Chautauqua Institution today announced spring residencies, including Yue Yin Dance Company (YYDC) and Gamelan Dharma Swara. YYDC is set to return to Chautauqua to perform a special preview performance of SOMEWHERE, choreographed by Artistic Director Yue Yin, at the Chautauqua Amphitheater on Thursday, May 23 at 4 p.m. In Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall on Tuesday, May 21 at 4 p.m., Gamelan Dharma Swara will unveil an exclusive preview world premiere of a new Dharma Swara commission; co-created by Artist-in-Residence Gusti Komin and choreographer Shoko Yamamuro. 

“Through our artist-in-residence program, we aim to provide a sanctuary for artists to create while offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage intimately with dancers and artistic directors. Witnessing the creations firsthand within our space is a one-of-a-kind experience,” shared Senior Vice President and Chief Program Officer Deborah Sunya Moore. “We are overjoyed to welcome back YYDC, and it is remarkable to see the program’s growth as we also welcome Gamelan Dharma Swara to Chautauqua.” 

YYDC Performs Special Preview Performance of SOMEWHERE 

YYDC returns to Chautauqua to offer an exclusive preview performance of SOMEWHERE, an evening-length dance piece that marks the second part of Yin’s planned trilogy. The trilogy commenced with NOWHERE, which was previewed at Chautauqua and performed at Chelsea Factory in NYC in 2023. This forthcoming work showcases Yin’s distinctive dance vocabulary and FoCo Technique™ — which focuses on generating, guiding, and transforming energy within bodies and space. 

YYDC is a New York City-based contemporary dance company dedicated to establishing and developing FoCo Technique into a globally recognized training method for professional dancers and dance practitioners. FoCo Technique is a fusion inspired by Chinese dance, folk, ballet, and contemporary dance movement and can be found in all YYDC’s original pieces produced, choreographed or commissioned. The company has presented works at dance festivals such as Central Park SummerStage, Jacob’s Pillow, Inside Out, and New York International Fringe Festival, and at venues such as Hanover International Choreographic Competition, BAM, Joyce Theater, Lincoln Center, New York Live Arts. 

Yin, an acclaimed performer, choreographer, and the founder/artistic director, holds degrees from the prestigious Shanghai Dance Academy and NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. In 2021, she was honored with the Harkness Promise Award for her groundbreaking contributions to choreography and education. Notable accolades include the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago International Commissioning Project, the BalletX Choreographic Fellowship, and Northwest Dance Project’s Pretty Creatives International Choreographic Competition. Yin’s remarkable achievements have led to commissions from renowned companies such as Gibney, Martha Graham Dance Company, Boston Ballet, solidifying her status as a distinguished figure in the dance world. 

Following the performance, join the YYDC for a four–course dinner and conversation with Artistic Director and Choreographer Yue Yin at the Athenaeum Hotel. 

$69 –Performance and Dinner 
$29 – Preview Performance Only 

For an additional fee of $69, you can “Dine with a Dancer” and learn more about the FoCo Technique and YYDC. 

Learn more about our performance and dinner packages. 

YYDC’s residency is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.      

Gamelan Dharma Swara Unveils Preview World Premiere 

Gamelan Dharma Swara will perform the Preview World Premiere of a commission co-created by Artist-in-Residence Gusti Komin and longtime dance teacher and choreographer Shoko Yamamuro. The commission breathes new life into the traditional welcome piece, commonly seen opening performances or events, and infusing it with a fresh perspective. Typically, such pieces are portrayed in the female style, focusing on reception, invitation, purification, and blessings. This pioneering endeavor transcends conventionality, as it explores the multifaceted identity of the group as New Yorkers practicing Balinese arts, viewed through the lens of expatriate artists.  

Gamelan Dharma Swara has delighted audiences with a dynamic repertoire that bridges centuries of tradition with contemporary flair for over three decades. Their spellbinding performances feature a fusion of iconic traditional pieces and daring new compositions, offering audiences a window into the vibrant tapestry of Balinese culture. Founded at the Indonesian Consulate of New York, the ensemble has evolved into one of the nation’s foremost cultural treasures, embodying a commitment to preserving and innovating within the rich tradition of Balinese performing arts. Performances have been featured at renowned NYC music venues, including (le) Poisson Rouge, Symphony Space, Joe’s Pub, Roulette, BAM, and cultural institutions such as MoMA and Asia Society. 

Gamelan Dharma Swara’s performance aims to offer a rich cultural tapestry that resonates deeply with audiences and promises to captivate with its thought-provoking themes. 

Following the performance, join Gamelan Dharma Swara and other attendees for a reception at the Strohl Art Center, featuring an assortment of hors d’oeuvres and refreshments available for purchase. 

$49 – Performance at Elizabeth S. Lenna Hall and reception at Strohl Art Center 

Learn more and reserve your seats today. 

ABOUT CHAUTAUQUA ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE 
CHQ AIR is an initiative that provides incubating space for artists to explore their work, nurture new mediums and hone their craft utilizing our world-class galleries, studios and stages. Year-round, we offer artists with diverse backgrounds the opportunity to join us for a two – four-week residency (on-site housing and research support provided) at our historic 750-acre lakeside Institution situated in the bucolic landscape of western New York State. Rental opportunities are also available. Learn more about CHQ AIR.  

ABOUT CHAUTAUQUA INSTITUTION 
Chautauqua Institution is a not-for-profit, 750-acre community on Chautauqua Lake in southwestern New York State where approximately 7,500 people are in residence on any day during a nine-week summer season. More than 100,000 attend scheduled public events each year and even more engage online via the streaming channel CHQ Assembly. Chautauqua is dedicated to the exploration of the best in human values and the enrichment of life through a program that explores the important religious, social and political issues of our times; stimulates provocative, thoughtful involvement of individuals and families in creative response to such issues; and promotes excellence and creativity in the appreciation, performance and teaching of the arts. The Institution celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2024. 

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