The 7 Secrets Of CSU Long Beach Dance: Why The Beach Is A Global Powerhouse In Motion

California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) has long cemented its reputation as a premier institution for the arts, earning the moniker "The Arts University" within the CSU system. As of the current date in December 2025, the CSULB Department of Dance remains a dynamic and highly competitive program, drawing aspiring professional dancers, choreographers, and educators from across the globe. This department is not just a school; it's a launchpad for careers, offering a rigorous, student-centered environment that focuses on both technical mastery and intellectual depth in the ever-evolving world of movement.

The latest updates for the 2024-2025 academic year confirm the department’s commitment to innovation, with a continued emphasis on diverse degree pathways, including the highly specialized Bachelor of Science in Dance Science. From hosting major regional conferences to featuring cutting-edge faculty and student work, CSULB Dance provides an unparalleled, comprehensive education designed to create "dynamic and distinctive movers and thinkers" who are ready to shape the future of dance and related fields.

The Complete CSULB Dance Program: Degrees and Key Entities

The CSULB Department of Dance offers a spectrum of degrees designed to cater to various professional aspirations, from performance and choreography to education and somatic practice. Every major begins in the BA program, offering a broad foundation before students may audition for the more specialized BFA track.

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• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance: This is the most flexible degree, providing a balanced course of study in modern dance, ballet, jazz, and street/hip hop. It is ideal for students interested in careers in dance-related fields such as arts administration or teaching.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance: A highly selective, audition-based program focusing on intensive technical training and performance. BFA students demonstrate proficient skills in modern dance and ballet, with competency in jazz dance, preparing them for professional performance and choreography careers.
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Dance Science: A unique, interdisciplinary program combining dance with specific kinesiology and science courses. This degree prepares students for careers in dance medicine, physical therapy, conditioning, and injury prevention.
• Master of Arts (MA) in Dance: A graduate program emphasizing theoretical and practice-based study, teaching opportunities, and a thesis project.

Key Program Entities & Topical Authority

The strength of the program lies in its dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong alumni network. Here is a list of crucial entities that define the CSULB Dance experience:

• The Dance Center: The central hub of the department, housing all studios and facilities.
• Martha B. Knoebel Dance Theater: A professional-grade performance venue used for the department’s four annual, fully-produced concerts.
• Dance Clinic: A specialized facility dedicated to injury prevention, rehabilitation, and overall wellness for dancers, supported by a Head Athletic Trainer.
• CSULB Dance Faculty: Key figures include Colleen Dunagan (Department Chair, Professor of Dance in Media), Tsiambwom M. Akuchu, and Zakiya Atkinson (who coordinates the single subject credential program).
• Notable Alumni & Affiliates: Patrick McCollum (Broadway Choreographer), Rogelio (MFA graduate and professional dancer), and guest artist Wendy Whelan (Former Principal Dancer, New York City Ballet).
• ACDA Baja Conference: CSULB Dance is scheduled to host the prestigious American College Dance Association (ACDA) Baja Conference in 2026, highlighting its national standing.

The 7 Unique Pillars of the CSULB Dance Department

What truly sets the CSU Long Beach Dance program apart from other top-tier institutions is its holistic approach, combining rigorous physical training with academic excellence and career-focused resources. These seven pillars are the secrets to its global success.

1. The Cutting-Edge Dance Science Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Dance Science is arguably the department's most forward-thinking offering. In a field where physical demands are high, this degree bridges the gap between artistic training and scientific knowledge. Students gain specific skills in kinesiology, anatomy, and biomechanics, learning to apply this knowledge to optimize performance, prevent injuries, and pursue careers as dance educators, trainers, or therapists. This interdisciplinary approach ensures graduates are prepared for a long, healthy, and multi-faceted career.

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2. World-Class Facilities at The Dance Center

The physical environment is critical for dance training, and CSULB excels here. The Dance Center boasts seven spacious dance studios, each equipped with sprung floors and ballet barres, providing a safe and high-quality training space. The crown jewel is the Studio 3 Performance Space, which is equipped with professional LED Stage lighting, allowing students to experience a true performance environment before reaching the main theater.

3. The Specialized Dance Clinic for Wellness

Injury is an unfortunate reality in a dancer’s life, but the CSULB Dance Clinic provides a critical safety net. This specialized facility is dedicated to the holistic wellness of the dancers, offering resources for immediate injury assessment, long-term rehabilitation, and preventative care. Having a dedicated Head Athletic Trainer focused solely on the needs of dancers is a significant and rare resource, reinforcing the department's student-centered mission.

4. A Focus on Diverse Movement Styles and Choreography

While the BFA focuses heavily on modern dance and ballet, the department’s philosophy embraces a wide range of movement. The BA program explicitly includes competency in street/hip hop, ensuring that students are versatile and marketable in the contemporary dance landscape. The curriculum encourages students to be active choreographers, with opportunities to present work in the CSULB Dance Concerts—four fully produced events each year featuring faculty, graduate, and undergraduate student choreography.

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5. Faculty Expertise in Emerging Fields Like Dance in Media

The faculty is not only comprised of seasoned performers and choreographers but also scholars who are leading the way in new areas of study. For example, Department Chair Colleen Dunagan specializes in Dance in Media and Dance Studies, preparing students for the intersection of dance, technology, and academia. This forward-looking curriculum ensures graduates are equipped for 21st-century careers that extend beyond the traditional stage.

6. The ACDA Conference and Global Visibility

CSULB's selection as the host for the 2026 ACDA Baja Conference is a major indicator of its prestige and organizational capacity. The American College Dance Association (ACDA) is a vital entity in collegiate dance, and hosting the conference will bring hundreds of students, faculty, and guest artists from across the region to the Long Beach campus. This provides unparalleled networking, performance, and masterclass opportunities for current CSULB students, significantly boosting the program's visibility.

7. A Clear Pathway to Professional Success

The ultimate measure of a program is the success of its alumni. CSULB Dance graduates go on to become professional dancers, choreographers, producers, educators, and therapists. The program’s rigor, combined with the specialized knowledge gained from the BFA audition process and the Dance Science track, prepares students for the competitive professional world. The commitment to an inclusive, student-centered community is the foundation that fosters the creativity and leadership necessary for shaping the future of dance.