Jordan Johnson '19 works on a new piece for USC Kaufman BFA students. Photo by Justin Epstein

Johnson becomes the latest Kaufman alum to receive one of dance’s most distinguished emerging artist awards.

By USC Kaufman Communications

The Princess Grace Foundation today announced the 2026 recipients of the Princess Grace Award, among them Jordan Johnson, honored in choreography and a graduate of USC Kaufman’s inaugural Class of 2019.

“We are proud and excited to welcome the 2026 Princess Grace Award winners and Honoraria recipients,” said Diana Kemppainen, president of the Princess Grace Foundation-USA, in a statement. “It is a genuine privilege to identify extraordinary talent early in an artist’s career, welcome them into the Princess Grace Awards community and be part of their artistic journey. Our deepest thanks to the Arts Advisory Council and panelists for their thoughtful guidance in the selection process.”

Johnson is one half of the Los Angeles-based creative duo JA Collective, co-founded with fellow USC Kaufman alum and Class of 2019 cohort member Aidan Carberry, whose collaborative work has drawn growing attention in contemporary dance, commercial film, and television. Major projects include the choreography for a Belvedere Vodka commercial featuring Future, premiering in 2024, and the movement design for Frank Ocean’s 2023 Coachella set.

Johnson is the third USC Kaufman alumnus to receive a Princess Grace Award, following Jake Tribus ’20 and, more recently, William Okajima ’24. This year’s honorees also include India Hobbs, a dancer with Gallim Dance. Winners receive a $15,000 unrestricted cash grant and will be celebrated at the Princess Grace Awards Gala on Jan. 30, presided over by Prince Albert II of Monaco.

“We are thrilled for Jordan,” said Julia M. Ritter, dean of USC Kaufman. “This speaks to his talent and creativity, alongside Aidan, and all their work together as JA Collective. It’s also so special for us at Kaufman, as we now have among us three Princess Grace Award recipients. Given that we’re only ten years into our history, it’s an amazing accomplishment and testament to our faculty, staff, and everyone who contributes to life here at Kaufman.”