Hope Boykin | Photo by Steve Vaccariello

USC Kaufman’s 2026 school commencement ceremony takes place Friday, May 16, at Bovard Auditorium.

By USC Kaufman Communications

Acclaimed choreographer and two-time Bessie Award winner Hope Boykin will deliver the keynote address during the 2026 commencement ceremony for the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. One of the most influential figures in dance today, Boykin’s career spans performance, choreography, and arts leadership. She is a long-time collaborator with USC Kaufman, having been an Artist-in-Residence since 2019, and exemplifies the USC Kaufman mantra of artistic excellence and creative vision.

“My relationship with USC Kaufman dates back to its very first graduating cohort of 2019, a partnership I hold close to my heart,” said Boykin. “It is a tremendous honor to speak at this year’s commencement ceremony, celebrating the Class of 2026. These dancers and art-makers, whom I have watched and admired for so very long, and with whom I have had the great pleasure of working, are the hope we all need in our world today. I am thrilled to continue my personal mission, being a bridge for future generations of art-leaders, as they move toward the important next steps in their lives and careers.”

Boykin performed for two decades (2000-2020) with the renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, touring internationally and earning acclaim for her expressive presence and powerful artistry. She went on to establish herself as a highly sought-after choreographer and dance educator in the years following her performance career. She later founded HopeBoykinDance and the HBArts Collective.

As a choreographer, Boykin has created works for major dance companies including ABT Studio Company, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Philadanco, and she has mounted critically acclaimed pieces for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Her work for USC Kaufman includes three original works, “Our Voices, Currently” (2020), “… Loving Well” (2023), and “If It is Not Ours …” (2025). 

“Hope’s impact on the world of dance—through her performances, her choreography, and her dedication to education—is the type of leadership we point to when talking about innovators and creative changemakers,” said USC Kaufman Dean Julia M. Ritter. “Her commitment to artistry and community resonates deeply with our students, all of whom look up to Hope in so many ways.”

Boykin premiered “An Evening of Hope” at 92NY and brought Jacqueline Woodson’s “The Other Side” to life for The Kennedy Center’s Family Theater. “Beauty Size & Color,” a short film now featured on PBS.org, was nominated for a 2023 NY Emmy Award and her fully scripted evening-length work “States Of Hope” debuted at the Joyce Theater in 2023, earning widespread acclaim.

In addition to her position as a USC Kaufman Artist-in-Residence, Boykin holds roles in academia and mentorship, including as a fellow at The Center for Ballet and the Arts at NYU. She is the founding director of the Kennedy Center Dance Lab, and was recently she was awarded 92NY’s 2025 Empowering Women’s Inspiration in the Arts Award.

USC Kaufman’s 2026 commencement ceremony will take place on Friday, May 15, at USC’s Bovard Auditorium, where Boykin will address graduating students, faculty, alumni, and guests.