Founded in 2005, the award-winning Laguna Dance is a nonprofit arts organization and a leading force in presenting world-class dance performances across theaters, film, and public spaces. Based in Laguna Beach, California, the organization annually reaches thousands of audience members and is recognized for introducing new viewers to professional concert dance.
Guided by its core pillars—presentation, education, and appreciation—Laguna Dance creates innovative programs that connect artists and community through movement. Recent initiatives include interdisciplinary collaborations with the Laguna Art Museum through its annual Art & Nature program, site-specific performances presented during local Art Walks at venues throughout the city, and partnerships with organizations including the Rivian South Coast Theater and the Laguna Beach Unified School District—expanding access to movement and curated dance experiences for students and families across the region.
Originally established solely as a dance presenter, Laguna Dance has brought acclaimed national and international companies to the artistically rich community of Laguna Beach, including A.I.M. by Kyle Abraham, Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Ballet BC, Ballet Project OC, BalletX, Black Grace, BODYTRAFFIC, Chinese Dance Company of Southern California, Cincinnati Ballet, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, Kynetiqs Malpaso, Miami City Ballet Parsons Dance, and RUBBERBAND.
The organization has also presented world-renowned artists such as Misty Copeland, Tiler Peck, Desmond Richardson, and Beckanne Sisk, along with distinguished artists affiliated with major institutions including American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Houston Ballet, New York City Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, and the Royal Ballet of Flanders, among others.
Beginning in July/August 2026, Laguna Dance launches its new annual Summer Stage Festival, themed We The People. The festival brings together professional artists, emerging dancers, and pre-professional students in an intergenerational environment to work with choreographers representing a wide range of lineages and perspectives. Marking a significant expansion of the organization’s programming, the festival offers immersive training, professional work opportunities, performance experiences, and meaningful creative exchange that reflect Laguna Dance’s commitment to artistic excellence and community connection.
Committed to access and artist development, Laguna Dance supports dancers at every stage of their journey through educational outreach and its Young Artist and Emerging Artist Scholarship Program, which provides critical financial support, mentorship, and performance opportunities—helping remove barriers for dancers at pivotal stages of their artistic development.
