M e d i a   &   P r e s s P R E S S For William Yong's choreography: "...Yong, who is gifted at transforming the familiar into something fresh and provocative, laced with sharp irony and driven by a strong musical connection." Patricia Van Bolderen (Eye Magazine) Reviews of 'Frames': "With his impressive first full-length work 'Frames', William Yong takes his place in the forefront of emerging dancesmiths. The imaginative blend of technology and choreography produces startling images that are a feast to the eye...his manipulation of the five excellent dancers in relation to each other, Elysha Poirier's eye-catching video projections, composer Andrea Rocca's atmospheric original score and Rebecca Picherack's dramatic lighting is masterfully done." Paula Citron (Classical 96.3 fm) "William Yong's 'Frames' created an understanding of movement centred on the body and on the visceral quality of performance...this piece was notable for its aesthetic beauty - the way dancers bodies moved effortlessly thorough space, and the haunting quality that the interconnected multimedia design evoked..." Margarita Osipian (Mondo Magazine) "William Yong (adds) his inimitable grace and flexibility to an outstanding corps of four other dancers...choreography of intense physical contact...extraordinary lighting, a fascinating score and sound design by Andrea Rocca, and brilliant video design by Elysha Poirier...a major artistic achievement" Keith Garebian (stageandpage.com) "...a hugely physical, complex work for five dancers that delves into ideas of changing and manipulating perceptions." Susan Walker (Toronto Star) "Frames is a refreshing, physical deviation from the academic voices of philosophers, communication gurus and cultural theorists who have dominated discussions on the subject....the physicality explored the space in dynamic, multi-directional ways....This is the ultimate success of Frames: it moved me, mid-stride, to notice, to see around, behind and above my surroundings." Samantha Mehra (The Dance Current) Frames was nominated for the 2009 Dora Mavor Moore Award for 'Outstanding New Choreography' Reviews of 'The Four Heavenly Kings': "...starred four superbly talented male dancers...The piece was athletically charged, energetic and extremely creative and innovative...Yong is on his way to redefining contemporary dance." Rachel Kellogg (The Strand) "What made me sit on the edge of my seat was Yong's uncanny knack for detail...the score was actively punctuated by the choreography...this is not just a series of dance katas across the stage. While each move alluded to a martial art it was clearly dance being performed here. Beautiful and intricate." Kristine Maitland (Green Pear Review) Reviews of 'Alone On Paper': "The fFIDA best of the best: William Yong's Alone On Paper - A brilliant look at a first (paper) wedding anniversary that was filled to the brim with satiric choreographic invention." Paula Citron (The Globe and Mail) "...brave and sometimes startling...Eroticism, stylized partnering and fine solo work from Yong..." Susan Walker (Toronto Star) "...sexy and sensual...brought kinetic clarity and psychological depth to a work for two couples..." Michael Crabb (The National Post) "The top seven works at fFida International Dance Festival: ...a never-ending series of dazzling vignettes and startling images...Yong creates very challenging, athletic choreography, but it is a kinetic energy that he can mould to make statements. He also loves props...which he uses with immense imagination." Paula Citron (Dance International Magazine) Reviews of 'Sugar & Snails': " ...A sexually fraught duet complete with thoroughly tasteful nudity...a faintly kinky mating ritual and enjoyed it for the intensity and clarity of both Yong's and his partner Kristy Kennedy's dancing. She, caught in Yong's hand-held lamp, begins by wriggling out of a red dress to be revealed in naught but little black panties. He ends by going the Full Monty. In between is a dance of compounding episodes...a contribution to the discourse sexuality - nature versus nurture, genes versus conditioning." Michael Crabb (The National Post) "...William Yong is a dancer with a formidable resume. He is now beginning to attract attention as a choreographer as well. This duet with Kristy Kennedy - boasting exciting movement, driving rock music, a sexy aesthetic and stellar dancing - is a crowd-pleaser...Yong is exceptionally talented..." Rebecca Todd (The Globe and Mail) "...His most effective choreography to date, eschewing hokey narrative for a highly physical exploration of human sexuality. Nudity contributes only secondarily to the eroticism of this dance, performed to an original score by Trevor Mann." Susan Walker (The Toronto Star) "...Artist to watch: Yong's resume is impressive, with a British graduate degree, two shows with Matthew Bourne's Adventures in motion Pictures and current ongoing gig with Toronto Dance Theatre. He's bound to raise the temperature at Buddies with this sizzling look at sexuality and gender." Glenn Sumi (Now Magazine) Reviews of 'Visitation' "...Yong's piece, 'visitation', which I saw as a celebration and remembrance of a deceased love, was simply exquisite. Just writing this, I can feel again the gorgeous emotion of what Yong created. Dressed simply in black trousers and shirts, Christopher T. Grider and Yong compliment each other in every possible way and mesh the physical, the fantasy and the emotion with ease, sensuality and class. The many lifts were airy, the overall elegance and complicity palpable..." Shena Wilson (danceinsider.com) Please contact us at info@zataomm.org