Faculty Bio
Lisa D. Long leads her life curiosity-forward. Her evolution thus far has flowed between dance, choreography, massage, education, and most recently, writing.
For over a decade she danced professionally, first for Dallas Black Dance Theatre, and next was a principal dancer with Dance Kaleidoscope, under the artistic direction of David Hochoy , for eight years. She has created roles in works by Donald Byrd, Kevin Iega Jeff, George Faison, Chuck Davis, and Jin Xing and has performed works by Talley Beatty, Andre George, Donald McKayle, Ricardo Melendez, Milton Meyers, and Cleo Parker Robinson.
Lisa’s choreography has been produced at: Chartres Cathedral and Grail Haven, France, Segerstrom Center, Highways Performance Space CA, DUMBO Dance Festival and SoloDuo Festivals NYC, Jacksonville Dance Theatre, and Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Her piece, “Into the Rose” was the first dance allowed to be presented within the labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral and is being further presented in labyrinths around the globe. Backstage described her work as “imaginative and inspired.”
She holds an MFA in choreography from CalArts, a BFA in ballet from Texas Christian University, an AA from Swedish Institute NYC. and certifications in MBSR and Pilates. She has taught at CalArts, UCLA, and Butler University. At CSUF, Lisa teaches modern technique, anatomy/kinesiology for dancers, composition, and mindful conditioning for performers. Webpage: dlongdance.com
Lisa’s research centers the effects of mindfulness practices utilized by dancers and has established an industry standard questionnaire that helps measure the results of their implementation. These practices are published in her first interactive workbook, Mindful Rigor: Holistic training to enhance dance performance.
Educational Values:
I teach from a belief that we reach our ultimate potential when we work mindful rigor, acknowledging each other’s differing individual gifts and communal contributions. I inform my teaching with an active and intentional, respect for people of all ethnicities, body types, genders, gender identities, religions, ages, sexual orientations, abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, regions, and nationalities.
By creating an environment of awareness, deep listening, and respect, I seek to empower each student with the courage to embark upon their personal journey, wherever that may lead. #ALLPATHSALLJOURNEYS
Land Acknowledgment:
The department of theatre and dance acknowledges our presence on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation. We pay our respects to the Indigenous land caretakers past, present, and emerging. For more information please visit the Gabrielino-Tongva Indian Tribe Website
