Program Recognition
•Founded in 2015 through a transformational gift from philanthropist Glorya Kaufman, making it USC's first new school in nearly 40 years and one of the few conservatory-level dance BFAs housed in a major research university
Training
•Built on "The New Movement" pedagogy — a deliberately hybrid model that trains dancers across intersecting techniques (ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, jazz) rather than a single style, paired with new media, scholarship and choreography
•Small, selective annual cohort (the inaugural 2015 class had 33 dancers) working directly with established practicing artists
•Faculty includes acclaimed choreographer Kyle Abraham (Claude and Alfred Mann Endowed Professor); the school's 10th Anniversary Gala honorary committee drew artists such as Misty Copeland and Sir Wayne McGregor CBE
Performance & Productions
•Repertory and performance built into the curriculum; the graduating Class of 2025 performed at the school's star-studded 10th Anniversary Gala
Notable Alumni
•Ava Noble (BFA '23) — Broadway performer in & Juliet
•Jessalyn Ward and Paige Litle — Radio City Rockettes
•Coco Alvarez-Mena and Zach Manske — dancers with The Joffrey Ballet
Professional Development
•Graduates have signed with companies including BalletX, BODYTRAFFIC, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Batsheva, Gibney Company, Alonzo King LINES Ballet and Sydney Dance Company, and danced commercially for Beyoncé, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat and Shakira
•Dedicated career-development support for the concert, commercial and choreographic paths
Facilities
•Housed in the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center at 849 West 34th Street on USC's campus
Location
•Los Angeles base puts students inside the commercial dance, film and television industry
