Yvonne Farrow (Choralographer) began her career as a dancer in the first graduating class of the Duke Ellington High School for the Arts in Washington, DC and went on to receive her BA from New York University while working with such dance companies as the Dance Theater of Harlem (apprentice), Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater III, the Clive Thompson Dance Company and The Sporting Dolls, Monte Carlo, Monaco. She was one of the first African American models of dance wear for Capezio and Danskin. Ms. Farrow was a dancer in Tulsa Opera’s Porgy and Bess and Virginia Opera’s Harriet: A Woman Called Moses, dancing the title role. During this time she also appeared in such dance related films as Beat Street, A Chorus Line and was a principle dancer in Disney’s Off Beat.
Eventually, Ms. Farrow transitioned into acting, is a vested member of SAG, AFTRA and AEA, and has garnered notable credits in stage, television and film. Ms. Farrow is partner in the production company Twinbiz, with twin sister, Yvette Heyliger, which writes, produces and directs original projects. Having come full circle, Ms. Farrow specializes in choralographing concert works specifically designed for classically trained choral groups whose singers are not dancers.
She is a member of Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America and National Association of Negro Musicians. Her choral ballets have been performed around the world. Her choral ballet, War Song won “First Place” at the CA International Choral Festival & Competition with The Choral Project, Daniel Hughes, Director; and won “World Choir” with Northridge Singers, Paul Smith, Director. She works with professional, university, college, high school and middle school choirs in all genres of music.
Ms. Farrow wrote performance suggestions for Larry Farrow’s Me Island: A Tribute to Harry Belafonte. She also serves as a dramatic coach (employing her acting background in choral performance) and lighting designer. Ms. Farrow was a first-time exhibitor at the 2009 ACDA National Choral Convention where she presented two Collaborative Choral Seminars entitled, Got Choralography? and premiered arranger Alberto Grau’s La Arestinga, with the Lawrence University Concert Choir, Richard Bjella, Director. For more information please visit www.gotchoralography.com.