My name is Roxanne Young, a nomad now based in Brooklyn, NY. I am an African American, Puerto Rican dance artist working in the field for 13 years. My practice is a hybrid of modern dance, contemporary, dance theater, and improvisational work. Embracing a spectrum of emotional depth, I work from the inside out, referencing my own internal world and allowing that to fuel my embodied performances. Through the process of dance making and performing, I connect to my own body, but able to be uncovered through my craft that allows for a safe terrain to break generational curses. Through movement, I weave narratives that resonate with the complexities of human experience, exploring themes of resilience, vulnerability, and healing.

 

 For example, in the work "El Ciclon", which was co-produced by Yara Travieso and National YoungArts in 2018, I had to tap into my personal experiences and childhood traumas to bring the protagonist character Ava to life. Dance becomes my voice, allowing me to express emotions and stories that often remain unspoken.

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My work is not just a personal exploration; it's a reflection of my community's shared struggles and triumphs. I strive to create performances that invite dialogue, encouraging audiences to connect with their own experiences and those of others. By bringing these stories to the stage, I aim to foster empathy and understanding, creating a space where diverse voices can be heard and celebrated.

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Dance has been a powerful tool for healing in my own life, enabling me to confront and transform trauma into art. I believe in the purifying power of movement, both for myself and for those who participate in my work.

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My goal is to inspire others to find their own pathways of expression through any and all forms of art, turning personal pain into a collective healing. In this way, I hope to create a legacy of empowerment and connection, using the art of storytelling to uplift and transform lives.