Under Graduate Program: Dance (Option)
Located in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, a region that is densely populated with dance studios and professional opportunities, CSUN is an ideal setting for students who want to continue their dance studies. Attracting students from disparate geographical regions and from different cultural backgrounds, CSUN offers several dance programs, all designed to meet the needs of undergraduate and graduate students.
Currently, the Department of Kinesiology offers not only a major in Kinesiology with a specialty in dance (Dance Option), but also a Dance Minor available for students obtaining a BA or BS with a major in another discipline.
Students seeking Graduate level study may apply to the MS – Kinesiology. If they desire to focus on dance, students at the Master’s level may wish to create an Interdisciplinary Master's that reflects their interest in dance or they may wish to direct their studies in Kinesiology and integrate dance as a focus.
CSUN dance is a dynamic, rapidly growing area of study – one that draws students with an interest in performance and/or pedagogy. Within the Department of Kinesiology, and in collaboration with the Music and Theatre Departments, three concerts are produced each academic year, while multiple studio performances are offered at the completion of each semester.
Outreach programs are currently being developed, including collaborations with professional dance groups in the Los Angeles community. The Department of Kinesiology and College of Health and Human Development believe CSUN dance students will be active participants in all aspects of the dance activities offered at CSUN.
The beautiful dance studios, access to theatres and faculty/staff all provide rich resources offered to dance students. Further, CSUN will soon house a state-of- the-art performing arts center comparable to the Dorothy Chandler Theater / Music Center complex. The opportunity to develop as dance artists and/or educators occurs within the supportive environment of CSUN – a university that is dedicated to the highest academic and artistic standards.
Dance Programs currently offered:
- Dance Option – A specialty in dance within the Kinesiology undergraduate major program
- Dance Minor – An undergraduate minor consisting of 21 units in the area of dance pedagogy and / or dance production
Contact Information:
Paula Thomson, Psy.D.Associate Professor
California State University, Northridge
College of Health and Human Development
Department of Kinesiology
Redwood Hall, Rm 287
18111 Nordhoff St.
Northridge, CA 91330-8287
818-677-7575
paula.thomson@csun.edu