On Thursday, October 16, the dance community gathered to celebrate Glorya Kaufman, one of Los Angeles’ most influential arts benefactors, with the launch of City of Angels / City of Lights — a two-year collaboration between USC’s Glorya Kaufman School of Dance and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSMDP). The initiative marks a major milestone in USC Kaufman’s 10th anniversary year and signals a deepening of artistic exchange between Los Angeles and Paris.
Julia M. Ritter (with mike) and Jackie Kopcsak – Photo by Michael Baker.
The evening opened with remarks from USC Kaufman Dean Julia M. Ritter, who acknowledged the collective effort behind the program’s creation, giving particular credit to Jackie Kopcsak, Assistant Dean of Programming and Special Projects. Ritter praised Kopcsak’s vision and persistence in cultivating a partnership that connects students and artists across two global dance capitals.
Students of USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance – “City of Angles/City of Lights” – Photo by Michael Baker.
At the center of the collaboration are two acclaimed French choreographers, each bringing distinct perspectives and movement vocabularies. Bintou Dembélé, founder of Rualité and a leading voice in French hip-hop and contemporary dance, is developing a new hybrid work created specifically for USC Kaufman students. Known for her genre-defying approach to choreography for stage, film, and opera, Dembélé’s work often bridges social commentary with powerful physical expression.
USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance – “City of Angles/City of Lights” – (L-R) Leïla Ka, Bintou Dembélé – Photo by Michael Baker.
Leïla Ka, whose background also began in urban dance, has emerged as a choreographer recognized for her theatrical intensity and visceral storytelling. Her 2020 duet C’est toi qu’on adore (It’s You We Adore) examines the balance between individuality and belonging. For City of Angels / City of Lights, Ka is reimagining the work for a larger cast of students from both USC Kaufman and CNSMDP, expanding its emotional and spatial scope.
Students of USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance – “City of Angles/City of Lights” – Photo by Michael Baker.
The evening included a taste of each endeavor that helped intensify the curiosity to see the finished pieces. In addition, there was a bi-lingual (French and English) post-rehearsal panel discussion moderated by the articulate Muriel Maffre—former principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet, former CEO of LINES Ballet, and now Director of Dance at the Paris Conservatory. The discussion explored how cultural identity, technique, and collaboration can challenge and redefine artistic boundaries in contemporary dance.
USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance – “City of Angles/City of Lights” – (L-R) Unknown, Leïla Ka, Bintou Dembélé, Muriel Maffre – Photo by Michael Baker.
Presented by USC Visions and Voices and the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, with support from Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, the event offered a vibrant preview of a project that promises to unite two cities through a shared language of movement.
“This is yet another step forward in our commitment to collaboration, creativity, and community,” said Dean Ritter. “It’s a celebration of what dance can achieve when cultures meet and artists connect.”
For more information about the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance, please visit their website.
Written by Joanne DiVito for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: Students of USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance – “City of Angles/City of Lights” – Photo by Michael Baker.
