The LMU Commercial Dance Program is more than training—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of dance changemakers. Rooted in discipline and discovery, it prepares artists for the commercial dance industry while encouraging authenticity and purpose.
Directed by Geri Brown (Director of Commercial Dance and Recruitment at LMU, writer, storyteller, and Director of People and Culture at the Choreographers Guild) and Lauren Froderman (winner of So You Think You Can Dance and acclaimed dancer, choreographer, director, and actor), the LMU Commercial Dance Program is deeply connected to the professional worlds of dance, film, and television.
Program Structure
For students interested in participating in the Senior Industry Showcase for commercial dance, consistent enrollment in both fall and spring terms is strongly recommended.
- First-Year Course
- Open-Level Course
- Pro-Level Course
-
This introductory course is designed to immerse students in the foundational principles of commercial dance. It provides a comprehensive overview of the techniques, mindsets, and professional practices essential for building a sustainable career in the commercial dance industry. Students will engage with the program’s ten core principles—critical tools for navigating all eight semesters of the Commercial Dance Program. Through reflective and experiential learning, the course challenges preconceived notions and offers realistic expectations on the commercial dance field, emphasizing what it truly entails versus common misconceptions.
- Fridays, 5:15–7:15PM (Fall & Spring Semester)
Accessible to all LMU students beyond their first year, this course invites those interested in deepening their engagement with commercial dance through practical exploration. Each semester features a unique commercial dance focus, allowing students to experience a range of styles, techniques, and artistic approaches within the industry.In addition to movement-based study, the course introduces foundational concepts in the business of commercial dance, equipping students with essential knowledge for navigating the professional landscape.
- Fridays, 2:30–5PM (Fall & Spring Semester)
This audition-based course is reserved for students in the BA in Choreography and Performance who are committed to pursuing a professional career in commercial dance. Designed to deliver the intensity and depth of industry-level training, the class features rotating residencies each semester, including:
- Film and Television Residency
- Artist Residency
- Heels Residency
These immersive experiences equip students with specialized tools aligned with distinct career paths in commercial dance. A strong emphasis is also placed on the advanced business aspects of the industry, ensuring students graduate with a clear, embodied understanding of their place in the professional world.
- Fridays, 2:30–5PM (Fall & Spring Semester)
Professional Exposure
Students in the LMU Commercial Dance Program benefit from direct access to some of the most respected and in-demand professionals in the industry. Our regular guest artists and mentors include:
Ashley Cruz
(Megan Trainor, Beyoncé, JLO, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, The Voice, MTV VMAs, BET Awards)
Brandon “BeastBoi” Juezan
(Hip hop and freestyle artist featured in international dance battles and concept videos, Versa-Style)
Brian Friedman
(Britney Spears, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Janet Jackson, The X Factor, So You Think You Can Dance)
Brian Nicholson
(Ariana Grande’s world tours, Janet Jackson, Kelly Rowland, Daddy Yankee, Nicki Minaj, Mariah Carey, MTV VMAs, Billboard Music Awards)
Dana Wilson
(La La Land, The Grammys, Super Bowl Halftime Show with Justin Timberlake, Dancing with the Stars, Two and a Half Men, Shrek 4, The Seaweed Sisters)
Dominique Kelley
(The Great Gatsby on Broadway Choreographer, Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, The Wiz Live!, Bring It On: The Musical)
Eva Igo
(World of Dance, Dance Moms)
Kai Martinez
(Beyoncé’s Black Is King, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Kendrick Lamar, Disney’s Encanto, The Lion King 30th Anniversary: Live at the Hollywood Bowl, So You Think You Can Dance, Coachella, MTV VMAs)
MaryAnn Chavez
(LUME Dance, Netflix, Disney Channel, Capezio A.C.E. Awards, Elderbrook Tour Visuals, RAW Artists)
Monika Felice Smith
(LUME Dance, Capezio, The Rolling Stones, Olivia Rodrigo, FINNEAS, Panic! At The Disco, Ben Platt, CMT Awards—Dasha, JLo, Doja Cat)
Phil Wright
(Lil Nas X, Will Smith, MC Hammer, Cardi B, Disney Channel’s Fam Jam, The Ellen Show, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards)
Tamiya Lewis
(Taylor Swift, Ice Spice: Karma)
Tessandra Chavez
(Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Paula Abdul, World of Dance, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars)
We also host representatives from all major dance agencies, to watch students in class and provide invaluable feedback including:
- Bloc Talent Agency
- Clear Talent Group
- Go2Talent
- MSA
- MTA
These industry leaders provide students with invaluable insight into the professional world and help them build meaningful connections that support their transition into commercial careers.
Commercial Dance Philosophy
At the core of the LMU Commercial Dance Program is the belief that every student can build a sustainable career—when they understand the industry's expectations and embrace their unique artistic voice. We foster curiosity, critical reflection, and a commitment to professional growth.
We affirm that you are enough, exactly as you are in the skin and body you are in. This principle grounds our approach and supports a culture of authenticity. For a sustainable career in commercial dance, we believe that kindness is essential. It shapes how we collaborate, create, and care for ourselves and others. We uphold values of inclusion, equity, and respect—and expect all members of our community to lead with these values in every interaction.
