Jaelin Born | Photo by Cathryn Farnsworth

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Jaelin Born is a 3rd generation Chinese-American artist who works as a choreographer, performer, creative director, and activist. Originally from Clarksville, Maryland, their dance journey started in their living room, expressing themselves through movement from a young age. They were eager to start their ballet training, which then quickly expanded into jazz, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, and tap at their home studio, Project T. There, they danced competitively and developed a passion for the physical rigor of dance. They also began breakdancing in high school, training with their club members after school and finding a love for dance within a community.

Going on to study at USC Kaufman, Jaelin further diversified their movement by training in forms like Locking, Punking/Waacking, House, Countertechnique, Horton, and Bollywood/Classical Indian. At Kaufman, Jaelin worked with several acclaimed choreographers like JA Collective, Jillian Meyers, Roderick George, and Jakevis Thomason,while also collaborating with many film and music students at USC. Jaelin also grew their artistry within the greater USC community, serving as the Artistic Coordinator for USC’s competitive Hip-Hop team, Chaotic 3.

Growing up queer and of color, Jaelin also developed a fervent passion for human-rights activism. In addition to community organizing and advocacy, they include their artistry in their activism by constantly investigating feminine, queer, and Asian-American experiences. They aspire to draw on their training in battle styles, ballet, contemporary, and modern to create work that evokes critical thought in audiences.

Jaelin Born | Photo by Lee Gumbs

Jaelin Born | Photo by Lee Gumbs

Jaelin Born | Photo by Cathryn Farnsworth

*This performance reel requires a password. Please contact Elliott Scher at elliotms@usc.edu for access.