Tamar Gabelev (she/her)
Dallas, TX
BFA Class of 2025
View Resume
Watch Performance Reel*
Tamar Gabelev, a first-generation American Jew from Dallas, Texas, has forged a unique artistic journey shaped by her diverse talents. Growing up, Tamar attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, danced backup for Erykah Badu, and competed in the Junior Olympics for Rhythmic Gymnastics.
She continued her journey by pursuing a BFA at the USC’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, where she honed her skills in multiple styles, blending technical precision with emotional depth. Working with Hope Boykin, Bret Eastering, and Fiona Lummis enriched her artistic perspective, emphasizing storytelling and the interplay of physicality and imagination. Her work has been showcased in college performances, and she appears in the upcoming Michael biopic about Michael Jackson.
Tamar’s choreography is influenced by personal narratives, exploring themes of resilience, community, and a universal search for belonging. Her talent earned her spots in the prestigious Nederlands Dans Theater Summer Program and Jacob’s Pillow Contemporary Program, where she danced works by Sharon Eyal, Imre and Marne van Opstal, and William Forsythe. Her connection to her roots deepened her artistry in Israel, learning from choreographers like Mats Ek and Amanda Miller.
As she begins her professional career, Tamar is dedicated to creating art that is both personal and globally resonant. She aims to use dance to connect with others and share the richness of the human experience as a performer, choreographer, and advocate for artistic expression.
*This performance reel requires a password. Please contact Elliott Scher at elliotms@usc.edu for access.