YoungArts Reception for Yusha-Marie Sorzano
National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts) invited supporters for a reception, open studio and lunch in celebration of the 2019 Dance-Artist-in-Residence Yusha-Marie Sorzano (2000 YoungArts Winner in Dance) in the YoungArts Jewel Box. Following an intimate reception, guests had the opportunity to experience a glimpse into the creative process of Sorzano and fellow dancers Natalie McCall and Marcus Jarrell Willis (2003 YoungArts Winner in Dance), and get a sneak peek at three contemporary dance pieces still in development.
Sorzano’s residency focuses on the creation of a work in progress titled THREAT, in which the artist investigates emotional coping mechanisms associated with change and the often rebellious actions it can instigate. THREAT draws on samples of protest songs throughout history, pulls from the rhythms of Sorzano’s native Trinidad, and – informed by her experiences as a classical concert choreographer and performer – reveals a fundamental paradox of the human condition: we are as terrified of change as we are of staying the same.
Inspired by Sorzano’s powerful insights and movements, guests were invited to join the artists for a three course lunch. YoungArts Vice President of Development Stacey Glassman Mizener welcomed guests and shared the floor with Sorzano for a conversation about YoungArts, the Dance Residency and the artist’s process.
Notable attendees included Angela Birdman, Adrienne bon Haes, Stacey Galbut, Alexis Havenick, Marcia Martinez Las, Spring McManus, Kristen Scorza, Remi Roberts, Octavia Yearwood, and Luis Olarte and Christian Wardle of Harry Winston, among others.
