CalArts (California Institute of the Arts)

Tour the Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance at CalArts

The video offers a guided walkthrough of the Sharon Disney Lund School of Dance at CalArts, led by program director Rosanna Tvarez. It showcases the campus’s performance and rehearsal spaces, highlighting how the school integrates academic training with real‑world production experience. Central to the tour is the 130‑seat black‑box theater, whose movable seating doubles the performance area and doubles as a projection space for dance films. Adjacent studios feature natural light, views of California’s foliage, and host a range of classes—from ballet and hip‑hop to contemporary composition. An outdoor backyard extends the learning environment, enabling site‑specific work that leverages the region’s climate. Student Macy, a second‑year BFA, demonstrates the production hub within the theater, pointing out the sound‑design workstation and lighting board where students collaborate on shows. She emphasizes the value of learning to communicate across technical teams and the hands‑on exposure that prepares graduates for professional stages. The school’s flexible spaces and interdisciplinary ethos encourage students to experiment, transform venues, and stage intimate performances anywhere on campus. This model cultivates versatile creators who can adapt to varied artistic contexts, making CalArts a compelling incubator for emerging dance talent.