Class Description:
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.
FOCO TECHNIQUE™ teaching is conducted in a follow-along method and the movement is closely aligned with the music. The instructor demonstrates sequences of movement based on the principles of FOCO while following a Three Stage structure:
- Activating - establishing the connections between mind and body
- Rooting - finding footing and building stability
- Mapping - understanding the transitions and pathways of movement phrases.
This streamlined method provides a scaffolding for developing precision, strength, stamina, and ability that promotes controlled, textured and nuanced movement qualities.
Grace Whitworth Bio:
Grace was born in Eastlake, Ohio. She grew up dancing at The Fine Arts Association and by senior year of high school was received 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 NYC in 2011 and began dancing for 3 companies, YYDC, LaneCoArts and ABARUKAS. During her 14years with YYDC, Grace has performed in the US and toured internationally to China, Germany, Italy, Brazil and Serbia. Grace is currently serving as Rehearsal Director and Stager of Yue Yin’s repertoire. She has restaged on Rutgers University, Joffrey school, George Mason University, Oregon Ballet Theater, San Francisco Dance Works and Houston Contemporary Dance Company to name a few.
Grace is also one of two master teachers certified to teach FoCo Technique™ created by Yue Yin. In the past, Grace has assisted Yue Yin in commissions for Bruce Wood Dance, Alberta Ballet, Boston Dance Theater, Ririe-Woodbury Dance Company, Dance Aspen, PA Ballet, Peridance, and BalletMet to name a few. At the collegiate level, Grace assisted Yue Yin during creation periods for Tisch NYU, Rutgers University, Barnard College, George Mason University, Western Michigan University, Arizona State University, Point Park University and most recently, Juilliard.