Kaufman School of Dance Appoints New Vice Dean and Director
USC's Kaufman School of Dance announced Jodie Gates' appointment as vice dean and director Thursday.
Robert Cutietta, Dean of the Kaufman School of Dance, expressed enthusiasm about working with Gates.
"The three of us [Cutietta, Kaufman, and Gates] started working on a vision for a school of dance, and I realized Jodie and I had the same vision," said Cutietta.
"She is a great educator. But what really impressed me what that she's a visionary. She's very passionate about the future of dance and where dance is going and it just seemed like the perfect match."
Cutietta said Gates will be a beneficial addition to the school and has a "spectacular background in dance."
Gates was the principal ballerina for the Joffrey Ballet, Frankfurt Ballet and Pennsylvania Ballet, among others. Notable awards include honors from the American Association of University Women and American Ballet Theatre.
Cutietta and Gates said they have a specific vision for the future of the dance school that includes a unique, ballet-based curriculum. Other plans include a strong focus on careerism, especially in the field of choreography. The School of Cinematic Arts could also collaborate with the Kaufman School to help dance students share their work through multimedia.
The Kaufman School of Dance was established in 2012 by a gift from philanthropist Glorya Kaufman. The school will admit its first students in fall 2015.
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