USC Kaufman Connections: PUSD Collaborative Dance Intensive

USC Kaufman Connections: PUSD Collaborative Dance Intensive

Current Project




SUMMARY

USC Kaufman Connections: PUSD Collaborative Dance Intensive is a faculty- and student-led program that expands access to high-quality dance education for 100 sixth- through twelfth-grade students from four Pasadena Unified School District Title I schools. The collaboration grew out of USC Kaufman’s response to the January 2025 Altadena fires, which displaced students, damaged school communities, and disrupted PUSD’s dance programs.

Through an intensive led by USC Kaufman faculty, alumni, teaching artists, and BFA students, participants will take classes in Vernacular Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary Dance, and Musical Theater while working together to create original choreography. The program will culminate in a performance at Pasadena High School’s Spring Dance Festival. By strengthening this partnership, USC Kaufman and PUSD aim to establish a long-term pathway connecting local students with future educational and professional opportunities in the arts.


PROJECT OBJECTIVES

  • Expand access to high-quality dance education for students from diverse and economically disadvantaged PUSD communities.
  • Provide a supportive creative outlet for students and school communities continuing to recover from the Altadena fires.
  • Introduce participants to Vernacular Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary Dance, and Musical Theater through classes led by accomplished dance educators and artists.
  • Engage students in a collaborative choreographic process that builds confidence, creativity, teamwork, and artistic expression.
  • Create teaching and mentorship opportunities for USC Kaufman BFA students under the guidance of faculty, alumni, and professional teaching artists.
  • Offer PUSD students meaningful exposure to collegiate dance training, facilities, artists, and potential careers in the arts.
  • Share students’ learning and original choreography through a culminating Spring Dance Festival performance.
  • Build a sustainable partnership and educational pipeline between USC Kaufman and PUSD.

SCHOOLS

PARTNERS