Ty Graynor is a performing artist, choreographer, educator, and photographer whose career spans concert dance, contemporary movement, and visual arts. Originally from Huntington, New York, Ty received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. He trained under distinguished artists such as Nina Watt, Miki Orihara, Stephen Pier, and Doug Varone. During his time at The Hartt School, he performed in seminal works by Martha Graham, José Limón, and Doris Humphrey, solidifying his foundation in modern dance.
Ty continued to refine his artistry at the Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance, where he became a company dancer with Graham 2, performing lead roles in pieces such as Appalachian Spring, Acts of Light, Secular Games, and Diversion of Angels. A year later, he joined the Limón Dance Company as a performing and teaching artist. During his tenure with the company, Ty performed several of José Limón's classic works, including The Unsung, The Winged, A Choreographic Offering, Mazurkas, Orfeo, Psalm, There is A Time, and The Traitor. He was also involved in the creation of three new works for the company.
As part of the José Limón Dance Foundation, Ty shared his passion for the Limón technique through various outlets, including serving as a teaching artist for Limón4Kids in NYC Public Schools and representing the company in several teaching workshops across the country.
Over his career, Ty has had the privilege of working with a diverse range of notable choreographers, including Manuel Vignoulle, Bryan Arias, Adam Barruch, Doug Varone, Olivier Tarpaga, Chafin Seymour, Raúl Tamez, Robin Becker, Christina Lynch Markham, Brice Mousset, and others. These collaborations have greatly influenced his artistic development and broadened his approach to dance and choreography.
Now based in Austin, Texas, Ty serves as the Artistic Director of TY&CO, a project-based company dedicated to exploring the human experience through the intersection of concert dance, immersive experiences, and film. The company bridges the principles of classical modern dance with experimental narratives, using technique and thematic exploration to deepen the stories they create and connect past influences with present-day contexts. In addition to his directorial role, Ty is actively involved as a performer and collaborator with projects like Peter Stathas Dance, Ventana Ballet, and Red Nightfall Dance Theatre.
As Development Lead at First Street Studio, soon to be rebranded as East Side Performing Arts, Ty plays a key role in nurturing the Austin arts community. He produces performances, fosters connections among artists, and cultivates a dynamic environment for artistic growth through various events and classes. Deeply committed to education, Ty offers regular classes in the Limón technique and contemporary dance, inviting artists from around the world to share their perspectives and develop together within the Austin community.
Mentors and Education:
Nina Watt
Miki Orihara
Stephen Pier
Doug Varone
Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance
José Limón Dance Foundation
