Last month, BFA students at the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance had the honor of taking a master class with the world-renowned dancer and choreographer Brian Friedman. This opportunity was a way for us to have hands-on experience in the commercial dance industry.
As I am wrapping up my first year as a BFA dance major, I am able to reflect on all of the incredible experiences I have had. I am so grateful for the people and memories USC Kaufman has bought into my life and I cannot wait for the next three years. Here is a rundown of a day in my life as a first-year BFA student!
One of the main appeals of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance is the unique experience to collaborate with other artists in the broader USC community. In this student blog, Ashton Benn (BFA ’24) discusses Choreographers and Composers and how it offers students the opportunity to integrate different disciplines while working closely with their peers.
The Senior Spotlights showcase included group pieces, duets and solos of varying styles from ballet to commercial jazz. The purpose of this showcase was to invite industry professionals to watch the graduating class in an intimate setting. After the showing, there was a reception to allow dancers and guests to mingle.
Shea Hancock (BFA ’25) shares her DANC 131: Improvisation & Composition experience as Associate Professor of Practice d. Sabela grimes has championed improv as composition. Hancock also describes the lead up to the Fresh Sesh performance, an informal sharing of work from the class.
The A.I.M by Kyle Abraham Winter Intensive was held at the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center from Dec. 6-10, 2021. I knew that this would be an amazing opportunity to reflect on my own creative process while also getting the chance to work with Abraham and his company members. Additionally, the intensive was free to all participants to ensure accessibility for their community; something that I’ve never seen before.
Second-year student Hayden Rivas (BFA ’24) discusses his experience creating a piece for the Sophomore Choreography Showing, in conjunction with the course Improvisation and Composition. The Sophomore Choreography Showing will take place Nov. 17 and 18 at the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center.
My time at USC Kaufman is coming to a close, but until graduation comes, I will bask in the schedules that have carried me through my years here. A mix of dance technique, rehearsals and academic classes have been the backbone of my days from my first year to now. It is a structure that can be very rigorous, but I have come to love it!
We received an opportunity for USC Kaufman and USC Thornton students to produce and perform a Broadway-inspired song and dance number. The performance would air as part of the NBC Sports LA Fan Fest event taking place at the Coliseum, home to our USC Trojan Football team.
As a BFA student at the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, our daily lives are filled with excitement, opportunities and new experiences. With a variety of academics, dance classes, extracurricular activities, social life, events and more, we get to be part of the USC Kaufman family and have an amazing college experience unlike any other in the country.
Cameron Cofrancesco (BFA ’22) shared his experience working with guest artist Peter Chu. According to Cofrancesco, “Working with guest artist Peter Chu was a lively and refreshing experience. Chu emphasizes connecting with the body on a deeper level and initiating movement in ways I’ve never been taught before.”
As part of our Repertory and Performance course this semester, third and fourth-year students get to work with many different guest artists on creating solo material. Elise Monson (BFA ’22) discusses working with guest artist Toyin Sogunro, a Los Angeles-based dance artist from Ladies of Hip-Hop.
