A special message from our Artistic Director:

 

I was never meant to be a dancer. I did not have the body, the facility, or the fancy conservatory training. At first, I didn’t even have the knowledge to know what I didn’t know. 

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But for years I worked, driven by dreams, inspiration, and the confidence that I have a voice to contribute something unique to this art form. I studied voraciously and worked incessantly, creating a path for myself in the choreography world, and I was gifted with many incredible mentors along the way.

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Now, against all the odds, in the last year alone my choreographic work has been recognized by the likes of Jacob’s Pillow as a Choreography Fellow, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts led by Susan Jaffe as a resident choreographer, Columbia University where I created works alongside Silas Farley of NYCB and Zhongjing Fang of ABT, and many other prestigious dance organizations in New York City. I am even now being mentored by New York City Ballet Principal Dancer and Choreographer Lauren Lovette to refine my craft. Next year, the ballet company I founded as a starry-eyed 19-year-old celebrates its 10-year anniversary. 

 

This spring, I am working with 11 truly incredible dancers to present a full evening that is the culmination of my choreographic journey. We are working tirelessly to show what strong, modern women are capable of when the world says “no thank you”  ­-- a true, new, and wonderful direction for ballet in the 21st Century. 

 

I ask now that you support women who have a dream and the gumption to make it happen. We are putting in the hours, the exhaustion, and the passion. Please help us bring it to life by donating, and by joining us at “XAOC BALLET: Choreography Up Close, Volume II” at New York City Center on April 7. 

 

You can donate at our GoFundMe here:

 https://www.gofundme.com/xaoc-ballet-choreography-up-close-vol-ii 

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Tickets available here: 

https://www.xaocballet.com/choreography-up-close

 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support of my work and of the incredible artists I work with, and we hope to see you on April 7!

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With love,

Eryn Renee Young

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March 3, 2019