Justin Cerda graduated with a B.F.A. in Dance Performance and a B.F.A. in Dance Choreography from the University of California, Irvine, in the spring of 2025. His training encompasses a wide range of styles, including Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Tap, allowing him to approach movement with both precision and fluidity.

While at UCI, Justin performed in works choreographed or restaged by notable artists including Lar Lubovitch, Kate Skarpetowska, Charlotte Griffin, Ariyan Johnson, and Vitor Luiz.. As a choreographer, he created and staged two original works: Break, presented in UCI’s Physical Graffiti undergraduate concert, and ellipsed, featured in the graduate Dance Escape concert.

Complementing his dance background, Justin completed a Mat Pilates Teacher Training Program at Studio du Corps under third-generation master instructor Diane Diefenderfer. This training deepened his understanding of body mechanics, alignment, and injury prevention, a foundation that continues to inform both his movement practice and his approach to dance education.

Known for his strong leadership and collaborative spirit, Justin served as Co-Chair of UCI’s Community Student Advising Committee, where he led and supported departmental events such as auditions, peer wellness initiatives, and student outreach programs. In this role, he helped shape a more connected and inclusive community within the dance department.

He also expanded his training through nationally and internationally recognized intensives, including the FLOCK Summer Intensive at Orsolina 28 in Moncalvo, Italy (2024), where he explored collaborative partnering and improvisational work with international artists, and the A.I.M by Kyle Abraham Winter Intensive (2024), which offered him a deep dive into contemporary floorwork and expressive movement language and repertory. .

Justin is also a dedicated educator, teaching Jazz Technique, Modern Technique, and Classical Pilates at various studios, where he works with intermediate and advanced dancers. His teaching emphasizes technical strength, expressive clarity, and individual growth. At the heart of his practice is the belief that dance should be a joyful and transformative journey, for both performers and audiences alike.

Grounded in empathy and excellence, Justin’s work is driven by a deep commitment to building community through the arts. Whether on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes, he brings intention, warmth, and integrity to every space he enters.