The Inhibition Project, TY&CO’s latest creative endeavor merging the worlds of film, dance, and live performance

Help support Austin’s newest contemporary dance company propel their vision into existence!

Why we are here

We're on a mission to raise $4,000 to support TY&CO's newest creation, "The Inhibition Project." These funds will contribute to compensating our exceptional dancers, cinematographer, composer, and the ongoing development of the project's future. Your generous donation will ensure that our artists are fairly compensated for their invaluable contributions, and that the work continues to evolve and thrive. With your support, we can propel this project forward and inspire audiences not just regionally, but WORLDWIDE.

Our campaign's aim doesn't fully encompass the entire project's costs and future developments, but it's a crucial step toward supporting all the involved artists and getting the initiative off the ground.

About TY&CO

We are an emerging and dynamic collective of dancers in Austin, Texas, dedicated to forging connections between classical influences and experimental contemporary realms. Under the creative direction of Ty Graynor , our mission is to cultivate immersive spaces where the human condition is vulnerably and passionately unveiled through dance. We work to evoke an environment where presence, contemplation, and boundless joy flourish.

Over the past year, we have grown naturally through education, performances, and rehearsal residencies. In November of 2023, the company debuted in Austin, Texas through an evening length production entitled, “From Inferno to Americana,” with a completely sold out run. Since then, the company has expanded. We now offer weekly open classes, free training for company dancers, and master classes at universities. We have hired 16 dancers for new performance projects and doubled the repertoire. Our growth over the past year has sparked a fire we are hungry to carry forward into the Austin arts scene.

What’s The Inhibition Project?

The Inhibition Project is a dance work built for film and stage, exploring the nuanced interplay between voluntary and involuntary restraints on instinctual expression. This INTENSE piece delves into the complexities of navigating societal norms and personal authenticity through a tableau of a “rave.”

Crafted in collaboration with Daniel Louis White, a distinguished composer and tenor saxophonist from Austin, Texas, "Inhibition" merges his new experimental techno-synth inspired score with the raw energy of contemporary dance theater. The piece explores the range between horror and joy as the group experiences a contagion of shedding Inhibition.

Dancers from all backgrounds come together to illustrate one large question: “Does our inhibition keep us safe, or does it bring us further away from the spirit we are dying to be?”

Director's Note: The Origin Story

It all started in a club, where a professional modern dancer sought a little release from the teaching, organizing, training, and directing. It was 1:00am, and as the techno pierced the walls, he questioned why no one dared to dance. It was a dance club after all. He had been in this situation many times before, alone with an empty dance floor. The question always presents itself as if it were the first time: “Should I dance alone? F*** it. Let your inhibition be your guide for release.”

Feeling the intense social resistance that we all often experience throughout our lives, churning up crises in identity and fear of humiliation, he began to transmute his tension. Snaking it throughout his body, he trusted in some unknown call that his freedom would inspire others.

He closed his eyes and began to dance, alone. His Inhibition slowly shed as the groove took over his body. No more than ten minutes later, his eyes opened, revealing dozens of other humans completely infected by something unexplainably freeing. Fear fell to the margins as this crowd of humans let go to the current of the room.

“Did I do that? Who cares, let’s dance.”

Sometimes we need the bravery of one person to inspire a fire in a community. See the potential for wildness, greatness, genius, and embody it, breath it, dance it. The collective illusion of restraint can be shattered by the freedom of one. Your inhibition is your guide for release.

Development of the Project

In January 2024, an open call was held, attracting over 50 local Austin dancers (video from audition below). Their enthusiasm propelled the project beyond expectations. By January's end, 15 dancers from diverse backgrounds were cast, aiming to explore the breadth of genre and dance lineage in one space.

As the project evolved, so did the vision—it became apparent that it wasn't just for the stage. A dance film would extend the work beyond the studio's confines. Halfway through the process we brought on Daniel Louis White , a local composer and tenor saxophonist from Austin, Texas who expressed interest in working on something completely out of his comfort zone. Daniel spent dozens of hours crafting the score for this piece, making revisions based on the project’s needs. After composing almost 20 minutes of new music, we had a score that would present itself as flexible for both film and stage.

Enter Jack Kloecker , producer of digital content at KMFA and a genius local cinematographer. Jack worked on TY&CO’s previous project, “From Inferno to Americana,” where he created a beautiful, abstract short film entitled "Where the Way Was Lost." Jack signed onto the project looking to dive deeper into the company's mission.

TY&CO celebrated their official company launch in Austin a week before the film shoot. They debuted an excerpt of "Inhibition" at First Street Studio Theatre, igniting a palpable buzz among the audience. The piece exuded an energy reminiscent of vibrant nights spent in clubs, evoking nostalgic memories and the euphoria that accompanies them.

On April 20th, fueled by the energy of their previous performance, the ensemble embarked on an intense 8-hour shoot. After 50 hours of rehearsal and training, we brought "Inhibition" to life on film.

With 16 dancers, one videographer, and one composer, a profound sense of inspiration permeated the space, surpassing any artistic experience we previously had as a company. We emerged changed, empowered by the freedom forged that night—a freedom we're now eager to share with audiences worldwide through the ongoing evolution of this project.

Trajectory & Support

Looking forward, The Inhibition Project aims to expand into experimental performance spaces. As the film enters post-production, TY&CO seeks financial backing. While corporate sponsorships and grants are being pursued, early stages depend on community backing. The dancers involved, driven by passion, accepted minimal compensation; yet the project's extent warrants more. Allocation of funds ensures equitable support for the cinematographer, dancers, composer, and project development.

Allocation of Funds:

We deeply appreciate any donation amount to this project, whether it's $1, $20, $100, or $1,500. As we continue to grow as a company, we understand that we are not only comprised of our artists, but also of the community that believes in our vision—that's YOU!

Contributions of $1,000 or more will entitle the donor, or their company, to be prominently featured in the film's credits, subject to mutual agreement.

Our Vision for the Future

Beyond the immediate needs of our current project, we envision a future where TY&CO continues to push boundaries and elevate the artistic landscape of dance, film, and theatre throughout Austin and beyond. With your support, we aim to establish a sustainable platform for our artists and collaborators. Your contribution not only fuels "The Inhibition Project" but also lays the foundation for a vibrant and enduring legacy of dance in Austin, Texas.

We are excited to share that "The Inhibition Project" will not be confined to traditional venues. Our vision includes screenings in movie theaters, participation in film festivals, and gallery exhibitions. By embracing diverse platforms, we aim to reach audiences of all backgrounds and interests, sparking meaningful conversations.

Join us on this exhilarating journey as we shape the future of dance and performance art together.

Directors

- Ty Graynor (Artistic Director of TY&CO)

- Jack Kloecker (Cinematographer)

- Daniel Louis White (Composer)

Dancers

- Kanami Nakabayashi

- Rachel Cox Culver

- Connor Timpe

- Tikiri Shapiro

- Elaine Fields

- Camille Wiltz

- Cellise Brown

- Taryn Lavery

- Sydney Galier

- Amanda Mullen

- Becka Klebba

- Nikki Dvorsky

- Hailley Lauren

- Lilly Wylde

- Erin Ellis

-Ty Graynor

Please be aware: If you wish to make a tax-deductible donation, kindly utilize the following link to donate through our fiscal sponsor, Pentacle!

For more information on TY&CO please visit our landing page at tygraynor.com/tyandco

If you would be interested in Inhibition being performed at an event or private performance, please email tygraynor.com. We'd love to talk more!