Sunday, October 29, 2023 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
Join USC Kaufman for an open house, Discover USC.
Our facility will open its doors to all prospective applicants and parents for an opportunity to experience our dance technique classes and learn more about our program.
Our world-renowned faculty at USC Kaufman will lead master classes in an array of styles ranging from Ballet to Hip Hop, underscoring the expansive artistry and far-reaching hybridity that comes with being a Kaufman dance-artist.
The event will also be punctuated with tours of the magnificent Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center and several opportunities to connect and engage with current BFA students and admissions staff.
Additionally, please also join Kaufman Ambassadors for a Dance Minor Interest Fair. Location and time TBD. No registration required.
Please see our full event schedule below and register for individual events (please note that some events have a maximum capacity). If you are a student and planning on taking technique classes, note that you may sign up for one technique class in each block.
*Please note that technique classes and information sessions require a sign up to participate. This event is free. Classes and information sessions subject to capacity.
Schedule of Events
9:30 AM | Kaufman Building open to public
10:00–11:30 AM | Technique Classes (BLOCK ONE)
10:00–11:30 AM | Information Session and Building Tour (SESSION ONE)
11:30–11:55 AM | Kaufman Student Meet and Greet (open to all guests, no registration required)
12:00–1:30 PM | Technique Classes (BLOCK TWO)
1:45–3:15 PM | Information Session and Building Tour (SESSION TWO)
Technique Block I | 10:00–11:30 AM
Ballet: Classical Ballet technique with emphasis on clarity, precision, musicality, movement quality, and artistic expression. All levels.
Instructor — Gillian Finley
Contemporary: Contemporary dance is a continually evolving hybridization of forms, including but not limited to ballet, modern, post-modern and those tied to the practitioner’s personal identity. In Thomas Ford’s contemporary course, dancers will focus on the embodied study of dynamics, transitions, connection to rhythm, weight exchange and balance. All levels.
Instructor — Thomas Ford
Hip Hop: Hip Hop Dance technique course augmenting its historical context, technique, fluidity, and musicality. All levels.
Instructor — Shannon Grayson
Information Session I | 10:00–11:30 AM
An at-a-glance information session, led by Kaufman’s Admissions Staff, featuring an overview of Kaufman’s BFA and Minor programs as well as elective classes and our curriculum. Attendees will also gain insight into the admissions and Financial Aid processes. The session also includes a full building tour led by a current BFA student.
Kaufman Student Meet and Greet | 11:30–11:55 AM
Open to all guests, no registration required. Hosted in the USC Kaufman lobby. Students and Parents can grab a snack and mingle and ask questions with current BFA student ambassadors.
Technique Block II | 12:00–1:30 PM
Ballet: Classical Ballet technique with emphasis on clarity, precision, musicality, movement quality, and artistic expression. All levels.
Instructor — Thomas Ford
Contemporary Jazz: Jazz technique course that emphasizes the cultural roots of jazz dance in a contemporary era. The class culminates with Saleemah E. Knight’s original jazz repertoire. Advanced level only.
Instructor — Saleemah E. Knight (Please click here for additional information about this specialty, advanced level masterclass.)
Hip Hop: Hip Hop Dance technique course augmenting its historical context, technique, fluidity, and musicality. All levels.
Instructor — Shannon Grayson
Information Session II | 1:45–3:15 PM
An at-a-glance information session, led by Kaufman’s Admissions Staff, featuring an overview of Kaufman’s BFA and Minor programs as well as elective classes and our curriculum. Attendees will also gain insight into the admissions and Financial Aid processes. The session also includes a full building tour led by a current BFA student.
Additional Information and FAQ’s
What should I wear?
Kaufman does not enforce a dress code. You should dress appropriate to the technique form you are taking.
Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz: Tight fitted clothing that can show your form is appropriate. Tights and leotard are not required. For ballet, regardless of your gender identity, you may work in ballet slippers, socks or pointe shoes. Please take caution when wearing jewelry or accessories that could potentially injure other students or yourself.
Contemporary students can work barefoot or in socks depending on the instructor’s preference. Jazz students may work in jazz shoes, jazz sneakers, barefoot or socks.
Hip Hop: Any workout clothes, loose clothes, and soft soled sneakers that let you move are acceptable.
What level are the classes offered at the open house?
Our BFA program is a highly competitive, conservatory style program, designed for advanced level dancers. Our Minor Programs are open to students from beginner to advanced. Most technique classes taught during this open house event are open to all levels except for contemporary jazz. Some foundational dance knowledge would be helpful for open level technique classes.
Do the staff or faculty take notes or score for enrollment purposes?
No. This event is purely for potential students to get a taste of our classes and explore our program in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.
Do I need to stay for an entire technique class?
We do prefer that you stay the length of a class to ensure minimal disruption for the instructor and other students.
Are parents allowed to watch technique classes?
Parents may watch classes from the studio windows at the discretion of the faculty members. Parents may not sit in on classes. There is a viewing balcony located on the second floor of our building.
What if I can’t come to Los Angeles on the event dates?
We will be offering a NYC open house November 11 & 12 at NY Live Arts. If you can’t make it to that event, there are plenty of opportunities to meet our admissions staff and enjoy an Admissions presentation. You can click here for further information.