The Simms/Mann Family Foundation Endowed Dance Scholarship
In 2016, the Simms/Mann Family Foundation established the Simms/Mann Family Foundation Endowed Dance Scholarship. This scholarship provides support to USC Kaufman students entering their third year of the BFA Program. Preference will be given to students with an interest in dance therapy and/or dance education for youth, but others will be eligible.
Current Recipient:
Charizma Lawrence: Charizma is a third year student from Atlanta, GA. She started dancing at 3 years old when her older brother brought it into her life. Inspired by his resilience and persistence, Charizma is pursuing her passion for dance. Having trained in ballet, tap, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, and acrobatics, she hopes to use her knowledge and love of dance for a career in physical therapy for dancers.
Past Recipients:
Satori Folkes-Stone: Folkes-Stone discovered her love for teaching while at USC Kaufman. She also developed her choreographic voice extensively through her senior project and other works. After working with young students in China, she hopes to continue teaching nationally and internationally. Currently, Folkes-Stone is in New York, performing in the 2020 Broadway revival of West Side Story. Throughout her career, Folkes-Stone will also continue developing dance work that focuses on black narratives, black female narratives and black catharsis.
Aurora Vaughn: Aurora is a Junior from Red Wood City, CA. She trained at Bay Area Dance School in Los Altos, CA. She was mentored by Leila Boissonnade from the time she was a toddler. Vaughn wants to cultivate the idea that dance is not only an activity, but it is also a lifestyle.
In addition to the Simms/Mann Family Foundation Endowed Dance Scholarship, the Simms/Mann Family Foundation also serves as a member of USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance’s “Founder’s Circle,” which creates a legacy of support for dancers, choreographers and dance leaders at the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance.