The Senior Industry Showcase is a year-long, advanced training program designed exclusively for students in the Choreography and Performance B.A. who have successfully completed two to three years in LMU’s Commercial Dance Program.
This immersive experience equips students with the essential tools for building a sustainable career in commercial dance. The year begins with professional development: students learn the business of commercial dance, refine their headshots and résumés, create dance reels, practice self-taping, and receive personalized feedback from working industry professionals.
Students also audition for and are cast in our Senior Industry Showcase, a production thoughtfully curated each year to highlight each dancer’s individuality, artistic strengths, and professional readiness. Designed to present students as fully realized artists, the showcase emphasizes their versatility, creativity, and adaptability within the commercial dance industry. Held at the prestigious LA Dance Project, an artistic space directed by Benjamin Millepied, the showcase features choreography tailored to the unique skills of each graduating class. Past choreographers have included renowned artists such as Robert Green, Dana Wilson, Lauren Froderman, MaryAnn Chavez, Tamiya Lewis, Eva Igo, Aisha Olemba, and more.
The program culminates in three performances: a Senior Night on-campus and two off-campus showcases attended by over 100 industry professionals, including choreographers, agents, casting directors, assistants, and associates. These events offer students invaluable networking opportunities and direct exposure to decision-makers in the field.
Throughout the year, students also engage in brand development, audition preparation with Hollywood makeup artists, styling and fashion for personal branding, and social media strategy. After the showcase, the focus shifts to the practical realities of professional life—budgeting, navigating life in Los Angeles, understanding taxes, managing day jobs, and learning about unions that support working dancers and choreographers.