The New Movement Residency at the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance aims to support choreographers by providing space for them to explore, create and prepare dance work for future touring and presentations.

There are many challenges to the creation of dance art, especially given the distinct requirements to create a dance work that will tour to various theaters and venues. Proper space to create is often cited as an ongoing issue plaguing dance-makers. Even those highly established and respected don’t have access to quality facilities.

During its quieter period, USC Kaufman seeks to seize the opportunity and provide usage of its studios as part of the New Movement Residency program. USC Kaufman will also match selected residency artists with a member of its esteemed faculty to serve as a mentor during the residency, potentially serving as a dramaturg, frequently a critical need but overlooked by dance-makers at any stage in their career. BFA students will also have a chance to work with these artists in various capacities during their residency.

The 2018 inaugural New Movement Residency included: Ana Maria Alvarez of CONTRA-TIEMPO, Seda Aybay of Kybele Dance Theater and Loni Landon of Loni Landon Dance Project. The 2019 New Movement Residency focused on supporting Southern California-based choreographers and included: Marissa Osato of Entity Contemporary Dance, Micaela Taylor of The TL Collective, and choreographer Tony Testa.