During a visit to New York City in February 2024, Ceci Sun attended her first training masterclass at the historic Steps on Broadway—one of the world's premier creative incubators for professional dance. Located in the heart of Manhattan, the open contemporary class was led by NYC-based choreographer and educator Jordan Lombardi.
A Space of Commemoration
The contemporary workshop was held as a special memorial class dedicated to honoring the artistic spirit of fellow professional dancer Órla Ruth Baxendale. Originally from East Lancashire, England, Baxendale moved to New York in 2018 on scholarship to train at The Ailey School, later embarking on a professional modern dance career performing with companies such as MOMIX. Following her tragic passing in January 2024, the class served as a gathering space for the city's dance community.
Class Atmosphere and Movement Release
Under Jordan Lombardi's direction, the studio was structured as a sanctuary for emotional release, somatic grounding, and collective mourning. For Sun, participating in the class represented a meaningful moment of creative solidarity and artistic connection, navigating complex physical weight and spatial expression alongside her East Coast peers.
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