USC Kaufman BFA Brochure 2021-2022 by University of Southern California

THENEWMOVEMENT

BFA students in ballet class | Photo by Mary Mallaney (BFA ‘19)

Founded in 2012 by a transformational gift from visionary philanthropist Glorya Kaufman, the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance expands the University of Southern California’s unique signature as a private research university with a deep commitment to the arts. With its innovative vision for arts education, USC Kaufman is at the forefront of developing versatile dancers and risk-taking choreographers. The school’s mission is to empower dance thought leaders through artistry and scholarship.

USC GLORYA KAUFMAN SCHOOL OF DANCE JOIN THE NEW MOVEMENT

Dance is an increasingly dynamic art form, and the professionals who will shape the future of the industry need the flexibility to move seamlessly between dissolving boundaries in the world around them: to embrace innovation with tradition, technology with history, classical with contemporary dance forms. To meet that need, USC Kaufman envisioned a hybrid model for dance expressed in studio practice, music, choreography, performance, media and scholarship.

Our Bachelor of Fine Arts program combines the artistic rigor of conservatory dance instruction with the unparalleled academic opportunities, faculty and high-level resources offered by one of the world’s leading research universities. Our goal is to cultivate dance innovators and artist scholars who are connected to the world at large. We call this vision The New Movement. As partners in The New Movement, we will work together to choreograph a creative and fulfilling professional life for you in dance. You will experiment with dance forms and techniques, explore multidisciplinary collaborations and innovate beyond the traditional stage. Simultaneously, you will broaden your education in a wide range of subjects from business to music to cinematic arts, further informing your dance studies. As you forge your own artistic path at USC Kaufman, you will choreograph not only your future, but the future of dance itself.

THE BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN DANCE TRAIN AT A CONSERVATORY IN A UNIVERSITY SETTING

Designed to prepare the artist, the innovator and the entrepreneur, our groundbreaking four-year professional degree offers you rigorous training and the flexibility to design a curriculum in line with your career goals.

Develop as a hybrid artist with the ability to adapt to a wide range of styles.

In addition to collaborations with renowned artists and studio instruction in ballet, contemporary styles and hip-hop, USC Kaufman’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance will help you become a highly trained professional with the versatility to succeed in the rapidly changing arts world.

Build essential skills in dance technique, repertory, choreography and improvisation/freestyle.

Our program will transform your dreams into practicable goals for an enduring career, elevate your artistry to the next level and help you create your own artistic path.

Gain tools for career success and get an in-depth look at how the dance industry works in Dance Leadership: Dance Management & Entrepreneurship.

Dance five to eight hours a day.

Become fluent in digital tools for innovation through Introduction to Dance for the Camera: New Media & Editing, and elective courses combining dance and cinematic arts.

Perform seminal and new dance repertory by influential choreographers at a company level.

Learn from masters in dance as you are mentored by faculty, Artists in Residence and visiting guest artists.

Enhance your studio practice with courses in dance history, music, health, business, new media and critical theory.

Apply your education in a self-directed project that combines dance with two other areas of study in your senior year.

Top: Professor E. Moncell Durden | Photo by Mary Mallaney (BFA ‘19) Bottom: Eli Alford (BFA ‘22) | Photo by Rose Eichenbaum Left: Turquoise Studio | Photo by Ema Peter

CURRICULUM STRETCH YOUR ACADEMIC HORIZONS FRESHMAN

USC General Education: 24 units

SOPHOMORE

BFA Core: 61 units

Concentration Electives: 23 units

USC Writing: 8 units

Free Electives or Minor: 16 units

JUNIOR

SENIOR

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

FALL

SPRING

Dance Technique I (3 units)

Dance Technique II (3 units)

Dance Technique III (3 units)

Advanced Performance Studies: Senior Seminar (1 unit)

Repertory & Performance I (2 units)

Repertory & Performance II (2 units)

Colloquium: The Role of the Dance Artist in Society (1 unit)

Dance Leadership: Dance Management & Entrepreneurship (2 units)

General Education (4 units)

Improvisation & Composition I: Introduction (2 units)

Improvisation & Composition II: Introduction (2 units)

Improvisation & Composition III: Intermediate (2 units)

Improvisation & Composition IV: Intermediate (2 units)

International & Historical Perspectives On Dance (GE-B/H) (4 units)

General Education (4 units)

Concentrative Elective (1–4 units)

Colloquium: What is the Medium of Dance Today (1 unit)

Dance Science: Analysis of Dance Movement (4 units)

Colloquium: History of Performance & Cultural Context (1 unit)

Introduction to Dance for the Camera: New Media & Editing (2 units)

WRIT 340 Advanced Writing (4 units)

Concentrative Elective (1–4 units)

Conditioning for Dancers (2 units)

WRIT 150 Writing & Critical Reasoning – Thematic Approaches (4 units)

African American Dance (GE-A/G) (4 units)

General Education (4 units)

Concentrative Elective (1–4 units)

Music for Dancers (2 units)

Free Elective or Minor (4 units)

Concentrative Elective (1–4 units)

Free Elective or Minor (4 units)

World Perspectives on Dance Performance (2 units)

GESM General Education Seminar (4 units)

General Education (4 units)

BFA CORE

Build a strong foundation in technique, performance and composition (approx. 25 40 hours per week), combined with courses in history, theory, health, music, digital media and dance management. Further develop critical thinking and speaking skills through annual colloquiums.

CONCENTRATIONS

After building a strong foundation in your first two years, refine your artistic vision by pursuing a concentration in your last two years. Shape your personal artistic identity and meet your individual professional goals with concentration electives in dance, as well

as the USC School of Cinematic Arts, USC School of Dramatic Arts and USC Thornton School of Music. Dance Performance: Prepare for a career in professional dance or performance in other mediums. Choreography for Stage & Screen: Learn to create works for the stage, motion pictures, television, animation, VR and digital media. Dance & Music: Combine dance training with music studies in courses ranging from music history to vocal lessons.

Design Your Own: Create a truly custom program of study that combines dance with multiple disciplines from across the university. Sampling of Concentration Electives ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

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African Dance Bollywood Dance Classical Variations and Pas de Deux Commercial Dance: Professional Dance Preparation Dance Internship Directed Research Gaga

GENERAL EDUCATION & WRITING

Build the broad base of knowledge needed to succeed as a thought leader through the university’s rigorous General Education and Writing program. Requirements span a variety of subjects from across the university, including the arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, physical sciences and quantitative reasoning. Each category offers 15 to 50 different classes each semester.

GENERAL ELECTIVES/USC MINOR

Recognizing that other disciplines inform an artist’s development, USC Kaufman’s curriculum dedicates a minimum of 16 units for dancers to pursue other areas of interest. Deepen your intellectual wellspring with a minor in one of 190 areas of study and potentially receive a USC Academic Achievement Award to use towards a second program. A sampling of minors our graduates have completed include: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Architecture Cinematic Arts Culture, Media & Entertainment Computer Programming Economics Entrepreneurship Justice, Voice & Advocacy Marketing Narrative Structure Nonprofits, Philanthropy & Volunteerism Occupational Science Performance Science Psychology Sports Media Studies

Take advantage of additional academic and career advising with a second major in one of USC’s 22 schools or a preprofessional emphasis (i.e. pre-medicine or pre-law). Most of these programs will extend your time beyond four years. Start a master’s degree as an undergraduate student through one of the university’s progressive degree programs. Graduates have pursued a Master in Public Administration, Master of Studies in Law and Master of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising. Take additional courses across the university or more dance electives.

Anne Kim (BFA ‘22) | Photo by Rose Eichenbaum

ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES BECOME A GLOBAL ARTIST BFA students have had exciting opportunities to travel, performing on stages and engaging with dance communities around the world. At Gala de Danza in Los Cabos, Mexico, students performed both repertory and commissioned works alongside seasoned professionals. Select BFA students have also performed at the USC Global Conference in Tokyo, Japan, and collaborated with artists at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, England.

MAYMESTER

At the end of the Spring Semester, BFA students can travel abroad through USC Kaufman’s Maymester programs. These three- to four-week courses allow students to immerse themselves in other cultures. Through previous Maymesters, students explored music and dance in Paris, France from the time of Louis XIV to the present day. They also studied the history of Berlin, Germany along with its acclaim as a vibrant and diverse home for avant-garde dance and other art forms in Europe.

BFA students, faculty and staff at The Joyce Theater in New York | Photo by Rosalie O’Connor

CHOREOGRAPHIC OPPORTUNITIES FIND YOUR CREATIVE VOICE Study choreography and gain valuable perspective on the creative process through courses such as Improvisation & Composition and Advanced Composition. Create your own work on campus through collaborations with students from other academic units and participation in student-run organizations. Plus, discover off-campus choreographic opportunities through USC Kaufman’s close proximity to the entertainment industry. Build a solid foundation in improvisation and composition during your first two years. Expand your horizons by looking at choreography through theory and tangible creation. Create and perform original choreography in studio showings and full-scale productions. Student Choreography Showing | Photo by Benjamin Peralta (BFA ‘22)

Collaborate with students from the USC Thornton School of Music in the annual Choreographers & Composers Concert.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES STUDY ON STAGE In addition to mid-semester showings and end-of-semester showcases, you will have the opportunity to perform at various events in Los Angeles, across the country and throughout the world. Additionally, you may participate in informal collaborations with fellow students and perform as a member of one of USC’s many dance clubs or teams. REPERTORY & PERFORMANCE Throughout the academic year, learn concert repertory with an emphasis on stylistic approach, performance quality, role development and the dancer as a collaborator in the creative process.

Artist in Residence Hope Boykin teaches a master class | Photo by Alyssa Reyes

Previous repertory has included works by renowned artists such as George Balanchine, Alejandro Cerrudo, Jiří Kylián, Ohad Naharin and Crystal Pite, faculty members E. Moncell Durden, d. Sabela grimes and Saleemah E. Knight, and Artists in Residence Hope Boykin and Dwight Rhoden, among others. GUEST ARTISTS Artists and choreographers from major companies often visit USC Kaufman. Through USC Visions and Voices, BFA students have performed with Hubbard Street II and have shared the stage with the Martha Graham Dance Company, Bill T. Jones and Jon Boogz. Other guest artists have included Matthew Neenan, Christopher Scott and Jessica Lee Keller, Sonya Tayeh, Andrew Winghart and Rauf “RubberLegz” Yasit—who have all created new works on our students.

SPECIAL EVENTS Through our relationship with the greater university, students have performed at the opening of the USC Village, the halftime show of USC Trojan Football games, the USC Trustee Conference in Santa Barbara, the USC Global Conference in Tokyo and the USC Arts Showcase as part of the inauguration of President Carol L. Folt. USC Kaufman BFA students have also performed locally at LACMA, nationally at The Joyce Theater and internationally at Gala de Danza in Los Cabos, Mexico. In addition, they have performed at the Laguna Dance Festival, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the Walking Distance Dance Festival and the World Choreography Awards.

Johan Rivera, Glorya Kaufman, Eduardo Vilaro and Paulo HernandezFarella (BFA ‘19) | Photo by Ahron R. Foster

CAREER SERVICES SET UP FOR SUCCESS USC Kaufman provides valuable resources to help students transition into professional careers. With the support of our Career Services team and the connections of faculty members, USC Kaufman alumni have gone on to secure contracts with prominent companies, to perform in the Broadway revival of “West Side Story,” to work with leading brands like Athleta and artists like Sam Smith, and to pursue a variety of careers in dance and beyond. PERFORM Alumni have danced with Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Aszure Barton & Artists, Ballet BC,

Ballet Hispánico, Ballet Schwerin, Ballet X, BalletMet, BODYTRAFFIC, Broadway’s “West Side Story,” Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Gibney Dance, Grand Rapids Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Jacob Jonas The Company, Les Ballets Jazz De Montréal, Mainfranken Theater Würzburg, ODC, Oklahoma City Ballet, Oregon Ballet Theatre and RUBBERBAND, among others. DIVERSIFY YOUR CAREER Alumni have worked as brand ambassadors, Broadway actors, marketing coordinators, choreographers, dance journalists, dance photographers, fashion models, freelance videographers, music composers, teaching artists and more. They have founded entrepreneurial endeavors including advocacy, fitness and production companies, and pursued graduate degrees after completing their BFA in Dance.

SHOWCASES & NETWORKING USC Kaufman invites industry professionals to select performances and showcases. After these events, students are able to network with directors, agents and choreographers at informal receptions. Industry professionals also attend select rehearsals and classes, giving additional opportunities for students to foster relationships with potential employers. WORKSHOPS & RESOURCES USC Kaufman provides several avenues for advice and discussion with seasoned professionals. Faculty members and guest speakers serve on panels about the employment climate in different sectors of the dance industry. Topics have included Los Angeles commercial work, concert dance in Europe and the New York dance scene. To further prepare our graduating students, USC Kaufman offers professional headshots, formatted resumes and video footage for dance reels. Students have access to an online portal with exclusive job and audition postings, as well as a listing of intensives and festivals. They have also received monetary stipends to support various audition costs, such as travel expenses, registration fees and more in the students’ senior year.

Rachel Walton (BFA ‘19) | Photo by Cecile Oreste

COLLABORATIONS & INITIATIVES INNOVATE ON CAMPUS AND BEYOND Through the school’s various collaborations and partnerships, find opportunities to interact with leading scholars and institutions both on- and off-campus, and to build essential artistic and professional connections. USC Kaufman has also launched several initiatives that allow students to work directly with choreographers, to give back to the local community and more. THE NEW MOVEMENT RESIDENCY The New Movement Residency aims to support professional choreographers by providing space for them to explore, create and prepare dance work for future touring and presentations. Through this program, BFA students have worked with choreographers such as Ana Maria Alvarez of CONTRA TIEMPO, Seda Aybay of Kybele Dance Theater, Loni Landon, Marissa Osato of Entity Contemporary Dance, Micaela Taylor of The TL Collective and Tony Testa.

Zach Manske (BFA ‘21) in Choreographers & Composers | Photo by Chris O’Brien

KAUFMAN CONNECTIONS Kaufman Connections is a community engagement initiative that provides dance classes to students at 32nd Street Elementary School in Los Angeles. BFA students teach weekly, one-hour sessions with a focus on hip-hop and the choreographic process. DANCE HERITAGE VIDEO ARCHIVE The USC Libraries and USC Kaufman are collaborating to build and preserve the Dance Heritage Video Archive (DHVA). Established with generous support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the DHVA is a digital collection of culturally significant film and video recordings that document global and U.S. dance traditions, creative work by outstanding choreographers and performers, and performances that helped to advance the art form. USC ARTS SCHOOLS Choreograph work alongside student composers, pursue a Dance & Music concentration and take elective courses at the USC Thornton School of Music. Take specialized classes in animation, production, interactive media and games, and pursue a concentration in

Choreography for Stage & Screen at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Plus develop acting, production and other theater skills in classes like Stage Lighting or Theatre on Film at the USC School of Dramatic Arts. USC DIVISION OF BIOKINESIOLOGY AND PHYSICAL THERAPY Prepare for an enduring career with USC Kaufman’s focus on dancer wellness. Work with experts from USC’s renowned PT program to receive regular assessments by licensed physical therapists and access to screenings, evaluations, triage care, preventative care and performance enhancement services through on-site clinics. LEADING DANCE ORGANIZATIONS Through our collaboration with The Music Center, enjoy complimentary tickets to select dance performances and engage with artists through Q&As, guest lectures and salons. In addition, connect with professionals through master classes taught by members of leading dance organizations such as Complexions Contemporary Ballet, Gaga USA and Paul Taylor American Modern Dance.

BFA students perform with the USC Song Girls at the Trojan Football Halftime Show | Photo by Benjamin Chua

STUDENT LIFE THRIVE IN A TRUE CAMPUS COMMUNITY At USC Kaufman, join a vibrant community where you can follow your passions in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Spend your first year on campus in a residential college alongside hand-picked faculty members who can assist with the transition to campus life. Plus, become a member of the Trojan Family, a lifelong and worldwide network of more than 430,000 individuals who can support you both personally and professionally. GLORYA KAUFMAN INTERNATIONAL DANCE CENTER Your new home will be the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center, a state-of-theart facility for practice and performance. Designed for an innovative curriculum that embraces dance as a hybrid art form, the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center is USC Kaufman’s trailblazing vision realized in brick and mortar. The three-level building, standing 70 feet tall with over 54,000 square feet, is one of the largest facilities dedicated to

dance at a private university. With a 3,550 square foot performance space and five other light-filled dance studios, the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center is a beautiful home for dance students. It is conveniently located near USC’s art schools and the USC Village, which offers ample dining and retail options. The building also features a training and fitness zone, where students can meet with our faculty physical therapist, as well as a collaborative space exclusively for BFA students to relax or study in-between classes. LIFE ON CAMPUS Students can choose from several activities at USC to enrich their lives beyond the classroom. Find your niche by joining one of USC’s 1,000+ student organizations, including a diverse range of cultural, political and religious communities, service and recreational clubs, performance groups and student government. Attend hundreds of free cultural events organized by USC Visions and Voices and the university’s art schools. Participate in wellness classes like yoga and meditation, enjoy recreational sports, become a part of USC Greek life, use campus workout facilities and support a variety of USC Trojan sports teams. At USC Kaufman, students also have the option to participate in the USC Kaufman

Student Advisory Board and to serve as USC Kaufman Student Ambassadors. Many BFA students also work for USC Kaufman in various departments including operations, production, student services and communications. WELLNESS RESOURCES Wellness is a cornerstone of the USC Kaufman experience. Our Student Services team hosts wellness workshops covering topics such as nutrition, performance anxiety and stress reduction. Through our partnership with the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, BFA students have access to annual wellness screenings and daily physical therapy appointments. USC Student Health, part of Keck Medicine of USC, provides comprehensive healthcare including basic primary care needs, mental health and counseling services, and a variety of health and well-being activities. They also offer on-site specialty care services such as allergy, immunization clinics and dermatology. In addition, the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life offers a variety of programs for spiritual wellbeing and the Dornsife Psychology Services Center provides low-cost therapy and assessment services.

LIFE IN LA IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ONE OF THE WORLD’S ARTISTIC CAPITALS At USC Kaufman, you will be in the heart of Los Angeles: a global center for the arts and entertainment, famous for its innovative spirit and cultural diversity. With USC just minutes from downtown, you will enjoy unparalleled access to artists in a wide range of fields, in addition to exclusive master classes and workshops with world-renowned dance makers through our partnership with Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center. Los Angeles offers unprecedented access and proximity to all facets of the entertainment industry. Within just a

few miles of USC are the production facilities of numerous leading motion picture, television and interactive media companies, where dance continues to evolve and thrive on-screen. In their spare time, students have auditioned for commercial dance opportunities, taken classes at nearby studios and experienced professional dance firsthand at a variety of performing arts venues. Los Angeles is also an exciting place to live. Considered the most ethnically diverse metropolitan area in the country, the city is filled with hundreds of unique neighborhoods waiting to be explored. Each has its own distinctive blend of restaurants, shops, performance spaces and cultural institutions. The moderate year-round climate also affords opportunities for outside activities, such as hanging out at the beach or going for a hike.

Top: Joseph Hetzer (BFA ‘19) | Photo by Gus Ruelas Bottom (L to R): Jona Huang (BFA ‘22), Wyeth Walker (BFA ‘22), Amaria Stern (BFA ‘20), Rachel Harris (BFA ‘20) & Christian Smith (BFA ‘22) | Photo by Rose Eichenbaum

ADMISSION APPLY TO USC KAUFMAN Admission to the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance is highly selective, with the school seeking to enroll 24 exceptional artists each year for its Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. APPLICATION Candidates for USC Kaufman must submit the USC Undergraduate Application. This includes the Common Application and USC Writing Supplement (first-year students) or USC Program Materials (transfer students). They must also submit the USC Kaufman Portfolio with dance materials. The USC Undergraduate Application and USC Kaufman Portfolio are due by December 1. USC KAUFMAN PORTFOLIO Candidates for the dance program must submit the USC Kaufman Portfolio on SlideRoom. The portfolio includes a variety of written and visual materials, including two filmed solos. USC faculty will recommend finalists for live auditions after

reviewing all portfolios. Every candidate will receive an email in mid-December with a live audition decision. LIVE AUDITION Approximately one quarter of initial applicants will be invited to a live audition to take place on campus in January. This full-day audition (there are no cuts) includes classes in ballet, contemporary, hip-hop and improvisation/freestyle. Students will also interview with and present a solo to the faculty panel. DECISIONS The USC Office of Admission reviews the USC Undergraduate Application, evaluating the candidate’s academic profile, written responses, activities, letters of recommendation and overall fit for USC. Concurrently, USC Kaufman faculty review all dance components, considering the candidate’s technique, artistry, background and experiences, as well as their possible contributions to the USC Kaufman community. Final decisions, jointly made by the USC Office of Admission and USC Kaufman, are released by April 1.

Students not recommended for the BFA in Dance either after the portfolio review or live audition will still receive consideration for admission to the other major listed on their application or undeclared. TIMELINE December 1: USC Undergraduate Application and USC Kaufman Portfolio due from all applicants. Because this is the university’s scholarship deadline, all candidates are automatically considered for certain USC Merit Scholarships and dance scholarships.

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Mid-December: All candidates notified about live auditions by email. January: Finalists attend live auditions on campus. Early February: Financial aid applications (FAFSA, CSS Profile and tax information upon request) due. April 1: Students notified of their admission to USC. May 1: Deadline for students to accept their offer of admission. Mid-August: Classes begin.

Mikhail Baryshnikov with the BFA Class of 2019 | Photo by Gus Ruelas

Professor d. Sabela grimes with the BFA Class of 2022 | Photo by Rose Eichenbaum

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIP FINANCE YOUR EDUCATION We encourage all students and families interested in financial aid to apply. Even if you do not qualify for need-based financial aid, other financing options may be available. International students are not eligible for need-based aid, but are eligible for merit scholarships. December 1 is the university’s merit scholarship deadline. Thus, all applicants are automatically considered for certain university scholarships, as well as dance scholarships. TYPES OF AID Need-Based Grants: These include federal, state and university grants awarded based on demonstrated financial need. Grants do not have to be paid back.

Federal Work-Study: If you are awarded Federal Work-Study, you will be able to apply for approved work-study positions across campus. Federal Direct Loans: USC processes all Federal Stafford and PLUS loans through the Federal Direct Loan Program. Merit Scholarships: The University of Southern California, USC Kaufman and other on- and off-campus entities offer meritbased scholarships, which can help to reduce a student’s cost of attendance. SCHOLARSHIPS USC Merit Scholarships: The application deadline and merit scholarship deadline are both December 1. Therefore, all applicants to the BFA in Dance are automatically considered for some USC Merit Scholarships. First-year applicants are eligible for the highly competitive half-tuition Presidential Scholarship and full-tuition Trustee Scholarship, which are administered by the USC Office of Admission. Students selected for these scholarships typically have pursued a

demanding curriculum, have achieved at the highest level academically, and have average SAT and ACT scores in the top 1 to 2 percent nationwide, if declaring their test scores. (Note: USC is test-optional this year.) Other USC Scholarships: A number of USC organizations administer scholarships, which require separate applications and have varying deadlines and requirements. Visit usc.edu/scholarships for a full list of available scholarships. Dance Scholarships: USC Kaufman awards merit-based dance scholarships to a limited number of admitted students each year. Outside Scholarships: We encourage you to apply for outside scholarships granted by foundations and organizations supporting the arts. You can also find scholarships through free online search engines.

In 2020, USC expanded its financial aid package to benefit low- and middle-income families. The expansion includes free tuition for students from families with an annual income of $80,000 or less. The university also does not include the value of a home in the calculation used to determine financial aid.

E. Moncell Durden is a dancer, choreographer, ethnographer, embodied historian and author who specializes in the cultural and historical context of Afro-diasporic social dances. Bret Easterling is an international dance artist, creator and educator. After graduating from The Juilliard School, he performed with the Batsheva Dance Company. He is currently a certified Gaga teacher, stager of Ohad Naharin’s work and the Artistic Director of BEMOVING. Gillian Finley is a certified Stott Pilates instructor who danced professionally with a number of ballet companies. She brings over 25 years of teaching experience to USC Kaufman. Jesus “Jay” Fuentes is an accomplished ballroom dance educator and performer featured in iconic dance films such as Dirty Dancing and Newsies.

Mariana Carrillo and Amaria Stern (BFA ‘20) | Photo by Rose Eichenbaum

2021-2022 FACULTY Study with leading dance innovators including year-round faculty with highly-regarded careers and visiting artists who are active in the field. Kyle Abraham, MFA, is a 2013 MacArthur Fellow. He is the founding Artistic Director of A.I.M, an American contemporary dance company. In addition to performing and developing new works for his company, Abraham has been commissioned by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, New York City Ballet, Lincoln Center, The Royal Ballet, Paul Taylor American Modern Dance and Hubbard Street Dance Chicago.

Margo Apostolos, PhD, is a pioneering scholar in robot choreography, dance medicine and dance for sports. Dr. Apostolos is also the author of Dance for Sports: A Practical Guide (2018) published by Oxford University Press. Tiffany Bong is a global hip-hop dance artist, entrepreneur and community leader whose cultural education brings hip-hop into Los Angeles K-12 schools. Patrick Corbin, MFA, is a former dancer with the Paul Taylor Dance Company and an internationally-renowned artist whose 30-year career bridges the worlds of classical ballet, modern and contemporary dance. Alison D’Amato, PhD, is a researcher, choreographer and performer passionate about working at the intersection of theory and practice. She teaches topics in critical dance studies and dance history. Kathryn “Kate” Dunn is a dancer, choreographer and educator known for performing on stage, screen and Broadway. Broadway/ West End credits include Contact, On Your Toes, Chicago, Billy Elliot, Matilda the Musical, Groundhog Day and Dirty Dancing. kaufman.usc.edu

Jodie Gates is an internationally recognized leader, choreographer, curator, lecturer, teacher and stager. A former principal with Joffrey Ballet, Frankfurt Ballet, Complexions and Pennsylvania Ballet, she is inaugural Vice Dean and Director of USC Kaufman and Founder and Artistic Director of the award-winning Laguna Dance Festival. Projects include Billboards with musical artist Prince, improvisational events with Ornette Coleman and Savion Glover, and current collaborations with William Forsythe. Shannon Johnson Grayson is a dancer, choreographer, educator and Howard University Graduate with a BFA in Dance Arts. She has taught for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago for over a decade, is a certified Horton Technique instructor, NASM Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach, and teaches various techniques and genres of dance at USC Kaufman. d. Sabela grimes, MFA, is a choreographer, writer and composer whose Funkamental MediKinetics movement system focuses on the methodical dance training and community-building elements evident in Black vernacular and street dance forms. Dr. Marisa Hentis, DPT, OCS, CSCS, is a physical therapist who specializes in the performing arts. She is board-certified by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties as an Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. Bonnie Homsey, MFA, is Chair of Dance for The Princess Grace Foundation-USA awarding emerging talent in dance, film and theater. She founded Los Angeles Dance Foundation in 1978 to cultivate awareness of dance legacies and to strengthen capacity-building of dance professionals. Saleemah E. Knight, BFA, MFA, is an internationally recognized interdisciplinary artist, TV-personality, influencer and professional dancer. Commercial performance and choreography credits include: The Daytime Emmys, Dancing with the Stars, Country Music Television, The Lion King, Beyoncé, Chris Brown and more. She also danced works of renowned concert choreographers Donald Byrd, Bill T. Jones and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar.

Jackie Kopcsak, MFA, is a ballet teacher, choreographer and dance historian who received her dance training at Pacific Northwest Ballet. Anindo Marshall is a percussionist and certified Dunham Technique instructor who teaches Afro-Cuban dance. Bruce McCormick, MFA, is an educator, choreographer, performer and scholar who danced with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, the Bavarian State Ballet and the Bern Ballet. He has presented his own work internationally. Achinta S. McDaniel is a pioneer of contemporary Indian dance and the Artistic Director of Blue13 Dance Company. Her work has been featured in film, music videos and television. McDaniel primarily teaches Bollywood and Dance in Popular Culture. Jennifer McQuiston Lott, MFA, is a dancer/choreographer who has collaborated with music artists such as Son Lux on projects for stage and screen. She teaches Countertechnique and contemporary partnering, and is certified in GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS®. Amy O’Neal is an award-winning hybrid dancer, choreographer and educator. Her experience and research meet at the intersection of hip-hop, house, and contemporary dance and experimental performance, video and film. Dawn Stoppiello, MFA, is Co-Founder of Troika Ranch, a critically acclaimed performance ensemble that has been integrating computer technology in live performance since the 1980s. A Bessie and Princess Grace Statue Award winner, Stoppiello has performed, taught and lectured extensively. Rosanna Tavarez, MFA, is a choreographer, performer and educator. She worked with Marina Ambramovic, Ryan Heffington, Travis Payne, Tony Michaels and Rosanna Gamson/Worldwide. She toured with N’SYNC and Jessica Simpson and covered the Emmys, Grammys and Oscars in addition to hosting her own shows for FOX, E! and Telemundo/NBC. Tavarez teaches Countertechnique and is a certified 500-RYT Yoga Instructor.

2021-2022 ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE Hope Boykin is a choreographer, performer and former member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. An original member of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, she also danced with Philadanco. Boykin serves as Artistic Lead for Kennedy Center Dance Lab and is an inspirational speaker. An educator, creator, mover and motivator, she believes “...there are no limits.” Marjani Forté-Saunders is an award-winning independent artist, choreographer, performer and educator who co-founded LOVE|FORTÉ A COLLECTIVE. She is also Co-Director of the Alkebulan Cultural Center of Northwest Pasadena, CA. Zippora Karz is a former soloist with the New York City Ballet, where she performed for 16 years on stage and in television. She is a master teacher, currently responsible for staging the ballets choreographed by George Balanchine.

Fiona Lummis is a master teacher responsible for staging the works of choreographer Jiří Kylián. She performed in Netherlands Dance Theater for two decades, dancing featured roles in many classical and contemporary ballets. Barak Marshall is an award-winning choreographer whose works are performed internationally by companies such as Batsheva Dance Company, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, BODYTRAFFIC and London’s Rambert Dance Company. Victor Quijada is the Founding Director and choreographer of the Montreal-based contemporary dance company RUBBERBAND. He has a rare perspective on a large spectrum of dance, possessing knowledge and experience that spans from the street corner to the concert hall. Dwight Rhoden is Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and has created over 100 ballets for Complexions and ballet companies worldwide. He has written, directed and choreographed across mediums including film, television and musical theater. He is the recipient of various awards and honors, and has received an honorary doctorate from The Boston Conservatory.

Desmond Richardson is Co-Founder and Co-Artistic Director of Complexions Contemporary Ballet and a former principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Frankfurt Ballet. A Tony Award nominee and honorary doctorate recipient, he has been hailed by The New York Times as among the great dancers of his time. Penny Saunders is a Princess Grace Award winner and the current Resident Choreographer at The Grand Rapids Ballet. After a 20 year performing career with American Repertory Ballet, Ballet Arizona, MOMIX and Hubbard Street, she launched her choreographic career which has led her to create works for Pacific Northwest Ballet, Hubbard Street, BalletX, Whim W’Him, Royal New Zealand Ballet, among others.

Jermaine Spivey is a Juilliard graduate, Princess Grace Award winner and highly sought-after dancer, educator and choreographer. He presently dances with Crystal Pite’s company Kidd Pivot. Micaela Taylor is the Artistic Director, Founder and Choreographer of The TL Collective. Trained in hip-hop and ballet, she created her own dance genre named “expand practice,” exuding emotion and creating varied physical shapes and textures as expressions of one’s authentic self. Taylor’s work has been presented at Jacob’s Pillow, The Broad Stage, Ford Amphitheatre and more.

Doug Varone is an award-winning choreographer and director who works in dance, theater, opera and film. His New York Citybased Doug Varone and Dancers has been commissioned and presented to critical acclaim by leading international venues for over three decades. *Faculty and Artists in Residence subject to change.

Step Four: USC Kaufman Portfolio Create a SlideRoom account at uscdance.slideroom.com. Select “USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance.” Select application type (i.e. First-Year Applicant). Submit written short answer responses. Attach a one-page dance resume in the specified format.Upload Media Item 1: Headshot. Upload Media Item 2: Action Shot. Upload Media Item 3: One 30- to 60-second video response. Upload Media Items 4 and 5: Two contrasting solos or excerpts (no more than one minute each). Submit any additional information or items, if requested. To view a PDF sample of the dance resume, prompts for the written and verbal responses, video guidelines and other important information, visit kaufman.usc.edu/apply.

Jessica Muszynski (BFA ‘19) with Rob Cutietta and Jodie Gates | Photo by Michael Owen Baker

APPLICATION CHECKLIST Please use the following checklist to apply for admission to the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. Application materials are slightly different for first-year (FY) and transfer (T) applicants. The deadline for all applicants is December 1.

Step Five: Financial Aid Application Submit the FAFSA. Submit the CSS Profile. Apply for the Cal Grant (California residents). Provide additional information, such as tax information, if requested. Provide a written statement about any special circumstances to the USC Financial Aid Office. Step Six: Scholarships Apply for merit scholarships requiring a separate application. Deadlines span from December to March. Visit usc.edu/scholarships for a full list.

Step One: Common Application Create an account at commonapp.org. Complete all required information. Add “University of Southern California” to your list of colleges (FY) / programs (T). Step Two: USC Writing Supplement (FY)/ Program Materials (T) Complete all required information. Under the Academics section, select “KSOD: Dance, B.F.A.” as your major. Confirm your intent to submit a portfolio by answering “yes” to the subsequent question. Click on the link under the new Portfolio section of the USC Writing Supplement (FY) or on the generated Portfolio Site link under the subsequent question (T). Step Three: Supporting Documents Send all required supporting documents (i.e. transcripts, test scores, etc.) to the USC Office of Admission. Please note that international students and students enrolled in non-traditional high school programs, including home-schooled students, may be required to submit additional documents. kaufman.usc.edu

Photo by Alyssa Reyes

2021-2022 RECRUITMENT EVENTS The USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance participates in a number of virtual, on-campus and off-campus events each year. These opportunities include master classes with USC Kaufman faculty, information sessions, open houses and performances. Please note that, while we may attend programs with an audition component, we do not audition students outside of our admission process.

USC KAUFMAN VIRTUAL EVENTS Experience USC Kaufman: Join us in September and October for this full-day virtual event featuring faculty master classes, an information session and a student panel. Information Session: Learn about USC Kaufman and its BFA program during this one-hour virtual presentation.

USC KAUFMAN ON-CAMPUS EVENTS Meet USC: Attend a one-hour admission presentation, take a studentled walking tour of campus, visit the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center and meet with a USC Kaufman admission representative. Fall Open House: Join us in late fall for campus tours, admission presentations, financial aid sessions and a number of USC Kaufman activities, including master classes with faculty.

OTHER EVENTS USC Kaufman participates in a number of in-person and virtual college fairs, panels, festivals and showcases hosted by dance organizations and schools. Visit kaufman.usc.edu/apply/admission-events/ for a current list of events.

CONTACT & INFORMATION As you consider applying to our program, we encourage you to gather as much information as possible. Follow us on social media, read our student blog and find admission tips on our website. Contact uscdance@usc.edu with any questions. For more information, please visit kaufman.usc.edu/apply.

Top: Dance On! Week | Photo by Carolyn DiLoreto Bottom: Trojan Family Weekend | Photo by Cecile Oreste

Photos by Rose Eichenbaum

Top: Christian Smith (BFA ‘22) | Photo by Rose Eichenbaum Bottom: Nina Gumbs (BFA ‘22) | Photo by Rose Eichenbaum

CONTACT USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance Office of Admission 849 West 34th Street Los Angeles, CA 90089 213-740-9327 uscdance@usc.edu

kaufman.usc.edu The University of Southern California admits students of any race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical disability or mental disability. The University’s full non-discrimination policy can be found at policies.usc.edu.

Front: Sidney Chuckas (BFA ‘21) & Zackery Torres (BFA ‘21) | Photo by Rose Eichenbaum Back: Eugene Bois (BFA ‘23) & Haily Foster (BFA ‘23) | Photo by Rose Eichenbaum