USC Kaufman offers a variety of performances and events this spring, ranging from a new salon series to the culminating showcase of the 2023–2024 academic year.

Whether you’re a self-described Culture Vulture or a casual dance fan, USC Kaufman has a bevy of spring performances and events for your viewing pleasure. They include appearances by some of the most renowned dance makers today, including choreographers Matthew Bourne and Mandy Moore, a “Bollywaack” pioneer in Kumari Suraj, and student-driven choreography showcases demonstrating the talent of USC Kaufman BFA students. Check the individual performance listings on our website for registration information.

Performances and events

Kaufman Converge | Thursday, February 1

Spearheaded by USC Kaufman Lecturer Amy O’Neal, Kaufman Converge blends performance, salon, and lecture demonstration. The format stems from O’Neal’s work as a curator. Here, she pairs two dance artists with different backgrounds to share their respective journeys and what they’ve achieved along the way. On February 1, USC Kaufman welcomes B-Girl and choreographer Randi “Rascal” Freitas and “Bollywaack” pioneer and LGBTQ+ activist Kumari Suraj.

Fresh Sesh | Thursday, February 22

Members of the Class of 2027 present an informal showing of student-choreographed works. Often experimental and wildly entertaining, Fresh Sesh highlights the emerging talent of USC Kaufman BFA students and their peer-to-peer collaborations in DANC 131: Improvisation & Composition. 

Spring Works in Progress | Friday, February 23

A precursor to the Spring 2024 BFA Showcase, Works in Progress invites the wider USC community to enjoy snippets of new choreography before the big reveal on the mainstage in April. This year’s program includes never-before-seen choreography by USC Kaufman faculty members and Artists in Residence, some of which are slated to appear in the Spring 2024 program at the Bing Theatre.

Cypher Summit Block Party | Saturday, March 2

Every two years, educators, scholars, students, and dance practitioners come together to preserve the authentic hip-hop dance cultures in higher education. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Hip-Hop’s founding, this year’s Cypher Summit honors pioneering women in Hip-Hop in partnership with USC’s Visions & Voices. The Cypher Summit Block Party caps two days of events. It takes place in the courtyard of the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center. 

Choreographers & Composers | Wednesday, Thursday, April 3 & 4

A favorite collaboration between USC Kaufman and USC’s Thornton School of Music, Choreographers & Composers brings together students from both schools for a program that includes original choreography and music, always a creative highlight of the year.

Advanced Composition Show | Thursday, April 18

This decidedly quirky, fun, insert-your-favorite-adjective program from Members of the Classes of 2024 and 2025 puts their choreographic skills on display. Styles and themes range from Disco, Rave, Contemporary Ballet, Modern, Hip-Hop, and more.

Elective Experience | Friday, April 19

USC students from a range of majors show and celebrate what they’ve learned during their spring dance elective courses, including Hip-Hop, Bollywood and more. 

Spring 2024 BFA Showcase | April 25–27

The culminating performance of the 2024 Spring Semester closes the 2023-2024 academic year in style. Original works by USC Kaufman Artists in Residence, special guests, and renowned faculty, the Spring Showcase features original choreography from some of the biggest names in dance. This is a chance to see the stars of tomorrow today. 

Masterclasses and workshops

Kyle Marshall | Friday, Saturday, January 26 & 27

Artist and choreographer Kyle Marshall leads a workshop for USC Kaufman BFA students. Marshall is the artistic director of Kyle Marshall Choreography, a dance company whose artistry focuses on movement as the basis of social reform. He has received choreographic and dance film commissions from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Baryshnikov Arts Center, “Dance on the Lawn” Montclair’s Dance Festival, Harlem Stage, and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Boston).

Mandy Moore | Wednesday, January 31

Fresh off a windfall summer as Taylor Swift’s go-to choreographer for the historic Eras Tour, Mandy Moore visits USC Kaufman as part of a new project from So You Think You Can Dance Executive Producer and USC Kaufman Board of Councilors member Jeff Thacker titled “Dance for TV/Cameras.” Moore shares her expertise and experience as one of the most decorated choreographers in the field.

Matthew Bourne, Daisy May Kemp, Monique Jonas | Monday, February 5

Choreographer Matthew Bourne and company members Daisy May Kemp and Monique Jonas of Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures drop in for a masterclass with BFA students. Bourne and his eponymous company are in town to perform Bourne’s acclaimed Romeo & Juliet at The Ahmanson Theatre through February 25.