USC Kaufman School of Dance and Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center
Located on the University of Southern California’s University Park Campus in Los Angeles, the Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center is home to the USC Kaufman School of Dance. It is a center for contemporary dance education, artistic innovation, performances, workshops, and community engagement. Its facilities and programs bring together conservatory training, academic study, and public events. The center has been described as the largest dedicated dance building at a private U.S. university.
The school’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). Its Los Angeles location also connects students with professional opportunities and partnerships, including Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, the USC Thornton School of Music, and the USC School of Cinematic Arts (USC Catalogue).
History
The USC Kaufman School of Dance was founded in 2012 through a landmark gift from philanthropist Glorya Kaufman. It offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Dance, combining conservatory training with rigorous academics. The program has been described as supported by a $46 million, 54,000-square-foot facility (USC Kaufman website).
The Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center was founded in 2015 with a vision of bridging classical dance traditions and contemporary innovation. It has been described as opening in 2015 and also as opening in 2016; the building was designed by Pfeiffer Partners and completed in 2016. As the architectural heart of the school, it advances “The New Movement” philosophy through interdisciplinary study and technology (USC Catalogue).
The three-story center’s design includes Roman brickwork, Gothic-style windows, Italian tile roofs, and a monumental staircase in its light-filled lobby (MATT Construction, Buro Happold). The building has received the 2017 Westside Urban Forum Citation Award and the SCDF Design Award for Educational Facilities.
What to see and do
The 55,000-square-foot center includes:
- Six state-of-the-art studios, including a 3,500-sq-ft performance studio with sprung floors
- A black box studio theater
- Four classrooms and collaborative workspaces
- Faculty offices and performer support areas
- A landscaped outdoor courtyard
The center also has a grand, light-filled lobby. Suggested photo spots include the lobby and monumental staircase, the outdoor courtyard and landscaped areas, and the exterior Roman brickwork and Gothic windows. Photography is permitted only in designated or common areas, not during classes or performances.
USC Kaufman presents annual dance performances featuring student choreography and guest artists, along with workshops and master classes open to the public on select dates. Lectures and panel discussions feature guest artists and faculty, and community engagement includes outreach programs and collaborations with arts organizations across Los Angeles. Event updates are available through USC Kaufman News.
The BFA curriculum integrates classical ballet, modern, hip-hop, ballroom, and global dance forms with interdisciplinary collaboration and creative innovation (USC Catalogue). The school also emphasizes technical excellence, creativity, and versatility across ballet, contemporary, hip-hop, African, Bollywood, and ballroom, and is committed to diversity and inclusivity in recruiting students from a range of backgrounds (USC Catalogue; USC Kaufman FAQ).
Graduates have joined 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 including Beyoncé and Shakira. USC Kaufman alumni have received Bessie Award nominations and Princess Grace Awards, and have launched ventures in choreography, dance education, and technology (Kaufman10th.com).
Practical visiting information
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 is primarily during scheduled performances, workshops, and events. For current visiting hours, check the USC Kaufman Events Calendar.
Tickets: Tickets are required for most performances and are available through the USC Kaufman events page and the USC Ticket Office. Prices vary by event; some events are free or discounted for students and seniors. Some events may be free with registration. Tickets may be purchased online or at the box office (USC Kaufman Performances).
Tours: Guided tours are available by appointment, particularly for prospective students and dance professionals, and during select events. Contact the USC Kaufman admissions office or the administrative office, or check the website for availability.
Accessibility and amenities: The center is ADA-compliant, with ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and designated seating. Accessible facilities are available throughout the building.
Parking and transit: Visitor parking is available in nearby campus structures. Parking can be limited, so public transportation is recommended. The center is accessible via the Metro Expo Line and several bus routes.
Photography: Photography is allowed in designated common areas but not during classes or performances.
Tips for visitors
Plan ahead and check event schedules and ticket availability on the USC Kaufman website. Public access is mainly connected to scheduled events, performances, workshops, and tours.
Nearby places
Visitors can explore other USC arts schools and the USC Fisher Museum of Art. Downtown Los Angeles cultural sites mentioned for visitors include The Music Center and LACMA.
Frequently asked questions
Can the public visit the Dance Center?
Yes. Public visits are primarily during performances and 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. Tours are also offered during select events.
How do I purchase tickets?
Tickets are available online through the USC Kaufman events page and the USC Ticket Office.
Is the facility accessible?
Yes. The building is ADA-compliant.
Can I take photos?
Photography is allowed in designated common areas and is not permitted during classes or performances.
