Update on YAGP International Contemporary Youth Ensemble

YAGP & ICE (International Contemporary Youth Ensemble)

YAGP 25th Anniversary Season

Dear Friends,

We are writing with an important update on the YAGP International Contemporary Youth Ensemble (ICE).

Due to the devastating events in the Middle East, the ICE contemporary dance workshop has been moved to New York City - to take place on the same dates as planned, November 16-20, 2023. Rather than cancel the workshop, we felt it was more important than ever to find an alternative arrangement; art has the power to heal, and we are grateful to all who have helped facilitate the move so quickly.

Please also note that because of this, the application deadline has now been extended to Monday, October 23rd - interested dancers should complete the application form linked HERE.

For complete program details, please read the below information, and follow ICE on Instagram.

After a successful debut of ICE (International Contemporary Ensemble) in the 2023 season, YAGP and ICE are thrilled to partner again and announce the artistic program for the YAGP 25^th Anniversary season. This year, ICE dancers will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn and perform works by some of the world’s leading contemporary choreographers: Ohad Naharin’s Ehad Mi Yodea, Shahar Binyamini’s Bolero X, and Mats Ek’s iconic Swan Lake.

Ohad Naharin

Mats Ek

Shahar Binyamini

ICE is a unique program designed to give young dancers an opportunity to have a full-immersion experience of working in a professional contemporary dance company – including casting, rehearsals, being part of the choreographic process, travel, and performances.

This year’s ICE tour will begin with a workshop in New York City (new location) on November 16- 20, 2023. During the workshop, ICE members will be cast in one or more pieces to be performed during the YAGP 25^thAnniversary Gala Tour, which will include: Lincoln Center (NYC) on April 19, 2024; the Nervi Festival (Italy) in early July 2024, and potentially one additional European dance / music festival during the summer of 2024.

Each performance will be preceded by 3-5 days of on-site rehearsals and staging. Cast members will also have online rehearsal sessions between the pre-performance workshops.

To see videos of this season’s repertoire, visit the ICE page on Instagram, and click here for a preview:

ICE (International Contemporary Ensemble)

2023-2024 Season Registration information

Eligibility: Acceptance to ICE is by invitation or audition only, for dancers ages 13-19. The program is open, without audition, to 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd Place winners in the Contemporary Dance category at any of the YAGP 2022-2023 Season semi-finals in the U.S. and worldwide.

Applications: Interested dancers must complete the application form linked HERE by Monday, October 23rd (deadline extended).

Cost: The registration fee for participating in ICE is $650 USD. Dancers will be responsible for their individual travel and accommodations for the workshops and performances for which they may be selected. Scholarships and need-based financial aid may be available upon request.

Workshop schedule (Nov. 16-20, 2023): The workshop schedule will include daily ballet and Gaga classes, followed by 3-6 hours of repertoire rehearsals with the choreographers / ballet masters. Pre-gala workshops will also include classes and rehearsals at the performance location.

For inquiries, e-mail dance@icensemble.org or WhatsApp +41 79 203 7549.

We look forward to sharing this inspiring journey with you!

With warm regards,

Larissa Saveliev

Founder and Artistic Director, YAGP

Lea Yanai

Artistic Director and Manager, ICE