/a> has grown significantly. Now it offers a much broader range of dance classes, including Hip-Hop, Choreography, Pedagogy, and more. But of course, it remains as inclusive as ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s what you can expect when you join SJCC\u2019s Dance Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI would not have been able to become a professional dancer if it wasn’t for this level of accessibility.”<\/p>Kevin Gaytan, former SJCC dance Student<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\"Dance
Dance class at San Jos\u00e9 City College.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Learn the Foundations of Artistic Movement <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SJCC dance classes teach the fundamentals of dance and how to create profound connection and artistic expression through movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an interview, McCall, who holds multiple degrees and certifications in dance, commented on some of its guiding principles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe SJCC Dance program prepares students to be creative problem solvers and to build skills of cultural competency, self-expression, and movement literacy. The dance faculty get to work with students individually and in small groups to nurture each student’s growth and academic goals,\u201d said McCall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWith SJCC dance, I received the foundational dance training that I needed to be accepted into the dance program at San Jose State, which was quite competitive and audition-based,\u201d Gaytan said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minakshi Singh, who already holds a bachelor\u2019s degree, decided to return to school to pursue dance. Singh recently completed her Certificate in Dance Teaching at SJCC and plans to pursue a Masters in Dance. In an interview, she spoke about her memorable experiences with the SJCC Dance Department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI not only got to explore the various forms of dancing but I also got to explore its history, production, teachings, and more,\u201d said Singh. \u201cI have grown so much as an artist.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Lessons were always dynamic and fun, and it is here that I made lifelong friends.”<\/p>Kevin Gaytan<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\"San
SJCC graduate Kevin Gaytan dances on campus.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Find Belonging in Dance Class<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SJCC Dance will teach you the technical skills, styles, and tools you need to succeed as a dancer. But the confidence you\u2019ll gain and the community you\u2019ll find may make an equally significant impact on your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat seems to draw students to the dance program at SJCC is the sense of community we build,\u201d McCall said. \u201cI know, for some students, being a part of the dance program gives them a sense of belonging and boosts their academic success.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLessons were always dynamic and fun, and it is here that I made lifelong friends,\u201d Gaytan said. \u201cThe dance department, in many ways, feels like a family, a support system outside of the home.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The guiding principle of inclusivity in our dance classes makes it a safe haven where students can explore, discover, and realize their goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy Plenty of Dance Opportunities for Community College Students<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In addition to brilliant instructors and a nurturing community, dance students at SJCC can enjoy all the opportunities we offer as a vibrant bay area community college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historically, our dance department has participated in lots of extra-curricular dance events. Here are a few of the most popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n