What are the dance schools like in California?

I'm a high school junior really interested in pursuing dance after graduation. I've heard California has some good dance schools, but I'm not sure which ones to look into. Can anyone share some insights or recommendations?

Sure, I'd be happy to share some recommendations on dance programs in California. This state is indeed home to many reputable institutions offering excellent dance programs from BFA to MFA levels. Here are a few standouts:

1. University of California, Irvine (UCI): Their Department of Dance offers a B.A. and B.F.A. in Dance, as well as M.F.A. programs in Choreography and Dance Science which combine traditional study with an opportunity for specialization.

2. University of Southern California (USC): Their Glorya Kaufman School of Dance provides a B.F.A. program. It has a progressive and rigorous combination of foundational and innovative dance, teaching an understanding of ballet, hip hop, and contemporary dance with an emphasis on artistic collaboration.

3. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): Their dance program, which is part of the World Arts and Cultures/Dance Department, provides a combination of theoretical and practical study. The dance concentration is broad, including modern, postmodern, world dance, choreography, and dance theory, suitable for those interested in a holistic approach to dance.

4. Loyola Marymount University (LMU): It offers a B.A. in Dance that encourages students to explore creativity, performance, and the aesthetic understanding of dance as a kinesthetic language.

5. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts): Known for fostering individual expression and creativity, CalArts offers BFA and MFA programs in Dance that are designed for those who strive to develop outstanding technical skills and a heightened sense of creative intelligence.

These are some starting points for your research. You should also consider evaluating factors like the experience and reputation of faculty members, the number of performance opportunities, the kind of dance techniques and styles focused on, as well as potential career support. It's also important to visit the campus if possible, or connect with current students or alumni to get a feel for the community and culture.