Photo by Cathryn Farnsworth

Jalen Scriven is an artist from Columbia, South Carolina. He began his training at Columbia City Jazz Conservatory, where he developed a strong foundation in ballet, jazz, and contemporary dance before continuing his training at the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance. His training has shaped him into a versatile artist while developing a deep interest in contemporary dance.

Throughout his time at USC Kaufman, Jalen has had the opportunity to explore different choreographic processes, movement languages, and ways of approaching performance. He has performed works by and engaged in processes connected to artists including Jiří Kylián, Rafael Bonachela, Shahar Binyamini, and Spenser Theberge. These experiences have continued to shape the way he approaches movement through musicality, risk-taking, intention, and individuality.

As a mover, Jalen is drawn to physicality, curiosity, and finding new ways to challenge himself within the work. He values exploring different movement qualities and finding his own interpretation within each choreographic process. He enjoys being pushed outside of what feels familiar, allowing each process to bring something different out of him as an artist.

Beyond USC, Jalen has been an apprentice with Columbia Repertory Dance Company and has continued expanding his professional training through opportunities including the Ballet BC Summer Intensive. Looking toward his professional career, Jalen hopes to perform and tour with a contemporary dance company while continuing to develop his choreographic voice.