commercial Dance

The Commercial Dance major at the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts is designed for students who are serious about pursuing a career in commercial and concert dance. From day one, dancers are immersed in a rigorous, industry-forward curriculum that prepares them to step into the professional world with confidence, versatility, and a well-rounded artistic identity. Our faculty and guest artists include industry professionals currently working in the field from backup dancers and touring choreographers to agents and casting directors. Students train in a wide range of styles including contemporary, hip hop, ballet, Latin/ballroom, Voguing, Jazz and more!

With an emphasis on versatility, students are prepared to work across multiple sectors of the entertainment industry, including theater, film, television, theme and amusement parks, stadium and arena concerts, music videos, cruise line industries, tours, circus arts, and more. In addition, students will study on-camera in classes like Acting for the Camera, Dancing for the Camera, and Still Photography for Dance Print Work—ensuring they are fully equipped for both live performance and media-based opportunities.Students will showcase in both Los Angeles and New York City.

 

Commercial Dance Major Curriculum Two-Year Program

  • Major Courses

    BAL      Ballet  (1 credit)

    BDC Ballet All dance majors (1 credit)

    CHH Commercial Hip Hop  (1 credit)

    GYM Gymnastics (1 credit)

    CTP Contemporary  (1 Credit)

    JZD      Jazz Dance  (2 credits)

    CTM Cultural Movement Studies - Focus on Latin Ballroom (1 credit)

    DFC Dancing for the Camera (2 credits)

    MTE     MT Dance Ensemble (1 credit)

    AGC Agent Workshop (1 credit)

    TAP      Tap (1 credit)

    General Education

    BSK1 Business Skills 1 (1.5 credits)

    MUS1 Music Theory 1 (1 credit)

    PSY1 Psychology 1 (1 credit)

    TVF1 History of TV/Film 1 (3 credits)

  • Major Courses

    ACT-MTD Acting for the Camera (1 credit)

    BAL      Ballet (1 credit)

    BDC Ballet All dance majors (1.5 credits)

    CHH Commercial Hip Hop (1 credit)

    GYM Gymnastics (1 credit)

    CTM Cultural Movement Studies - Focus on African American dance fusion (1 credit)

    JZD      Jazz Dance (2 credits)

    IMP Improv Movement (1 credit)

    PTN Partner Work (1 credit)

    MTE     MT Dance Ensemble (1 credit)

    AGC Agent Workshop (1 credit)

    TAP      Tap (1 credit)

    General Education

    BSK2 Business Skills 2 (1.5 credits)

    ENG1 English Composition I (3 credits)

    MUS2 Music Theory 2 (1 credit)

  • Major Courses

    BAL      Ballet (1 credit)

    DFC Dancing for the Camera (2 credits)

    BDC Ballet All dance majors (1.5 credits)

    CHH Commercial Hip Hop (1 credit)

    GYM Gymnastics (1 credit)

    JZD      Jazz Dance (2 credits)

    CTM Cultural Movement Studies - Focus on Bollywood dance fusion (1 credit)

    CTP Contemporary  (1 Credit)

    MTE     MT Dance Ensemble (1 credit)

    PTWK Partner Work (1 credit)

    TAP      Tap (1 credit)

    AGC Agent Workshop (1 credit)

    General Education

    NEU1 Neuroscience 1 (3 credits)

    PLY1 Playwriting 1 (3 credits)

  • Major Courses

    BAL      Ballet (1 credit)

    ACM1-MT Acting for Commercials (1 credit)

    CHH Commercial Hip Hop (1 credit)

    CHH 2nd class Commercial Hip Hop - CD majors only (1 credit)

    BDC Ballet All dance majors (1.5 credits)

    GYM Gymnastics (1 credit)

    JZD      Jazz Dance (2 credits)

    CTM Cultural Movement Studies - Focus on  Ballroom Culture, Vogue, whacking (1 credit)

    AGC Agent Workshop (1 credit) Some of this in LA

    TAP      Tap (1 credit)

    MDR Modern Dance Movement (1 credit)

    General Education

    ENT1 Entrepreneurship 1 (3 credits)

    ETH1 Ethics 1 (3 credits)

FAQs

 

How many students do you accept?

We accept 16 students per class.

Can I audition for professional shows while in school?

Yes! In fact, we encourage our students to continuously audition for roles. The Conservatory’s main goal is to train employable artists.

How diverse is your program?

Our programs are extremely diverse. We accept students with varying ethnicities, religions, gender identities, sexualities, and disabilities into our programs. The Conservatory strives for our faculty to be as diverse as our student body.

What are your facilities like?

Our facilities include a variety of building types. From large dance studios to state-of-the-art recording studios, many of our facilities are used by professional arts businesses. The Conservatory also offers a large cyc wall for advertisement filming and our dormitories are within walking distance of all our buildings.

Are there any specific materials or equipment required for my major?

All requirements are communicated to students by Admissions during the enrollment process. The Director of Admissions meets with all Department Heads to ensure that all requirements are accurately communicated to prospective and incoming students. 

How proficient do I need to be in varying styles for acceptance into NoCo?

We affirm that artistic education must be unique to the artist. If you are a prima ballerina, we will not adjudicate you the same as a brilliant, commercial hip-hop dancer. We’re looking for talent, drive, and a deeper understanding of who you are as a person and a performer.

What type of programs do you offer?

Currently, we offer four conservatory programs — each lasting two years. In an industry where opportunities for youthful artists are in high abundance, we believe our students are ready to join the workforce within two years. Our students graduate with less debt and receive training from the most brilliant creatives.