For Blake Levins, stepping into Paris felt like entering another world. The International Relations major and Dance minor had just wrapped up what he called a stressful semester of “constant imbalance.” Paris offered something different, something healing. From wandering through lavish palaces and endless museums to sitting in awe at a gilded opera house, the city gave him space to breathe.

The same was true for Mikaela Zarsky, a Kaufman dance major who wanted to “slow down.” She took opportunities to enjoy life’s small pleasures, whether visiting the Louvre or casually watching passersby from the comfort of a streetside café.

And for fellow BFA student Andrea Rodriguez, the art and beauty was “extraordinary.” It was the perfect opportunity to overcome previous fears and indulge the inspirations that came freely to her.

Kaufman’s annual Paris Maymester — an experiential class designed to take in the many cultural treasures of Paris — has become an informal refuge for USC students, a chance to regroup and recharge in one of the world’s most beautiful cities after a busy academic year. The 2025 trip left dance majors and minors alike with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the Parisian way of living, where the arts are typically at the forefront of people’s minds. Three of this year’s Maymester students reflected on their time in the City of Light.

Blake Levins

I entered this program having never visited Europe, coming off a difficult semester. This class was an opportunity to reset in an environment rich with culture and companionship.

I embarked on this Paris Maymester to expand my international understanding of dance. I grew up with and trained in the worldly styles of tap, jazz, hip-hop, and even Latin ballroom. I was fascinated by the world and how each country observes movement art. After spending two summers abroad in South Korea and immersing myself in the local hip-hop and street dance community, it was a joy to experience the thriving hip-hop culture in Paris.

I cannot remember the last time I saw a live ballet in an opera house or a philharmonic orchestra. Paris changed that. I saw the artistic ambitions of Conservatoire students who dedicate themselves to dance. I also saw professional dancers with world-class skills. It spoke to France’s high caliber and immense opportunities for experienced dancers. And a special surprise for me was reconnecting with my musical practice. I played alto saxophone for jazz and symphonic bands for eight years, which I put on pause after I started school at USC because I wanted to focus on academics and dance. Working with fellow musicians during our residency took me back to my roots.

We created something unique on this journey and managed to maintain a welcoming atmosphere for our cohort. I learned many valuable lessons about handling challenging situations and effective group leadership. It will help me in my professional career. Still, most of all, I am returning home with a renewed sense of purpose for my artistic endeavors. This program has inspired me to be an artist and a leader in my field.

Mikaela Zarsky

If I had to pick one thing, it would be the diversity. The Paris Maymester has been life-changing on so many levels. Still, nothing compares to the sheer amount of experiences we’ve had. We took in the extravagance of the Louvre. We sat at cafés for meals and watched hip-hop battles in the streets. Each moment was part of a larger picture of immersion in French culture.

Something that stuck out to me was the investment in the arts. It is beautiful how various forms of art, such as music, dance, paintings, graffiti, architecture, and sculptures, are seen as valuable rather than dismissed as unimportant. This differs significantly from North American views.  

The most influential part of this trip was engaging with the hip-hop community. Drop-in classes were one way to do it. Coming from LA and having a commercial background, I have experienced many drop-in classes focused on creating content. It was refreshing to see Parisian dancers do the opposite, honing their craft primarily out of their love for movement. These classes were also a nice challenge. They were taught almost entirely in French. I found myself tapping into other senses and the universal language of dance.

A highlight for me was an all-styles dance battle known as Black Hole — the first time I experienced an all-styles dance battle in person. It was a pivotal moment in my dance practice. Watching poppers, krumpers, and various other forms of freestylers, I marveled at the raw authenticity of their individuality and the power of camaraderie in their duos, trios, and crews. I have been rewatching some of the footage online ever since and tapping into my practice of freestyling and the beauty of battle culture.

Reflecting on this Paris Maymester, I see it as a transformation. Through art, movement, stillness, and connection, I’ve appreciated how every moment, whether grand or quiet, holds value. Paris didn’t just show me the power of cultural immersion; it reminded me that dance is an omnipresent force in the world. I carry its rhythms, lessons, and relationships with me, ready to inspire the next chapter of my journey. I’m forever changed because of it.

Andrea Rodriguez

Whether it was taking in the beautiful architecture, lively nights, welcoming artistic spaces, or the duck confit, Paris has a profound impact on me. The art and beauty are extraordinary. With every turn, I noticed a beautiful building, a historic landmark, or street art that emphasized the aesthetics and culture of Parisian life.

Throughout the past three weeks, I made many meaningful connections with fellow dancers across the city. Starting with our visit to The Cent Quatre, I was inspired to overcome my fears and indulge in the inspirations around me. The Cent Quatre still blows my mind: A free public space dedicated to artistic and cultural practice!

As we walked through the space, my friend Daniel and I approached several people from places like Hong Kong and Belgium. During our exchange, it became clear that the streetwise community was unlike anything I’ve experienced. It wasn’t easy to adjust at first. Landing in a city where I didn’t quite speak the language and knew few people forced me out of my comfort zone. I had to introduce myself, ask questions, find sessions, and build relationships from scratch. But in doing so, I discovered new spaces with openness and clarity. I entered a dance battle, unsure of how my style would be received, and left with new friends, insights, and a renewed sense of courage.

Ultimately, this self-assurance deepened my connection to others. People responded to the energy — open, curious, grounded — and I was welcomed into places that might have otherwise seemed inaccessible. Vulnerability is often the gateway to authenticity, and in a culture like hip-hop that values realness above all, showing up as my whole self made all the difference.