CYC/Cora Youth Company

About CYC/Cora Youth Company

 

CYC/Cora Youth Company Programs provide Cora’s most dedicated and talented students in grades 4–12 an opportunity to study dance more seriously by learning and performing a wide range of works by professional choreographers. Chosen through annual open auditions, CYC includes two tiers divided by age and ability:

  • CYC Tier 1 (Grades 4–10)

  • CYC Tier 2 (Grades 6–12)

CYC dancers perform both locally and on tour 5–18 times annually, depending on tier, and have worked with a diverse body of choreographers including Nikki Assanti, Jess Burgess, Xan Burley & Alex Springer, Sarah Eika Burke, Maxine Lyle, Nadia Tykulsker, and Keon Washington.

CYC student and family engagement goes far beyond that of a typical youth performing ensemble. Significant assistance with performing arts middle school, high school and college auditions and applications is provided to students along with one-on-one consulting sessions, group mentorship and training and access to partnerships with some of NYC’s top dance institutions to help families support students in carving out their personal path of dance study. CYC is a significant commitment, challenging dancers to develop character, self-reliance, empathy, and leaderships skills as well as dance ability.

 
 

Extension Programs & Touring Opportunities

CYC dancers travel! Sometimes just down the street, sometimes up and down the East Coast. In addition to 5–18 performances per year in local libraries, festivals, concerts and community celebrations, CYC annually attends BAX/Brooklyn Arts Exchange’s Teen Arts Conference, engaging and studying with performing arts groups from all over the city. Outside of NYC, CYC dancers have toured to colleges, studios, theaters and performing arts centers in NJ, VA, and WV.

 

Gallery photos by Chastity Cortijo, Shannon Hummel, Steve Pisano, Gaia Squarci, and Heather White.