CDB CYC/Cora Youth Company
Images from CDB CYC rehearsals and performances by Steven Pisano and CDB staff. 2024 - 2025 Cora Youth Company Hip Hop Dancers include Iris, Kioni, Luna, Madison, Marlowe, Talia, and Ziara under the direction of Keon Washington. 2024 - 2025 Cora Youth Company Modern Dancers include Addie, Iris, Kioni, Luna, Marlowe, Talia, and Ziara under the direction of Nikki Assanti.
CDB 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 by invitation and open auditions, CYC includes two tiers divided by age and ability.
CYC dancers perform both locally and on tour annually, 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 leadership 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 annual performances in local libraries, festivals, concerts, and community celebrations, CYC often 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. CDB Junior Apprentice dancers will be touring to Appomattox Regional Governors School in Petersburg, VA this spring!
Gallery photos by Chastity Cortijo, Shannon Hummel, Steve Pisano, Gaia Squarci, and Heather White.