joined The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory (H+) and has been training in Hip-Hop Dance foundations through The BLADE Dance Technique (S. Thomas, 1995) for over ten years. Today, she is a respected educator, choreographer, curator, advocate, and author.

 

Yvonne's journey with H+ began at their weekly open classes and progressed to their summer program. Her dedication during the H+ | Summer Intensive 2007 earned her an H+ | Thomas Fellowship, leading to an apprenticeship under Safi A. Thomas, H+ | Founder & Artistic Director. Within six months, she became Principal Dancer due to her exceptional performance, a position she has held for over a decade. She also served as President Pro-Tempore of BLADE Dance Entertainment (H+’s sister company), acquiring business and

financial acumen related to the dance industry.

 

In 2009, Yvonne was promoted to the Education Director and Curator of Works of H+. Her responsibilities include teaching the conservatory’s dance and academic classes with fellow pedagogues, managing pedagogical standards, fostering relations with H+ | Adjunct Professors, and ensuring quality education through The BLADE Dance Technique. As Curator, she has safeguarded over 160 works of H+ | Theatre of the Mind (under Safi A. Thomas's artistic direction) by curating repertory seasons locally and internationally.

 

In 2015, Yvonne founded House of Chow, the Asian Division of H+, to educate, empower, and unify US-based Asians through Hip-Hop Dance. House of Chow's key program is #UnapologeticallyAsian, which includes an annual advocacy campaign, an identity workshop, a repertory piece, a documentary, and an annual gala.

 

Yvonne was appointed as H+ | Director of Operations in 2017, representing H+ on the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. She oversees programmatic elements that target the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by providing necessities like groceries, health services, and professional media services pro-bono to the NYC dance and arts community. Complimentary to this advocacy work, Yvonne served on the 2021 - 2022 Selection Committee of the NY Dance and Performance Awards, The Bessies. This term included producing The Bessies Awards Reception 2022 at the Chelsea Factory through H+ | TOTEM Productions. She now sits on the 2022 - 2023 Bessies Steering Committee. Yvonne also collaborates

with other organizations and dance companies.

 

Highlights include her 2018 performance and teaching stint with Windows of Hip-Hop for Boogie Down at the Bronx Zoo and her 2023 assistant choreographer role for ""Lion in the City"" by Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company. Recently, she was invited by Hip-Hop Congress DC to perform with Groove Junkies at The Kennedy Center for National Dance Day. Yvonne broadens her influence in the dance community as a dance writer. Currently, she is working as a Moving Visions Editor with The Dance Enthusiast and has authored articles in celebration of the 50th birthday of Hip-Hop. Throughout her career, Yvonne has continually demonstrated her commitment to dance, education, and advocacy, making significant contributions to

Hip-Hop and the wider dance community.

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"2023, Yvonne artistically directed and choreographed the repertory piece, #UnapologeticallyAsian, performed by H+ | House of Chow for AAPI Dance Festival at APAP at City Center.

2018, Yvonne performed as a Principal Dancer and Master Teacher for Boogie Down at the Bronx Zoo via Windows of Hip-Hop. She had the honor of sharing stages with the

legendary Grandmaster Caz and Grandmaster Melle Mel.

2018, Yvonne led her team at H+ to produce “No More Starving Artists,” a parallel event for The 62nd United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

2018, Yvonne was awarded an Appreciation Award by Original SkillzCrew Worldwide presented by CEO and Founder, JoJo (also one of the founding members of Rock Steady Crew)

and President, Kevski.

2017, Yvonne curated the international premiere of Safi A. Thomas’ “The Four Seasons” at Universidad Francisco Marroquin in Guatemala City. She performed as Principal Dancer in the piece, playing the role of “Winter Goddess.”