Whether you want to earn a degree, improve your skills, get certified, train for a new career, or explore a new hobby, you can choose from many programs and courses.
Explore your interests and find a program that puts you on the path to a bright future. Tri-C offers both credit and non-credit courses as well as certificate programs in most career fields.
More than 1,000 credit courses are offered each semester in more than 200 career and technical programs. Tri-C also grants short-term certificates, certificates of proficiency and post-degree professional certificates.
Tri-C's Workforce Training provides both non-credit and credit training for individuals and businesses to assist individuals with skills leading to employment. Tri-C's Corporate College provides professional development and corporate training opportunities.
Tri-C offers a variety of affordable and convenient community programs for both adults and youth. These programs are designed to promote individual development.
Whether you are pursuing dance as a career or seeking to experience its personal benefits, we invite you to explore your potential, build technical and creative skills, connect with fellow dance artists, and gain valuable real-world experience.
Tri-C dance aims to foster both your artistic and personal growth. We value excellence, integrity, curiosity, and community—values that will enrich your life, no matter where your journey leads. Our faculty are not just instructors, but mentors. They create a supportive, yet challenging environment. They will help you refine your technique, heighten your understanding and awareness of your body, discover your strengths, and encourage persistence and resilience. You will be guided to think creatively, set personal goals, take risks, collaborate with others, and apply your skills in practical ways.
We believe that learning extends beyond the dance studio, classroom, or campus. We regularly collaborate with leading arts organizations to offer master classes, guest artist residencies, performance opportunities, tickets to attend live performances, and opportunities for independent study and practical field experience. Our students have interacted with local, national, and international dance companies and artists such as PILOBOLUS, Paul Taylor Dance Company, PHILADANCO!, Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, Popmaster Fabel, Tony Fresh, Jayson "Mouse" Vasquez, GroundWorks Dance Theater, and more. You will also have opportunities to expand your artistic perspective and professional network through collaborations with students and faculty in other fields such as film/media arts, music, theater, recording arts, sport/exercise studies, and physical therapy.
If you are passionate about dance, but unsure where to begin or how to maintain your involvement, Tri-C offers an accessible, affordable, and high-quality pathway to pursue your passion, gain practical knowledge and skills, expand your network, and explore your creativity in meaningful ways.
See below for more information about our dance program and how to enroll. We would love to talk with you! Please email sarah.carey@tri-c.edu to set up a time to talk or meet.
Dance Courses and Descriptions
DANC-1100 | Dance Appreciation 3 Credits
Online | Session L (8 weeks) Jun. 9 - Aug 3
Exploring dance within diverse cultural, religious, social, and artistic contexts. Trace the origins and development of dance forms and styles, learn about important contributors, and develop a framework for discussing dance as a universal mode of human expression and communication. Emphasis on connecting dance to historical, socio-cultural, and aesthetic aspects. Includes viewing dance, discussing, reading, writing, and participating in experiential activities.
Online | Full Term (16 weeks) Aug. 25 - Dec. 14 or M/W | 10:25 - 11:50 a.m. Metro | Session O (14 weeks) Sept. 8 - Dec. 14 or M/W | 1 - 2:25 p.m. or M/W | 7:20 - 8:45 p.m. East | Session O (14 weeks) Sept. 8 - Dec. 14
Exploring dance within diverse cultural, religious, social, and artistic contexts. Trace the origins and development of dance forms and styles, learn about important contributors, and develop a framework for discussing dance as a universal mode of human expression and communication. Emphasis on connecting dance to historical, socio-cultural, and aesthetic aspects. Includes viewing dance, discussing, reading, writing, and participating in experiential activities.
DANC-1201 | Conditioning for Dance I 2 Credits
T/Th | 5 - 6:25 p.m. Metro | Session O (14 weeks) Sept. 8 - Dec. 14
*Tri-C Dance Academy and high school students welcome!
Introduction to physical conditioning techniques to enhance dance training and performance. Exercises to improve strength, range of motion, alignment, balance, coordination, endurance, body awareness, and control. Learn basic anatomy, body mechanics, and injury prevention. Integration of science-based conditioning methods and mind-body (somatic) practices. May be repeated up to four times for credit.
T/Th | 10 - 11:40 a.m. West | Full Term (16 weeks) Aug. 25 - Dec. 14 or M/W | 11 a.m. - 12:40 p.m. East | Session O (14 weeks) Sept. 8 - Dec. 14
Introduction and practice of fundamental ballet, modern/contemporary, and jazz dance techniques. Creative exploration through basic dance improvisation and choreography. Emphasis on development of body and spatial awareness, strength, flexibility, and coordination within various dance forms. Exercises and basic dance combinations performed on the floor, at the ballet barre, and traveling through the studio space. Reflection on cultural and historical context. Discussion of related topics.
DANC-1550 | Hip-Hop Dance I 2 credits
M/W | 12 noon - 1:50 p.m. Metro | Session O (14 weeks) Sept. 8 - Dec. 14
Introduction to Hip-hop and Street Dance forms (e.g., party dances, Popping, Breaking, House, Krump, etc). Emphasis on basic techniques, movement skills, musicality, rhythm, body awareness, and creativity. Performance of freestyle and choreographed movements. Survey of historical and socio-cultural context.
Schedule subject to change.
Contact sarah.carey@tri-c.edu with questions about dance classes, departmental approval, etc.
Explore dance
The field of dance is changing fast, but it also has exciting potential. Tri-C offers a flexible, cost-effective way to explore dance as a career path before committing to more expensive options such as a four-year program or moving away to train or work.
Unique course offerings
In addition to more traditional forms, we offer classes in Hip-Hop & Street Dance styles, Conditioning for Dance, Dance Improvisation & Choreography, and more.
Practical, personalized, and holistic education
We aim to prepare students for success beyond Tri-C (whether they enter the current job market or continue with further academic study) by offering hands-on experience, personalized instruction, and a well-rounded and healthy approach to dance training.
Access to world-class artists
Engage with leading dance professionals and companies through partnerships with organizations like DANCECleveland and Tri-C Performing Arts. See live professional performances at Playhouse Square, attend free master classes, and participate in performance opportunities.
Prepare for auditions and career opportunities
Gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in auditions and connect to work opportunities in the dance industry.
Affordable, high-quality training
We offer high-quality dance instruction at a fraction of the cost, with the lowest college tuition in Northeast Ohio starting at $129.54 per credit hour (amounts to $260 total for a 2 credit class or ~$8-$12 per class session for a 2-3 credit course).
Scholarship opportunities
Scholarships are available to help make your education and dance training even more accessible.
Tri-C dance students have successfully gone on to pursue further education and/or join the creative workforce as performers, choreographers, teachers, and more. They have...
Earned scholarships to attend university dance programs and graduated as dance majors or minors.
Danced professionally with Ohio's own Cleveland Cavaliers Scream Team, the Cavaliers Dance Team, Cedar Point Entertainment, MorrisonDance, and others.
Joined dance companies as trainees or apprentices.
Taught dance classes and/or choreograph for local dance studios and schools.
Collaborated with other artists on film projects and creative events.
Worked as instructors in health and fitness roles.
With additional experience and/or education, graduates can work in the field of dance or pursue a related career field. These can include:
Performer
Choreographer
Dance teacher
Artistic or creative director
Business owner or entrepreneur (e.g., dance or fitness studio owner)
Dance/movement therapist
Dance production: lighting designer, sound designer, costume designer, etc.
Community dance instructor (e.g., lead dance activities in community centers or at church)
Fitness instructor, personal trainer, exercise specialist
Pilates or yoga instructor
Arts administrator
Physical therapist, physical therapist assistant, or athletic trainer
Dance/sport psychologist
DJ, accompanist, composer, or sound designer for dance classes, performances, and events
While there is no audition requirement, some dance courses require prerequisites or department approval before registering. For those seeking a prerequisite override and/or department approval to register for a course (e.g., you have had previous dance or movement experience, etc.), please contact Sarah Carey, dance program coordinator (sarah.carey@tri-c.edu).
Paying for Classes:
Tri-C tuition is the lowest in Northeast Ohio (starting at $129.54 per credit hour). You can self-pay at the time of registration or set up a payment plan.
High School Students (ages 16+) including homeschool and non-public school students:
You are welcome to apply to Tri-C and enroll in college classes as an early admissions or College Credit Plus student. To enroll in dance classes, we ask that high school students be 16 years of age or older.
More information about Ohio's College Credit Plus program, which also provides funding to cover the cost of tuition for eligible high school students.
For students planning to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a bachelor’s degree or minor in dance, our Associate of Arts degree is the recommended starting point at Tri-C. We strongly recommend discussing your goals early on with Tri-C dance faculty and consulting with the dance program director at your target institution, as not all dance classes may transfer.
We also encourage you to talk to an academic counselor and/or transfer specialist at Tri-C. The Transfer Center offers resources to guide you, including articulation agreements and pathways to our partner schools.
Career Outlook
Related Information
High School and Homeschool Students - College Credit Plus
For adults (age 55+) looking for non-credit movement and/or dance classes for personal wellness, fitness, and enjoyment (e.g., Line Dance, yoga, Pilates, etc.), check out Tri-C's Encore 55+ Learning program.
Tri-C Performing Arts presents an annual series of professional dance and music performances (often in partnership with organizations such as DANCE Cleveland). Check out the current season and attend a dance event!
