Saturday, January 24th & Sunday, January 25th
11 AM to 5 PM
We will begin each day with a full length FOCO TECHNIQUE™ class. FOCO TECHNIQUE™ is an original and evolving dance vocabulary created by choreographer and artistic director of YYDC, Yue Yin. Echoing her choreographic voice, FOCO TECHNIQUE™ is a unique contemporary form of dance movement rooted in Chinese classical and folk dance melded with the complex and diverse influences of the immigrant experience. The form grows from Yin’s own blended international background and a deep appreciation for precision, contrast, fluidity and musicality. This streamlined method provides a scaffolding for developing precision, strength, stamina, and ability that promotes controlled, textured and nuanced movement qualities.
Following the technique class, students will study an excerpt from YYDC’s most recent premiere ELSEWHERE, a visceral, dynamic and complex full length ensemble dance work. The process will mirror the company function to offer an experience of working with the company by discovering and exploring, building physical and mental stamina and strength, expanding personal boundaries, taking artistic risks in an open, safe and encouraging environment.
This intensive is open to dancers 18 years old and above who have foundational to advanced physical movement knowledge and have had previous experiences learning choreographic sequences.
Nat Wilson (they/he) is a Brooklyn-based dancer, choreographer, and teacher. At age 16 they moved to New York City to study ballet, later joining the Joffrey Ballet Studio Company. In 2016, they joined Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company, giving them the opportunity to perform and teach around the world, including China, Peru, South Korea, and India. In January of 2020 they moved to New York City to pursue a freelance career, having since worked professionally in both New York and Los Angeles, performing with YYDC, kNoname Artist/Roderick George, Boca Tuya, and ate9 Dance Company, as well as creating their own work. They are one of only three instructors certified to teach Yue Yin’s FoCo Technique™ and have taught workshops in Peru, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco, as well as ongoing classes in New York. They are always happy to connect through Instagram via the handle @natattax
Grace Whitworth (she/her) was born near Cleveland, Ohio. She grew up dancing at The Fine Arts Association (FAA) and was honored to receive the Outstanding Senior Award with a scholarship to attend the conservatory of her choice. Grace attended Point Park University in Pittsburgh, PA and earned a BA in Ballet and Jazz studies. She was a proud recipient of the Nicole Marie Falbo Memorial Scholarship. After graduating, Grace moved to Chicago, IL and danced on scholarship at Lou Conte Dance Studio, (home of Hubbard Street Dance Chicago). Grace moved to New York City in 2011 and began dancing for YYDC, LaneCoArts and ABARUKAS. During her time with YYDC, Grace has performed in the US and toured internationally to China, Germany, Italy, Serbia and Brazil. Grace is currently serving as dancer, rehearsal director, stager of Yin’s works as well as certified FoCo Technique ™ instructor. In the past, Grace has assisted Yin in commissions for Bruce Wood Dance in Texas, Alberta Ballet in Canada, Boston Dance Theater, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company in Salt Lake City, PA Ballet, BalletMet Limón Dance Company, to name a few. At the collegiate level, Grace assisted Yin during creation for Tisch NYU, Rutgers University, Barnard College, George Mason University, Juilliard, Point Park University. Grace restaged repertory to companies like ParaMar, Houston Contemporary, San Fransisco Dance Works, Oregon Ballet Theatre, The Joffrey School, Dance Town Miami. Most recent commissions for teaching repertory took place at Harvard and Springfield College.
She performed with Chicago based companies such as Winifred Haun and Dancers, Jaxon Movement Arts and Thodos Dance Chicago (New Dances). Grace performed in many Chicago festivals, including, Dance Chance (Eduardo Zuniga, former Luna Negra dancer), Dance Chance Redux (Autumn Eckman, former Hubbard Street Dance Chicago dancer), and grand-prize winner of The Joyce Soho A.W.A.R.D. show with Jaxon Movement Arts.
New York City performances include DanceNOW at Joe’s Pub, Dixon Place, IDACO, Offset Dance Fest, Pan-Asian Dance Festival, APAP at Peridance, 92nd Street Y and City Center, Kaatsbaan International Dance Festival, SummerStage, Jacob’s Pillow, FLICfest, Fringe Festival, Battery Dance Festival. Grace’s last performances were abroad in Italy at Orsolina 28 performing Elsewhere (excerpt) and Through the Fracture of Light and Florence, Italy performing Ripple and Through the Fracture of Light. Grace is enjoying the dance journey that YYDC has sourced for her. Sharing the joy and love of dance!
Pricing: $200
This workshop is an open enrollment. First come first serve until the space is full. Please include your name and email when making a payment.
Dancers must take part in the full weekend. Drop Ins or Day Rates will not be available.
Cancellation Policy: Students who cancel more than 24 hours before the first day of the workshop start time will be refunded the full amount ($200). Students who do not show up or cancel less than 24 hours before the workshop begins will be not be refunded.
If you have any questions, reach out to graziella@yydc.org
