BFA students perform in USC Kaufman lecturer Bret Easterling’s "Whelm" | Photo by Rose Eichenbaum

With support from an anonymous donor, the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance will make its debut in Germany this July 21-23 at the Stadttheater Fürth in Bavaria. Members of the USC Kaufman Class of 2022 and Class of 2023 will perform excerpts of Rodeo by Tony Award-winning American choreographer Justin Peck and Minus 16 by acclaimed Israeli choreographer and Batsheva Dance Company House Choreographer Ohad Naharin.

The performance will also feature a world premiere by USC Kaufman faculty member d. Sabela grimes and new work by Emmy Award-winning choreographer Tessandra Chavez, who recently joined USC Kaufman as an Artist in Residence. In addition, BFA students will perform USC Kaufman faculty member Bret Easterling’s Whelm, which premiered at the USC Bing Theatre in April 2019.

The Stadttheater Fürth is an acclaimed regional theater outside of Nuremberg which presents renowned performers in the fields of dance, music and drama. According to USC Kaufman’s Assistant Dean of Faculty Jackie Kopcsak, the Stadttheater does not typically present non-professional performers as part of its season so it is a great honor and opportunity for the students both artistically and professionally.

In addition to dancing in the performances, BFA students will participate in several community outreach events, as well as a number of cultural and educational activities.

“The USC Kaufman Germany debut is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our students. Not only does this trip provide a platform for our dance majors to perform, but it also gives them valuable international working experience,” said Dean Robert Cutietta. “We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of our anonymous donor, as well as the contributions from the Rod and Elsie Nakamoto Endowed Student Travel Fund, which have made this possible.”

USC Kaufman’s Debut Performance in Germany is made possible with support from our lead sponsors Elfriede and Heinz Bruder, Bruder Spielwaren, and Bruder Toys America.

Additional travel support provided by the Rod and Elsie Nakamoto Travel Fund.  USC Kaufman Artists in Residence are supported through generous funding from The Choi Family Artists in Residence Fund. Additional production and travel support provided by Katherine and James Lau. This performance of Minus 16 is supported in part by Renae Williams Niles and Gregory Niles.