CSULB Dance to Host 2026 ACDA Baja Conference
The CSULB Department of Dance is proud to announce that it will serve as the host site for the 2026 ACDA Baja Conference, taking place February 4–7, 2026. This prestigious annual event, organized by the American College Dance Association, will bring dance students and faculty from colleges across Southern California to our Long Beach campus for four days of adjudicated concerts, master classes, scholarly dialogue, and film screenings.
This marks the first time we’ve hosted since March 2020 — a memorable week that welcomed more than 500 participants and showcased the strength of the regional college dance community. We anticipate a similar turnout in 2026 and are excited to once again share our exceptional facilities with visiting institutions, including prospective undergraduate and transfer students.
The ACDA Baja Conference is a cornerstone event that promotes creative exploration and academic rigor within the field of collegiate dance. Its adjudication process offers student and faculty choreographers a unique opportunity to present work and receive feedback from nationally recognized dance artists in a constructive and professional setting. The conference also includes a culminating Gala Concert, featuring selected adjudicated works that exemplify excellence in choreography and performance.
This past spring, CSULB Dance made a strong impression at the 2025 Baja Region ACDA Conference, held at El Camino College. Both of the department’s adjudicated student works were selected for the Gala Concert on April 18 at the Marsee Auditorium — a rare and noteworthy honor.
“I Sit Before the Spinning Wheel”
Choreographed by Eva Watson
Music by department accompanist Deanna Watkins
Costumes by department Costume Designer Kelsey Vidic
Performed by Evie Barakat, Anessa Davies, and Precious Ellis
“My Sole, Our Lite”
Choreographed by Dante Casarin
Developed from house and litefeet techniques
Music by Bryan Dang, Dsparkz, Dante Casarin, and department Music Director Don Nichols
Text by E-Solo and James “Cricket” Colter
“My Sole, Our Lite” was selected as the Gala’s closing piece, underscoring the depth and innovation of student choreography being created within the CSULB Dance program. The department was represented by a strong delegation of ten undergraduate and five graduate students.
The American College Dance Association exists to support and affirm dance in higher education. Through regional conferences and a rigorous adjudication process, ACDA fosters creative potential, promotes excellence in performance and choreography, and affirms the diversity of artistic expression in the collegiate dance world.
The Baja Region — encompassing Southern California institutions — is one of thirteen ACDA regions across the U.S. Each year, a member institution hosts a regional conference, open to ACDA members nationwide based on availability. CSULB is honored to take on this role in 2026 and to contribute to ACDA’s ongoing mission of supporting emerging dance artists and scholars.
As planning continues over the summer, more details and official promotional materials will be available through Dance Professor Andy Vaca, who will be coordinating CSULB’s efforts. We look forward to welcoming the regional dance community to Long Beach in 2026.
