Ciao! Bon Jour! Guten Morgen!

For USC Kaufman BFA students, summer is no time to slow down. Many continue their practice during break and travel the world to study, sharpen their skills, explore their passions, and meet new people through intensives, collaborative projects, residencies, or certifications.

We spoke with BFA students about what they did—locally and internationally—over the summer.

Becket, Massachusetts

First, Becket, Massachusetts, and the Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. Jacob’s Pillow is one of the world’s most storied dance festivals and a haven for dancers, as many flock to watch dance, perform, study, and visit the iconic archives. 

Tyler Chang (BFA ’26) and Garris Munoz (BFA ’27) participated in the Contemporary Performance Ensemble. Here’s what they took away from the experience:

“I learned to trust my instinct over intellect,” said Chang. “I didn’t judge myself in the studio. It pushed me to explore movement qualities outside of my comfort zone.”

“Immensely fulfilling,” is how Munoz described his time at Jacob’s Pillow. “The opportunity to observe diverse companies and delve into the Pillow’s rich history—I’ve never felt so immersed in the art of dance.”

Caroline McAleavey (BFA ’27) went in a different direction as a Musical Theater Performance Ensemble member. 

“I was lucky to work with incredible artists: Sekou McMiller, Luis Salgado, Karla Puno Garcia, and their amazing teams,” McAleavey said. “Learning from these legends was a gift. We talked about the importance of bringing yourself into the space/work and with trusting ourselves. Their guidance on individuality and confidence will remain with me throughout my career.”

Chicago, Illinois

In Chicago, two USC Kaufman students, Emmy Cheung (BFA ’26) and Ella Querrey (BFA ’27), brought their talents to the summer intensive hosted by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. By the end, Cheung and Querrey were selected for the Hubbard Street Fellows Program (they will return to Chicago for a week-long residency and dance alongside the company). 

“Some of my favorite moments have been meeting and growing with so many passionate artists,” Cheung shared. “The leadership [at Hubbard Street] offered such care and wisdom. They reminded me that selfless artists pour their souls into their craft.”

“The sense of community reminded me why I love what I do,” added Querrry. “I am grateful to have been part of the Hubbard Street family this summer.”

Los Angeles, California

The hometown team: Shea Hancock, Jonah Tran, Lindsay Lykins ’25, and Ava La France ’27 participated in the BODYTRAFFIC Summer Intensive. 

“The intensive included a wide range of styles that pushed me physically and artistically — contemporary, Afro-Cuban, ballet, floorwork,” said Lykins. “I appreciated the wellness workshops and mentor chats encouraging mental and physical health.”

“The environment facilitated the growth of ourselves individually and growth of the group, which encouraged play within rigor,” said Shea Hancock (BFA ’25). “I had such a good time and learned so much.”

In Hollywood, Janae Holster ’25 and Bella Mills ’27 danced in Disney’s newest original film, Descendants: Rise of Red. Here, they recount time behind the scenes:

“I came into this experience with so many unknowns, but I left set every day with a new understanding of the film industry, a better eye for choreographing for the camera, and life-changing advice from the highly experienced dancers I was surrounded by,” said Mills.

“Witnessing the intricate coordination up close highlighted the countless moving parts that make movie magic a reality,” Holster added.

New York, New York

Summer Vu (BFA ’25) and Covin Washington (BFA ’27) danced up a storm in the Big Apple.

Vu attended the YYDC intensive in New York due to being “a huge fan of the choreographer Yin Yue since coming to Kaufman in 2022.” Vu felt ” nourished, inspired, and ready to take on the upcoming school year.”

Washington spent seven weeks at the Chautauqua Institution in Upstate New York, where he was immersed in rigorous training and performed the male principal role in George Balanchine’s Rubies, under the guidance of the legendary Patricia McBride. Working closely with McBride, the original muse for Balanchine’s iconic ballet, Washington came to understand that dance, much like life, “is shaped by our choices in how we approach it. While we may not always have control over the paths before us, we can define how we approach them.”

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Next, we head to Philadelphia, where Quincy Wilson ’27 attended the BalletX Summer intensive. 

“The program showed me new ways to reimagine my approach to ballet and unlock a deeper level of artistry and authenticity,” Wilson said. “I am extremely grateful for my time spent in Philadelphia and can’t wait to apply what I’ve learned when I return to Kaufman in the fall.”

San Francisco, CA

Heading south to the Bay area, students Belly Laird (BFA ’27) and Michaela Ramirez (BFA ’27) attended the Alonzo King LINES Ballet Summer Program. 

“My time at LINES was dense with discovery,” Laird shared. “One thing I have kept with me is something that our mentor, Maurya Kerr, told us— ‘Dance not as a mind and body, but a mind embodied.'”

“One thing that stuck with me,” added Ramirez, “is a quote from our appointed mentor, Maurya Kerr—’The solution to everything is more effort plus more thoughtfulness equals more love.'” 

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Sadie Grace Shelburne participated in Francisco Gella’s New Century Dance Project in Santa Fe, New Mexico. NCDP focuses on choreography for high school, undergraduate, and emerging professional artists. After workshopping and performing a new work alongside Leeann Ross (BFA ’25) and Ash Stevens (BFA’ 25), Shelburne was named the Critic’s Choice Winner in the Undergraduate category. 

“The opportunity to present work at New Century Dance Project’s New Voices Concert was a deeply impactful experience,” Shelburne said. “It will be formative as I evolve my choreographic vision.”

Berlin, Germany

Guten Tag! On we go to Berlin, a city brimming with possibility. Such was the case for Brenan Gonzalez and Wyatt Florin (BFA ’25 ), who attended DART Dance Company’s Summer Intensive, where they learned repertoire by William Forsythe, Alexander Ekman, Marco Goecke, Nacho Duato, Shahar Binyamin, and Jiri Pokorny, among others.

Cardin Chung ’26 took part in a residency with Lake Studios Berlin. In his words, Chung gained “half a year’s worth of experience within a month. Not because I crammed everything, but because all I HAD to do was create, experiment, and experience.”

The Netherlands

With its rich artistic heritage and cities studded with cyclists, Holland is a stunning site for artists and dancers to study their craft. 

Kyson Kai (BFA ’26) traveled to the Netherlands to dance at the Henny Jurriëns’ Summer Intensive. “I learned the repertory and movement methodologies of many extraordinary pioneers such as Pina Baush, Crystal Pite, Ohad Naharin, and Emma Evelein. The best part, however, was meeting people from across the world and learning about different cultures and backgrounds—from France, Tunisia, Brazil, London, Japan, and more.

A bit further North we come to the Hague where Tamar Gabelev (BFA ’25), John Ledwith (BFA ’26), and Garris Munoz (BFA ’27) attended the Netherlands Dans Theatre Summer Intensive.

“Attending the Netherlands Dance Theatre Summer Intensive was a transformative experience,” said Gabelev. “I cherished every moment of learning and growing alongside a diverse group of extremely talented and passionate dancers.” 

“One of my favorite parts of the program was learning Jakie, a new work created for NDT 1 by Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar,” said Ledwith. “Our incredible Teacher Pamela Campos, facilitated a space in which we could let our identities pour into Sharon’s specific language. My feet still hurt, but it was a blast!”

Paris, France

If you tuned in to the Summer Olympics in Paris, you may have seen the opening ceremony and performances by Lady Gaga and Celine Dion. Can you guess which Kaufman student danced alongside her?

“This summer was a period of profound artistic growth and clarity. Working with Lady Gaga for the Olympics Opening Ceremony and securing a weekly summer teaching slot at the renowned Millennium Dance Complex in LA were significant highlights. Additionally, I had the honor of performing a self-choreographed solo at “Despertares,” one of the world’s most esteemed dance galas held in Mexico City. I also had the privilege of performing “Soliloquy” with the Blue13 Dance Company and participating in Erika Klien’s contemporary commercial ensemble, Klien Collective. Choosing to remain in LA over the summer proved immensely rewarding, offering me the chance to engage deeply with dance and art in ways that have inspired me profoundly and that I am eager to bring into the new school year.” – Braylon Browner ’27

Rishikesh, India

Next, we head to South Asia. This summer, Leeann “GodLee” Ross traveled to Rishikesh, India to earn her 200 hour Yoga Teacher Certification. She spent the month of June practicing not only traditional yogasanas (yoga poses) but also studying yogic philosophy, anatomy, meditation, pranayama (breathing technique), and Sanskrit mantra chanting. In living and working amongst yogis from around the world, GodLee deepened her love of spiritual freedom and personal development.

Today, routines formed during the month of travel have become both habit and home to the Atlanta native. From mantra and prayer, to diet, and daily yoga practice, GodLee prioritizes wellness within herself and all she encounters. 

Vancouver, Canada

Traveling over the Pacific, we land on the west coast, a bit further north. In Vancouver, Canada, Emmy Cheung (BFA ’26) and Julia Lowe (BFA ’27) participated in the BalletBC 44 Summer Intensive.

“I had the pleasure of attending the BalletBC summer intensive, the NOD summer intensive, handing off my title at the dance awards, and extending my artistic voice,” Lowe shared. “I learned how much I enjoy dancing in community and learning to be more present in all that I do.”

Venice, Italy

Our final destination takes us to Venice, Italy, where we catch up with Xavier Williams (BFA ’25), who took part in the Biennale College Danza, the dance component directed by the renowned choreographer Sir Wayne McGregor.

“I will hold onto the awareness of when movement reflects something about the nature of its vessel,” Williams said. “Or revealing a sensibility in which only movement can articulate.”

Thank you for joining us and the students of USC Kaufman on a trip around the world. We can’t wait to see how these experiences shape our students and the movement at USC Kaufman during the Fall 2024 semester. Until next time, bon voyage!