Usc Kaufman School Of Dance

USC Kaufman School of Dance Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Los Angeles Historical Sites Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: The Significance of USC Kaufman School of Dance in Los Angeles

Situated in the heart of Los Angeles, the USC Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center is a renowned hub for contemporary dance education, artistic innovation, and cultural engagement. Since opening in 2015, this state-of-the-art facility has become home to the USC Kaufman School of Dance, offering transformative conservatory training alongside the academic excellence of the University of Southern California. As the largest dedicated dance building at any private U.S. university, the center serves not only students and faculty but also the greater community through public performances, workshops, and special events. Visitors are welcomed into an immersive experience that celebrates the evolution of dance.

The center’s striking architectural design—featuring Roman brick façades, Gothic-style windows, and a grand, light-filled lobby—mirrors the school’s philosophy of blending classical tradition with contemporary creativity. Inside, multiple professional-grade studios, a black box theater, and collaborative spaces foster interdisciplinary exploration and artistic growth.

This detailed guide offers everything you need to know for your visit: from hours and ticketing to accessibility, guided tours, nearby attractions, and insider tips. Whether you’re a dance enthusiast, a prospective student, or a cultural explorer, the USC Kaufman School of Dance and its Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center provide an inspiring Los Angeles destination. For the latest updates, always refer to the official USC Kaufman website.

Discover the USC Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center
Visiting Hours and Location
Tickets and Admission
Accessibility and Visitor Amenities
Special Events and Public Programs
Tips for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About USC Kaufman School of Dance
The Significance of USC Kaufman School of Dance
Impact on the Dance Community
Notable Alumni Achievements
Awards and Entrepreneurship
Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center: History and Vision
Architectural Design and Facilities
Dance Programs and Curriculum
Visiting Hours, Tours, and Tickets
Visitor Amenities and Tips
Recommended Photo Spots
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Plan Your Visit
References

Discover the USC Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center

Located on the USC campus in Los Angeles, the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center is a premier destination for dance lovers and visitors interested in innovative performing arts. Since opening in 2016, the center has housed the USC Kaufman School of Dance, presenting groundbreaking performances, master classes, and public events. Its unique blend of cutting-edge facilities and vibrant artistic community make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Los Angeles’ cultural scene.

Visiting Hours and Location

Address: 849/855 West 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90089
Campus: University Park Campus, University of Southern California

General Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (hours may vary during academic breaks and special events)
Public Access: Primarily during scheduled performances, workshops, and events. For the most current visiting hours, check the USC Kaufman Events Calendar or contact the center directly.

Tickets and Admission

Public entry to the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center is offered mainly through scheduled performances, workshops, and special events.

Performance Tickets: Available for purchase via the USC Kaufman events page and USC Ticket Office. Prices vary by event, with some free or discounted for students and seniors.
Tours: Guided tours are available by appointment, especially for prospective students and dance professionals. Contact the USC Kaufman admissions office for details.

Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Accessibility: The center is ADA-compliant, featuring ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and designated seating.
Parking: Visitor parking is available in nearby campus structures. Public transportation is recommended due to limited parking; the center is accessible via the Metro Expo Line and several bus routes.
Restrooms & Seating: Accessible facilities are available throughout the building.
Photography: Permitted in designated areas, but not during classes or performances.

Special Events and Public Programs

USC Kaufman regularly hosts a variety of public events:

Annual Dance Performances: Showcasing student choreography and guest artists.
Workshops & Master Classes: Open to the public on select dates.
Lectures & Panel Discussions: Featuring guest artists and faculty.
Community Engagement: Outreach programs and collaborations with arts organizations across Los Angeles.

Stay up-to-date on upcoming events via the USC Kaufman News page.

Tips for Visitors

Plan Ahead: Check event schedules and ticket availability on the USC Kaufman website.
Nearby Attractions: Explore other USC arts schools, the USC Fisher Museum of Art, and downtown LA cultural sites such as The Music Center and LACMA.
Public Transit: Highly recommended, as campus parking can be limited. The Metro Expo Line and bus routes offer easy access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can the public visit the Dance Center?
Yes, during public performances, special events, or by appointment for guided tours.

Are tours available?
Guided tours can be scheduled by appointment, particularly for prospective students and dance professionals.

How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available online via the USC Kaufman events page and USC Ticket Office.

Is the facility accessible?
Yes, the building is fully ADA-compliant.

Can I take photos?
Photography is allowed in designated common areas; it is prohibited during classes and performances.

About USC Kaufman School of Dance

Founded in 2012 through a landmark gift from philanthropist Glorya Kaufman, the USC Kaufman School of Dance offers a pioneering Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance. The program uniquely merges conservatory training with rigorous academics, supported by a $46 million, 54,000-square-foot facility designed for innovation and collaboration (USC Kaufman website).

The Significance of USC Kaufman School of Dance

A Transformative Force in Dance Education

USC Kaufman’s “New Movement” philosophy blends classical genres with contemporary styles and technology, fostering hybrid art forms that reflect the evolution of 21st-century dance (USC Catalogue).

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The center boasts six world-class studios, a black box theater, collaborative spaces, and a grand lobby, making it the largest dedicated dance building at a private U.S. university (USC Catalogue).

Interdisciplinary and Global Reach

Located in Los Angeles, USC Kaufman provides access to professional opportunities and partnerships with renowned institutions such as Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the USC Thornton School of Music, and the USC School of Cinematic Arts (USC Catalogue).

Impact on the Dance Community

USC Kaufman emphasizes technical excellence, creativity, and versatility across styles including ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, African, Bollywood, and ballroom (USC Catalogue). The school is committed to diversity and inclusivity, recruiting students from a range of backgrounds (USC Kaufman FAQ).

Notable Alumni Achievements

Graduates have joined companies like Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Ballet Hispánico, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and The Joffrey Ballet (USC Kaufman Alumni). Alumni have also performed on Broadway and worked with international artists such as Beyoncé and Shakira.

Awards and Entrepreneurship

USC Kaufman alumni have received Bessie Award nominations, Princess Grace Awards, and launched innovative ventures in choreography, dance education, and technology (Kaufman10th.com).

Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center: History and Vision

Founded in 2015, the Center represents a vision to bridge classical dance traditions with contemporary innovation. As the architectural heart of the school, it advances “The New Movement” philosophy, integrating interdisciplinary study and technology (USC Catalogue).

Architectural Design and Facilities

Designed by Pfeiffer Partners and completed in 2016, the three-story center features Roman brickwork, Gothic-style windows, Italian tile roofs, and a monumental staircase in its light-filled lobby (MATT Construction, Buro Happold). The 55,000-square-foot facility includes:

Six state-of-the-art studios (including a 3,500-sq-ft performance studio with sprung floors)
Black box studio theater
Four classrooms and collaborative workspaces
Faculty offices and performer support areas
Landscaped outdoor courtyard

The building has earned awards such as the 2017 Westside Urban Forum Citation Award and the SCDF Design Award for Educational Facilities.

Dance Programs and Curriculum

USC Kaufman offers a BFA in Dance, integrating classical ballet, modern, hip-hop, ballroom, and global dance forms with interdisciplinary collaboration and creative innovation (USC Catalogue).

Visiting Hours, Tours, and Tickets

Visiting Hours: Open during scheduled public events and performances. For current details, see the USC Kaufman Events Calendar.
Guided Tours: Offered by appointment and during select events; contact the administrative office or check the website for availability.
Tickets: Required for most performances; purchase online or at the box office. Some events may be free with registration (USC Kaufman Performances).

Visitor Amenities and Tips

Accessibility: Fully ADA-compliant.
Parking: Use campus parking structures or public transit.
Photography: Allowed in common areas; restricted during performances.
Nearby Sites: Explore the USC Fisher Museum of Art and downtown LA landmarks.

Recommended Photo Spots

The grand lobby and monumental staircase
Outdoor courtyard and landscaped areas
The exterior’s Roman brickwork and Gothic windows

Plan Your Visit

Experience the energy and creativity of USC Kaufman by attending a performance, joining a tour, or exploring its award-winning architecture. For the latest hours, ticketing, and event information, visit the USC Kaufman School of Dance website.