The incoming Class of 2029 | Photo by Justin Epstein

By Hannah Doerr

The USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance hosted a variety of events in conjunction with the university’s Welcome Experience and Convocation.

On the morning of August 21, USC Interim President Beeong Soo Kim welcomed new students into the Trojan Family with a message: “Whatever you end up doing in your lives, you are — starting today — Trojans for life.”

And with that, the new members of USC Kaufman’s 2029 cohort made their way to the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center, a new adventure ahead of them.

Meet the Dean

Following Convocation, Dean Julia M. Ritter and the USC Kaufman Advancement team, Patrick Leder-Morrow and Natasha Liu, welcomed first-year Kaufman BFA students and their families with a catered lunch on the Kaufman Courtyard and a tour of the Kaufman International Dance Center. Students snapped photos with their families and celebrated the beginning of their Kaufman dance journey.

SPARK!

Later in the evening, students attended SPARK! 20th Annual Arts Kickoff and Festival. This year, current USC Kaufman students were involved in the festivities. Nina Outlaw (BFA ‘26) Dj’d on the main stage, and Andrea Rodriguez (BFA ‘26), and Faith Aguilar BFA ‘27), and Julia Lowe (BFA ’27) danced alongside Interim President Kim, who performed on the cello.

USC Kaufman Launch

USC Kaufman welcomed the new class of BFA students with Kaufman Launch, a series of programming that introduces students to the school and community. On Thursday, members of the Class of 2029 met with the Student Services team to learn about student life and the resources available to them. They also met Dr. Robin Scholefield, Co-Executive Director of the USC Performance Science Institute, who spoke about joining the Kaufman Community.

On Friday, first-year students heard from current students during a panel discussion. Afterwards, the Dance Operations team presented on safety in the building. On-site physical therapist and professor Dr. Marisa Hentis spoke about dance medicine and overall wellness. USC Counseling and Mental Health provided a presentation to students on mental wellness. Lastly, Assistant Deans Jackie Kopcsak and Alison D’Amato explained the artistic and academic journey at USC Kaufman and what to expect over the next four years.

Welcome Lunch

On August 25, the first day of classes, USC Kaufman students gathered for a catered meal to reunite after summer break. There was a crafts table and spin-the-wheel prizes. Students played a bingo game to get to know the newest cohort. Many of USC Kaufman’s faculty, staff, and members of the Board of Councilors were in attendance as well.

Wellness Fair

During their first week of classes, BFA students attended a Wellness Fair. Over the course of the week, dancers from all classes met with a variety of specialists, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, physicians, psychologists, and nutritionists. The fair assesses the overall well-being and functional capacity of the students, providing them with a comprehensive wellness plan for the upcoming year.

The BFA students were also fitted for costumes and pointe shoes and participated in mindfulness and Pilates classes. The annual Wellness Fair prepares students for the rigorous training they receive at the school, ensuring they are well-prepared and supported.