In 2012, Laguna Dance featured the impressive University of California, Irvine, Alonzo King LINES Ballet & Hubbard Street Dance Chicago Residency. Participants enjoyed a master class with Glenn Edgerton, Artistic Director of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. Engaging pre-show discussions included insights from Jenny Backhaus, Artistic Director of Backhausdance, as well as conversations with Alonzo King, Glenn Edgerton, and Jodie Gates.

Additional master classes were offered by Hanna Brictson from River North Dance Chicago, Tera Keating from Ballet X, Joaquin DeLuz, principal dancer with New York City Ballet, and Michael Trusnovec, principal dancer with Paul Taylor Dance Company. Pre-show talks also featured the Artistic Directors of River North Dance Chicago and Ballet X, Christine Cox and Matthew Neenan. 

The festival featured performances with companies, such as: River North Dance Chicago, BalletX from Philadelphia and two gala performances entitled ‘Stars of Dance’ including guest dancers from New York City Ballet, Colorado Ballet and Smuin Ballet from San Francisco. Three main stage performances, danced by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Alonzo King Lines Ballet and Backhausdance, plus free art gallery performances and student master classes taught by all three visiting dance companies.