• If dance is your passion, California has a college for you.ballet image by huaxiadragon from Fotolia.com
  
  When it comes to the performing arts, California and New York are the hot spots of activity. If you want to major in dance and would rather be on the West Coast, the state of California has a lot to offer. Whether you are looking to focus on technique, want to become involved in dance research or prefer a broad look at the entire world of performing arts, you probably will find the right program in California.
  
  

California State University Long Beach

• The Long Beach campus of Cal State offers students the option of five different degrees in dance, including a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Fine Arts. The program focuses on ballet and modern dance technique. Students also study the history of dance and how dance fits in with other academic areas. World famous guest choreographers often work with CSULB students, and the program as a whole has been invited to perform on the national level many times. Auditions are held several times a year, and any student interested in the program must preregister for an audition time. The National Association of Schools of Dance accredits this dance program.
  
  Department of Dance
  CSULB
  1250 Bellflower Blvd.
  Long Beach, CA 90840
  562-985-7071
  csulb.edu/depts/dance
  
  

University of California--Irvine

• Students in the University of California--Irvine program are engaged not only in dance practice and performance, but also in research projects about how dance is affected by other areas. Students research the ways kinesiology, technology and history impact the world of dance. They also study music, choreography and pedagogy. Students perfect their technique in ballet, modern, jazz and more in the Bachelor of Arts and Master of Fine Arts programs. The program places heavy influence on learning all styles of dance and perfecting your art through choreography and teaching experience.
  
  Department of Dance, Claire Trevor School of the Arts
  University of California--Irvine
  300 Mesa Arts Building
  Irvine, CA 92697
  949-824-7284
  dance.arts.uci.edu
  
  

Pomona College

• Pomona College's department of theater and dance allows students to learn all aspects of dance performance. Students gain experience in dance technique, but they also take classes and get real-life practice running a stage crew, directing, doing choreography, choosing shows and more. Optional weekly meetings allow students to get to know each other and learn more about the performance opportunities available. Pomona College also offers dance students the chance to study abroad in London or Australia.
  
  Pomona College Department of Theatre and Dance
  300 E. Bonita Ave.
  Claremont, CA 91711
  909-621-8186
  theatre.pomona.edu