USC Kaufman returns to The Wallis, April 28–30
March 23, 2023
USC Kaufman BFA dancers Nicole Denney, Marcel Cavaliere, and William Okajima | Photos by Rose Eichenbaum
Featuring world premieres by choreographers Tiffany Bong, Hope Boykin, Tessandra Chavez, and Jackie Kopcsak; also featuring works by Kyle Abraham, Jiří Kylián, and Justin Peck. Tickets now on sale.
For the second consecutive year, the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance presents its annual spring showcase at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, April 28-30, 2023, in four performances only. The culminating production of the 2022–2023 academic year features USC Kaufman BFA student artists and a program of seven works from some of the biggest names in dance, including four world premieres. Performances take place on Friday, April 28, 2023, 7:30 PM; Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 2:00 and 7:30 PM; and Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 2:00 PM at The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica, Blvd., in Beverly Hills. In the spirit of collaboration and partnership with the larger LA Dance community, tickets for the Sunday matinee “Community Day” performance are pay-what-you-choose, with a baseline price of $10.
“Our spring showcase is a wonderful opportunity for our young artists to perform at the highest level, on one of the most prominent stages in Los Angeles,” said USC Kaufman Dean Julia Ritter. “It is also a chance for audience members to witness emerging dance stars at the beginning of their careers, to see the future of the art form in action, with original works of dance from the most accomplished artists in the field. The LA community is in for a real treat.”
This year’s program includes world premieres from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Hope Boykin, two-time Emmy Award winner Tessandra Chavez, and USC Kaufman faculty members Tiffany Bong and Jackie Kopcsak. The program also features three existing works by MacArthur Fellow and 2022 Dance Magazine Award honoree Kyle Abraham, acclaimed Czech choreographer Jiří Kylián, and Tony Award winner Justin Peck, choreographer of Steven Spielberg’s recent and lauded remake of West Side Story.
About the program
In Creases
Choreography: Justin Peck
In Creases by Justin Peck highlights the prodigious talent and musicality of Peck, New York City Ballet’s resident choreographer and artistic associate. His first original work for NYCB, this exciting interplay of movement is set to music by composer Philip Glass and combines classical technique with expert lyricism. Learn more about Peck here.
World Premiere
Choreography: Hope Boykin
Two years ago, Hope Boykin, celebrated artist of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, put together an evening of five works—personal and reflective, according to The New York Times—that put Boykin’s transition from performer to choreographer front and center. She continues that journey with a world premiere for USC Kaufman’s BFA students this spring. Learn more about Boykin here.
Whereabouts Unknown
Choreography: Jiri Kylian
The title for Jiří Kylián 1993 masterpiece, Whereabouts Unknown, is inspired by the moniker used to describe a piece of artwork whose origin and creator remain a mystery. Abstract and surrealist, this enigmatic and meditative performance leans on Kylián’s signature style. Learn more about Kylián here.
World Premeire
Choreography: Jackie Kopcsak
USC Associate Professor Jackie Kopcsak harnesses the versatility of USC Kaufman’s BFA students with an homage to Broadway, as she combines an assortment of techniques for a roaring display of entertainment and dance. Learn more about Kopcsak here.
Counterpoint
Choreography: Kyle Abraham
When Kyle Abraham was tasked with creating a new work in 2014 for the Chicago Dance Festival and the dancers of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, he didn’t anticipate the unexpected death of DJ Rashad, the artist whose music was at the heart of his yet-to-be-completed work. For Abraham, Rashad’s passing profoundly shifted its meaning. The result was Counterpoint, a powerful commentary on the unexpected twists of life. Learn more about Abraham here.
A Journey of Love
Choreography: Tessandra Chavez
Two-time Emmy Award winner Tessandra Chavez presents A Journey of Love, a world premiere performance in four sections inspired by the music of Alicia Keys, Dua Lipa, and Meshell Ndegeocello. Learn more about Chavez here.
World Premiere
Choreography: Tiffany Bong
It’s been more than five decades since the iconic television show “Soul Train” aired nationally in 1971. USC Assistant Professor Tiffany Bong pays tribute to the “the hippest trip in America,” a first of its kind musical variety show created by the legendary Don Cornelius that celebrated R&B, Soul, Funk, Pop, and Hip-Hop. Learn more about Bong here.
Visiting artists to USC Kaufman are supported in part through generous funding from The Choi Family Artists in Residence Fund. Additional support for visiting artists provided by Katherine and James Lau.
Tickets and schedule
USC Kaufman’s Return to The Wallis is presented in four performances only and takes place at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA. Tickets start at $25 and are now available for purchase at kaufman.usc.edu.
Friday, April 28, 2023, 7:30 PM
Saturday, April 29, 2023, 2:00 PM
Saturday, April 29, 2023, 7:30 PM
Sunday, April 30, 2023, 2:00 PM
Sunday Pay-What-You-Choose matinee performance
The USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance welcomes friends, partners, and the broader LA Dance Community for a special Pay-What-You-Choose “Community Day,” with a baseline price of $10. Sunday’s matinee presentation takes place at 2:00 PM. Tickets are available at kaufman.usc.edu.