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About Us

Our Mission

To transform how young people see themselves by providing dance and choreography programs that cultivate supportive communities where confident and creative leaders and risk-takers emerge.

Who We Are

Young Choreographers Project was founded in 2015 by Lila Turner, who is a technology professional and former dancer living in Los Angeles. Ms. Turner was interested in reconnecting to her passion for dance while also providing opportunities for young people in her community. As a young girl, dance always provided a safe space for her to create and express herself. She created Young Choreographers Project with that mind — to give young people a safe space to experience creative self-expression through dance and choreography.

Ms. Turner has partnered with several of LA’s top professional dancers and choreographers to create unique choreography-based programs for young people living in the Mid-Wilshire, Koreatown, and Downtown areas of Los Angeles.

What We Do

Young Choreographers Project connects young people with professional choreographers for mentoring and coaching in dance and choreography. We partner with schools, dance studios, and community arts programs to offer students one-of-kind choreography-based programming.

Since February 2015, we have impacted the lives of over 200 young people through various programming opportunities.

  • 10-Week Choreography Program
  • 6-Week Fundamentals
  • Weekend Workshops
  • Online Programming

Learn more about our programming options.

Our Leadership

Young Choreographers Project currently has a working board. Our board members are also responsible for the day-to-day operations. We are currently looking to expand our board. Find out more about becoming a board member.

Lila Turner, Board Chair and Founder

Lila Turner is a Senior User Experience Designer currently working in the healthcare industry. She attended Western Washington University where she studied business administration and dance. Ms. Turner eventually made her way to Los Angeles, CA where she started her career in the entertainment industry working in the marketing and promotions department of a talent agency. In 2008, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communications and Web Design. She is currently enjoying a fruitful career in design and technology where creativity and problem-solving are an active part of her daily life.

Irene Watson, Board Secretary

Irene Watson is the artistic director and choreographer for Watson Dance and costume designer based in Orange County, California. She has performed internationally with the Disney company.

Watson’s collection of dance works is vast and varied and has been featured in several venues in Southern California. Watson has showcased her company at a number of venues and dance festivals, including:

Alex Floyd, Board Treasurer

Originally hailing from the mountains of Colorado, Alex Floyd received her BFA in Dance Performance in 2011 from the University of Wyoming.  Trained in every style of dance, Alex performed and choreographed works for the American College Dance Festival, and spent seven years training at the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Summer Institute.

Alex participated, on scholarship, in the AXIS Summer Dance Program which inspired her to open new dance doors.  Upon moving to Los Angeles, California, Alex started her own modern dance company, OdDancity, which has performed in numerous festivals, including: