Our Alumni in Action

Graduates of the CSULB Dance Department go on to shape the world of dance and beyond through their creativity, dedication, and leadership. Whether they are inspiring the next generation in educational settings or captivating audiences through performance and creative work, our alumni exemplify the diverse and dynamic career paths a dance degree can offer. Explore the accomplishments of our alumni who are making meaningful contributions across the fields of education, performance, choreography, arts administration, and more.

  • Blasa Acevedo: Diavolo, Keith Johnson, Cirque De Soliel
  • Sonia Baker (2002): Bonita Bike
  • Imani Bias (2019): Worked with artists: Beyonce, H.E.R., Koffee, Doja Cat, Rihanna, Nicki Manaj, Alex Isley, Terrace Martin, D Smoke, Roddy Rick, Burna Boy. Worked with choreographers: Tanisha Scott, Laure Courtellemont, Fatima Robinson, Jaquel Knight, Oththan Burnside, Parris Goebel.
  • Diane Bonds (MA, 2007): dancer and choreographer for LA Lakers Girls
  • Bradford Chin (2017): Disabled dance artist and methodologist
  • Moonea Choi (MFA, 2001): Rosanna Gamson, Loretta Livingston, Keith Johnson
  • Queala Clancy (MFA, 2020): featured dancer in Cirqu Du Soleil's Zumanity. Soloist with Lula Washington Dance Theatre.
  • Holly Clark (MFA, 2003): touring company of "SWING"
  • Madison Clark (2017): Stomping Ground LA team member, stand up comedian
  • Monica Clark: Andrea Woods
  • Cathy Davalos (MFA): Davalos Dance
  • Amanda Farris: Georgia Ballet
  • Jennifer Felton (2003): Bill Young, Colleen Thomas
  • Victoria Gallegos (2022): NBA Professional Dancer for the Lakers
  • Megan Godfrey: Associate Artistic Director, Dancer, Diavolo
  • Kenneth Green (MA, 2011): Worked with Diahann Carroll, Chita Rivera, Peabo Bryson, Eartha Kitt, Stevie Wonder.
  • Samantha Guzy (2020): Knott's Berry Farm Dancer and Parade Performer at Disneyland Resort
  • Megan Hicks (2002): Nannette Brodie
  • Andrea Holloway (2007): Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Alwin Nikolais
  • Jessica Hill (2001): Jennifer Nugent, Nannette Brodie
  • Sakura Ishi (2002): Butoh Company in Japan, Vox Dance Theatre
  • Kaitlin Istvan (2015): Cirque du Soleil, Keith Johnson/Dancers, Kathleen Helm & Dancers, Acts of Matter
  • Walter Kennedy: Bella Lewitzky
  • Artur Lago-Verjapetian (2015): lead actor in "Tasmania" and supporting actor in "Court Pressure". Commercial dancer and dancer in the show "Penny Deadful: City of Angels"
  • Robert Lou: Diavolo, Disney's Alladin
  • Khaleah London (2000): Nathan Trice, Andrea Woods, Sakoba, founded Khaleah London Layers Dance Company
  • Jennifer Macovinta: Pilobolus
  • Rochelle (Roberts) Mapes (2002): BARE dance company, Bodytalk Dance, Benita Bike
  • Heather McArdle: David Dorfman, Bill Young, Keith Johnson, Diavolo
  • Marla McReynolds-Waldron, PT, DPT: "The Color Purple", Cirque Du Soleil, international tours, film and television.
  • Jobel Medina (2015): Ate9 Dance Company (2017-2022), YC Studio, worked with Tino Sehgal at The Hammer Museum, Simon McBurney with The LA Philharmonic at The Walt Disney Concert Hall, Christopher Bordenav at The San Francisco Symphony Hall, Sahar Binyamini, Tom Weinberger. Appeared in commercials for Calvin Klein, Lexus, OnStar, Adidas, and music videos for Anderson Pak, Noah Cyrus, Perfume Genius.
  • Daniel Miramontes (2017): Leonard Bernstein's MASS at the Walt Disney Concert Hall
  • Amber Morales (2019): Akomi Dance (company dancer), Insomniac Events, Knott's Scary Farm
  • Naoko Morita (2002): Andrea Woods
  • Myshia Moten: Loretta Livingston, Winifred Harris
  • Jon Michael Nepomuceno (2017): Commercial Actor: FOAMO, Knott's Scary Farm, Chipotle, LUMIN Skincare, Turn On The Lights PSA dancer, Film: Ghali in Pisces (2019), TV: Joey Rodriguez in Cagney and Lacey (2018), Dance: Disneyland Resort
  • Jessica Neves (2019): Dancer for Knott's Berry Farm and as a Walt Disney Parade Performer
  • Hanh Nguyen: Notoriety
  • Stephanie Nugent (MFA, 2000): Victoria Marks, Keith Johnson, Robin Cox Ensemble, Independent choreographer, NUGENT DANCE
  • Carrie Oleson (MFA, 2002): Pearl Lung, Graham II
  • Derrick Paris Jr. (2021): Music Videos: Fitz & The Tantrums , G Flip; Club Jete, Carnival; "Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Show" core dancer
  • Laura Petrina (2001): Tongue, Keith Johnson
  • Melissa Randel (MA, 2004): Judy Turner in Michael Bennett's original production of A Chorus Line on Broadway (Schubert Theatre)
  • Alison Rose (2002): Randy James
  • Kana Sato (2000): Shen Wei Dance Company
  • Elizabeth Smith (2021): The Thundermans (Nickelodeon), Music videos: Jimmie Allen, Jackie Hayes, and The Attire. HMG the Company and Journey Dance Awards
  • Taylor John Spaur (2006): Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Kate Weare, Heidi Duckler, Collaborated with Jordan Isadore
  • John Stronks: Keith Johnson, Winifred Harris
  • Sarah Swenson (MFA, 2000): Vox Dance Theatre
  • Luis Tentindo: Tere O'Connor, Doug Elkins
  • Dwayne Worthington (MFA, 2006): Robert Moses Dance Company, Nicholas Leichter Dance
  • Yvette Wulff: Diana McNeil, Pennington Dance Group, Loyola Marymount University
  • Karen Woo: Gloria Newman, Bella Lewitzky

  • Heather Ahern (MFA, 2005): West Virginia University (WV)
  • Angela Arnett (MA, 2004):Escondido High School (CA)
  • Nicole Atlas (MFA, 2002): A. B. Miller High School (CA)
  • Adelina Barrios (MA, 2002): Capuchino High School (CA)
  • Kelli Brown (MA, 2004): Albertson: College of Idaho, Boise State University, Idaho Arts Charter School (ID)
  • Kimberly Brown: East Los Angeles College (CA)
  • Lori Bryhni (MA): Modesto Community college (CA)
  • Teresa Chapman (MFA, 2002): University of Houston (TX), Director of Chapman Dance
  • Aulani Chun: San Diego Mesa College (CA)
  • Holly Clark (MFA, 2003): Murray State University (KY), Soka University of America (CA)
  • Lynnda Curry: Hochschule fur Musik und Theater (Leipzig, Germany)
  • Cathy Davalos (MFA): St. Mary's College (CA)
  • Kim Davis (MA, 2002):Modesto Community College (CA)
  • Meg Elder: Anaheim High School (CA)
  • Rosa Garcia: Fullerton Community College and Santa Ana Community College (CA)
  • Daphne Garrett (MA, 2002): Flamson Middle School (CA)
  • Gwen Gibson:Milikin High School (CA)
  • Irene Heredia (MA, 2004): Mark Keppel High School (CA)
  • Jim Kolb (MA, 2004): Dance Chair/Director of Commercial Dance at Orange County High School for the Arts (CA)
  • Dora Kraning: Glendale College (CA)
  • Luis Lira (MA, 2025): Dance Director for Long Beach Poly High School (CA)
  • Michelle Lapp: Redwood High School (CA)
  • Manny Macias (MFA, 2019): Cal State University of Long Beach (CA)
  • Fredda Manzo: Crecenta Valley High School (CA)
  • Rochelle (Roberts) Mapes (2002): Director of Dance at Mater Dei High School (CA)
  • Lynn McMurray: Glendale College (CA)
  • Michael Mills (MA, 2005): Long Beach Community College (CA)
  • Melissa Moore (MA, 2004):Laguna Creek High School (UT)
  • Renee Murray (MFA, 2011): Purdue University (IN)
  • Barbara Noel:Santa Ana High School (CA)
  • Stevan Novakovich (MFA, 2008): Southern Utah University (UT)
  • Stephanie Nugent (MFA, 2000): Associate Professor at UC Santa Barbara (CA)
  • Nicole Ortega (MA, 2004): Payson High School (UT), Utah Valley University Dance Chair (UT)
  • Courtney Ozovek (MFA, 2018): CSU Fullerton (CA)
  • Jayne Persch (MA, 2005): Orange County High School of the Arts (CA)
  • Sara Pfeifle (MFA, 2011): Utah Tech University (UT)
  • Samantha Price (2015): Dance Team Coach for South Torrance High School (CA)
  • Melissa Randell: Glendale Community College (CA)
  • Michelle Riggs: Sunnymead Academy of the Arts (CA)
  • Christopher Rutt (MA, 2004): New Treir Township (IL)
  • Sharon Shakur: Lula Washington School (CA)
  • Della Schleunes (MA, 2004): Marborough School (CA)
  • Laura Sotelo (MA, 2010): Century High School (CA), Dance Director for Santa Ana Unified School District (CA)
  • Jenny Lee Stevens: California State University, Long Beach (CA)
  • Carrie Stillman (MA, 2001): Santa Rosa Junior College (CA)
  • Sarah Swenson (MFA, 2000): California State University, Long Beach (CA)
  • Cristal Tiscarena: Fresno City College (CA)
  • Cami Trigsted (MA, 2003): Palos Verdes Pennisula (CA)
  • Jenny Tomlin (MA, 2004): Walnut High School (CA)
  • Rebekah Westling (MA, 2004): Dancer's Edge, Visalia (CA)
  • Carrie Woodson (MA, 2002): Crystal Cathedral Academy

  • Sara Aceves (2020): Pilates Instructor. Physical Therapy Aide at Ocean Point Physical Therapy.
  • Kenzie Butts, ODT (2022): Doctor of Occupational Therapy
  • Evelyn Cortes (2015): Master Trainer/General Manager/ Pilates Instructor for Club Pilates
  • Catalina Eddy (2020): Lead Instructor at Club Pilates, Certified Pilates Instructor
  • Christian Fajardo (2015): Bodyweight Training Instructor, Personal Trainer, Myofascial Compression Techniques for Triggerpoint Therapy, Certified Functional Strength Coach and Movement Training Mobility Specialist.
  • Alexes Freeman (2015): Athletic Trainer
  • Elena Gillogy (2015): Pilates Instructor
  • Chanel May (2015): Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Movement Specialist
  • Marla McReynolds-Waldron, PT, DPT: Physical Therapist specializing in Performing Arts and Dance Medicine Therapy
  • Allie Miks (2019): Pilates Instructor
  • Samantha Minor (2021): Pilates Instructor
  • Amber Morales (2019): NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Yoga Teacher
  • Naoko Morita (2002): Private and Group Yoga Instructor at Naoko Morita Yoga (NYC)
  • Michelle Millens (2015): Founder of Pilates By Michelle
  • Britte Nielsen (2015): Osteopathic Practicioner
  • Julia Nunes, PT (2020): Licensed Physical Therapist
  • Alyssa Palano (2015): Fitness and Yoga instructor at TruFusion Austin
  • Jayne Persch (MA, 2005): Licensed Dance Movement Therapist
  • Alexandra Rhoe (2015): Pediatric Physical Therapist
  • Mileena Rogers (2018): Pilates Instructor
  • Christopher Rutt (MA, 2004): Gyrotonic Instructor
  • Dylan Tarrant (2015): Chiropractor
  • Anna Velez (2023): BASI Pilates Instructor
  • Bethany Wolfman (2021): Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor

  • Kendall Baab (2018): Personal Trainer and Owner of BodyKinect
  • Tatiana Beverly (2022): Administrative Clerk at Glendale Community College
  • Imani Bias (2019): Founder of BODHI BY IMANI LLC.
  • Julianna Bingham (2022): Content Marketing Specialist for Renaissance Recovery
  • Diane Bonds (MA, 2007): Artistic Director for NFL Pro Bowl Cheerleaders
  • Juliana Canty (2016): Programs Director for Stay Gallery
  • Sheena Castillo (2018): Assistant Studio Director at UNET Dance Studio
  • Bradford Chin (2017): Disabled dance artist and methodologist, DEI accessibility consultant, audio describer for dance.
  • Carlin Corral (2018): Yoga Teacher
  • Elenna Derkach (2020): Event Coordinator for The California Club. Assistant Coordinator for Carly Rae Weddings.
  • Kyrea Eubanks (2023): Annual Fund Manager for Irvine Barclay Theatre, Dance Competition Coordinator and Choreographer for Dance Complex OC
  • Kenneth Green (MA, 2011): Casting Director for Walt Disney World in Orlando.
  • Deven Griffith (2023): Store Manager at Blkdot Coffee.
  • Colin Harabedian (2023): Owner of Moving Media LLC, freelance photographer, videographer, director.
  • Rachel Hogg (2020): Senior Digital Designer at La Jolla Group
  • Robert Huerta (2021): Costume Designer for LA Contemporary Dance Company
  • Artur Lago-Verjapetian (2015): Assistant Director and Action Choreographer for the feature film "A Sense of Dread"
  • Chloe Lawrence (2018): Autism Paraprofessional for Santa Ana Unified School District, Behavior Specialist for Autism Behavior Services Inc.
  • Natalie Lovan (2022): Operations Manager at MOSTEST
  • Jobel Medina (2015): Choreographer
  • Daniel Miramontes (2017): Costume Technician for The Mystery of You be PEARSONWIDRIG DANCETHEATER, Costume Consultant for SPECT(RE-)M dance film by Mary Kate Ford
  • Fiona Murphy (2017): Document Reviewer at Duetsche Bank
  • Jesus Perez (2019): Team Coordinator for Gucci
  • Bryce Richey (2016): Manager of Office and Administration at VICI Properties
  • Nicole Robinson (MFA, 2002): Former president for the California Dance Education Association, Committee member for National Dance Education Organization's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access Advisory Team. Co-Director for AB Miller Dance.
  • Leilani Shiratori (2019): Makeup Artist, Sales Coordinator for NARS Cosmetics. Retail and Operations Consultant for SEPHORA
  • Carmen Thumm (2022): Behavior Technician at Behavior Frontiers
  • Brian Vasquez Brosnan (2021): Front Desk Staff at Studio FX Dance & Performing Arts Inc.
  • Katie Walsh (2020): Donor Stewardship Coordinator at The Old Globe

  • Diane Bonds (MA, 2007): Awarded CSULB Masters Pro Dance Workshop "Legacy Award".
  • Bradford Chin (2017): Recipient of the 2021-2022 California Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship
  • Jobel Medina (2015): Choreographed work shown at Navel (LA), Human Resources LA, Highways Performance Space, and for The Assembly, PGK Dance Project, and CSULA.
  • Derrick Paris Jr. (2021): created evening length show "Send(ing) love" hosted by Highways Performance Space
  • Nicole Robinson (MFA, 2002): named California League of Teachers' Teacher of the Year for Region 10 (2015) and Carlson Family Foundation Teacher of the Year ($25,000 reward, 2017).

These are just some of the distinguished alumni from CSULB Dance working in the field. If you are a CSULB Dance Alumni and wish to be added to the list, please share your professional achievements here.