Glorya Kaufman: A Dance Legacy For Los Angeles

Philanthropist Glorya Kaufman, Champion of Arts and accessibility, Dies at 93

Los Angeles, CA – Glorya Kaufman, a prominent Los Angeles philanthropist whose dedication fueled the city’s vibrant arts scene and championed accessibility for individuals with disabilities, has died at the age of 93.Kaufman’s passing marks the end of an era for numerous cultural institutions and philanthropic endeavors she passionately supported.

Born in Detroit in 1930,Kaufman’s early life instilled in her a deep appreciation for both the performing arts and the importance of community engagement. her childhood memories of dancing and frequenting Detroit’s jazz clubs foreshadowed a lifelong commitment to music and movement. A personal challenge – being diagnosed with strabismus as a child – sparked a profound empathy and drive to support those facing disabilities,shaping a important aspect of her philanthropic work.

Kaufman’s influence expanded dramatically following her move to California in 1963 with her husband,Donald Bruce Kaufman,a co-founder of the homebuilding giant KB Home (originally Kaufman & Broad). The couple established themselves in Beverly Hills and later at a sprawling Brentwood ranch, Amber Hill, becoming integral figures in the region’s burgeoning social and economic landscape.Tragedy struck in 1983 with the untimely death of Donald and their son-in-law in a plane crash. In the wake of this profound loss, Kaufman channeled her grief into establishing the Glorya Kaufman Foundation, dedicating its initial project – the Donald Bruce Kaufman Brentwood Branch library – as a lasting tribute to her late husband’s love of reading.

However, Kaufman’s legacy extends far beyond libraries. She became a pivotal benefactor to numerous arts organizations,recognizing the transformative power of creative expression. Most recently, the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Centre at Vista Del Mar announced the launch of new programs including a choreography residency, a USC alumni residency, and a partnership with UniverSOUL Hip Hop, demonstrating her continued commitment to fostering new artistic voices.

Evergreen Insights: The Enduring Impact of Arts Philanthropy

Glorya Kaufman’s life exemplifies the critical role philanthropy plays in sustaining and expanding access to the arts. Her story underscores several key principles for effective cultural giving:

Long-Term Vision: Kaufman’s decades-long support of various organizations demonstrates the power of sustained investment in artistic endeavors. Consistent funding allows institutions to plan for the future, nurture talent, and develop innovative programs.
Accessibility as a core Value: Kaufman’s personal experience informed her dedication to inclusivity.Philanthropic efforts that prioritize accessibility – both physical and economic – ensure that the arts are truly for everyone.
Supporting Artistic Innovation: the new programs at the Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center highlight the importance of investing in emerging artists and experimental work.Residencies and partnerships provide crucial platforms for creative exploration.
The Ripple Effect of Loss: Kaufman’s transformation of grief into philanthropic action serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for personal tragedy to inspire positive change within a community.

Kaufman is survived by her four children,Curtis,Gayl,Laura and Stacie Lyn; 10 grandchildren; and 13 grate-grandchildren. Her legacy will continue to resonate through the institutions she supported and the countless individuals whose lives she touched.

How did Glorya Kaufman’s financial and administrative support contribute to the founding and establishment of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater?

The Founding of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Glorya Kaufman’s name is synonymous with dance in Los Angeles,but her impact extends far beyond the city limits. She is best known as a pivotal figure in the founding of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (AAADT) in 1958. While Alvin Ailey is the artistic visionary, Kaufman, alongside Charles Koch, provided the crucial financial backing and administrative support that allowed Ailey’s dream to become a reality. This wasn’t simply a philanthropic gesture; it was a belief in the power of dance to reflect and shape American culture.

Early Support: kaufman and Koch initially funded Ailey’s dance classes and workshops, recognizing his remarkable talent and the need for a company dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American dance heritage.

Establishing a Home: Their support extended to securing a permanent home for the AAADT, solidifying its position as a leading dance institution.

Beyond Funding: Kaufman’s involvement wasn’t limited to finances. She actively participated in the company’s early advancement, offering guidance and support to Ailey and his dancers.

Kaufman’s Commitment to Dance Education

Glorya Kaufman’s dedication to dance wasn’t solely focused on professional performance. She deeply believed in the transformative power of dance education, notably for underserved communities. This conviction led to her notable contributions to dance programs in Los Angeles public schools.

The glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Centre

The most visible manifestation of this commitment is the Glorya Kaufman Performing arts Center (GKPA) at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA). opened in 2010, the GKPA is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a world-class training environment for aspiring young dancers, actors, and musicians.

Facility Highlights: The GKPA boasts a 500-seat theater, multiple dance studios, music practice rooms, and a black box theater.

LACHSA’s Impact: LACHSA,and now the GKPA,provides a tuition-free arts education to talented students from across Los Angeles County,fostering the next generation of artists.

Accessibility: Kaufman’s vision ensured the center was designed to be accessible to all students, regardless of their background or financial situation.

Supporting Dance in Public Schools

Beyond LACHSA, Kaufman actively supported dance programs in numerous Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) schools. She understood that access to arts education could be life-changing for students, providing them with opportunities for self-expression, discipline, and creativity.

Funding for Programs: Kaufman provided financial support for dance teachers, equipment, and performance opportunities in LAUSD schools.

Advocacy for Arts Education: She was a vocal advocate for the importance of arts education, working to raise awareness and secure funding for these vital programs.

Community Outreach: Kaufman’s efforts extended to supporting community-based dance organizations that provided access to dance training for children and teens.

the Kaufman Family and Continued Philanthropy

Glorya Kaufman’s legacy continues through her family’s ongoing commitment to the arts. Her daughter, Paula Kaufman, and son-in-law, ron Simms, have carried on her philanthropic work, ensuring that her vision for a vibrant and accessible dance community in Los Angeles remains alive.

The Paula & Ron Simms/Glorya Kaufman Charitable Foundation

The foundation supports a wide range of arts and education initiatives, including:

Scholarships: Providing financial assistance to aspiring dancers and artists.

Grants: Supporting dance companies, schools, and organizations that promote arts education.

Programme Funding: Investing in innovative dance programs and initiatives.

Impact on Los Angeles Dance Scene

The kaufman family’s support has been instrumental in shaping the Los Angeles dance scene, fostering a thriving community of artists and audiences. Their contributions have helped to establish los Angeles as a major center for dance innovation and performance.

Kaufman’s influence on Modern Dance Technique

While not a choreographer herself,Glorya Kaufman’s support of Alvin Ailey directly impacted the evolution of modern dance. Ailey’s work,heavily influenced by his African American heritage,blended modern dance techniques with African and jazz elements,creating a unique and powerful style.

Ailey’s Signature Style: Ailey’s choreography often explored themes of racial injustice,spiritual longing,and the African American experience.

Preservation of African American Dance: The AAADT played a crucial role in preserving and celebrating African American dance traditions, ensuring their continued relevance and influence.

Global Reach: Through touring and outreach programs, Ailey’s work reached audiences around the world, introducing them to the richness and diversity of african American culture.

Recognizing glorya Kaufman’s Contributions

Numerous awards and honors have been bestowed upon Glorya Kaufman in recognition of her exceptional contributions to the arts.

National Medal of Arts: Awarded by the President of the United States, this is the nation’s highest honor for artistic excellence.

Lifetime Achievement Awards: Recognized by numerous dance organizations and institutions.

Naming of the GKPA: A lasting tribute to her commitment to dance education.

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