MY STORY
Zazel is an accomplished dancer, actor, model, and a brain tumor survivor!
“Turning setbacks into comebacks……..I’m a fighter.”
Zazel-Chavah O’Garra is a multidisciplinary artist, dancer, choreographer, educator, model, social worker, disability advocate, and the Founder and Artistic Director of ZCO/DANCEPROJECT, a physically integrated dance company that champions the artistry, visibility, and lived experiences of disabled and non-disabled performers.
In 2003, Zazel’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with a meningioma, a benign brain tumor that resulted in paralysis on her right side, a speech impairment, and cognitive challenges. Rather than allowing her diagnosis to define her, she transformed adversity into purpose. Through dance, she discovered a powerful pathway to healing, resilience, and self-expression, dedicating her career to creating inclusive artistic spaces where people of all abilities can thrive. Her work empowers individuals with disabilities to build confidence, cultivate independence, and share their stories with pride.
Zazel’s choreography and creative work have been presented nationally and internationally at the WESTFEST Dance Festival, Judson Memorial Church, Dixon Place, Symphony Space, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, Theatre for the New City, Jamaica Performing Arts Center, Flushing Town Hall, York College, and the International Dance Festival of Karditsa. She has participated in pre residencies with Downtown Brooklyn Arts, Green Space, and ARTS4ALL Florida.
Her artistic leadership has been recognized through numerous grants, fellowships, and honors, including the City Artist Corps Grant, Dance Advancement Fund, Queens Arts Fund, Caribbean Impact Award, Disability, Dance & Artistry Fellowship, and the 2026 Culture Push Disability Arts Fellowship.
Before founding ZCO/DANCEPROJECT, Zazel performed in concert dance, Off-Broadway productions, national commercials, and international tours throughout Europe. She has also appeared on the cover of Essence magazine and catalog and runway. As a performer with Pink Fang and Company, she has presented Inside/Out: Voices of the Disability Community at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the The New York Times Center, Lincoln Center, and New York City and New Jersey public schools.
As a speaker speaker and advocate, Zazel has presented for the Brain Tumor Foundation, the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and served during the administration of Barack Obama as an inaugural member of the White House Disability Liaisons African American Cabinet. She holds a BFA from University of Michigan and an MSW from Fordham University. She is a member of the SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity unions, an ambassador for the Brain Tumor Foundation and Divas With Disabilities, and is represented by Gamut Management and CESD Talent Agency.
Living with chronic illness has deepened Zazel’s commitment to her artistry and advocacy. Through every performance, workshop, and public appearance, she demonstrates that disability is not a limitation but a source of strength, creativity, and transformation.
Her recent performances include: This/Ability-Samuel Beckett Theatre, Theatre Breaking Through Barriers, Undesirable Elements-Lincoln Center, Bodystorming Access Cooper Hewitt Museum, Respectability-Positive Exposure 109, Judson Memorial Church, Secret Histories - NYPL Lincoln Center, Imagining an Accessible NYC.
Professional Affiliations: Arts and Education Committee-Board of Education, Disability Task Force, DANCE/NYC, SAG-AFTRA/PWD, Ambassador-Voices Against Brain Cancer and Divaswithdisabilities. Zazel holds an MSW from Fordham University and is a member SAG-AFTRA, EQUITY.
In 2003, Zazel’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with a meningioma, a benign brain tumor that resulted in paralysis on her right side, a speech impairment, and cognitive challenges. Rather than allowing her diagnosis to define her, she transformed adversity into purpose. Through dance, she discovered a powerful pathway to healing, resilience, and self-expression, dedicating her career to creating inclusive artistic spaces where people of all abilities can thrive. Her work empowers individuals with disabilities to build confidence, cultivate independence, and share their stories with pride.
Zazel’s choreography and creative work have been presented nationally and internationally at the WESTFEST Dance Festival, Judson Memorial Church, Dixon Place, Symphony Space, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, Theatre for the New City, Jamaica Performing Arts Center, Flushing Town Hall, York College, and the International Dance Festival of Karditsa. She has participated in pre residencies with Downtown Brooklyn Arts, Green Space, and ARTS4ALL Florida.
Her artistic leadership has been recognized through numerous grants, fellowships, and honors, including the City Artist Corps Grant, Dance Advancement Fund, Queens Arts Fund, Caribbean Impact Award, Disability, Dance & Artistry Fellowship, and the 2026 Culture Push Disability Arts Fellowship.
Before founding ZCO/DANCEPROJECT, Zazel performed in concert dance, Off-Broadway productions, national commercials, and international tours throughout Europe. She has also appeared on the cover of Essence magazine and catalog and runway. As a performer with Pink Fang and Company, she has presented Inside/Out: Voices of the Disability Community at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the The New York Times Center, Lincoln Center, and New York City and New Jersey public schools.
As a speaker speaker and advocate, Zazel has presented for the Brain Tumor Foundation, the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and served during the administration of Barack Obama as an inaugural member of the White House Disability Liaisons African American Cabinet. She holds a BFA from University of Michigan and an MSW from Fordham University. She is a member of the SAG-AFTRA and Actors’ Equity unions, an ambassador for the Brain Tumor Foundation and Divas With Disabilities, and is represented by Gamut Management and CESD Talent Agency.
Living with chronic illness has deepened Zazel’s commitment to her artistry and advocacy. Through every performance, workshop, and public appearance, she demonstrates that disability is not a limitation but a source of strength, creativity, and transformation.
Her recent performances include: This/Ability-Samuel Beckett Theatre, Theatre Breaking Through Barriers, Undesirable Elements-Lincoln Center, Bodystorming Access Cooper Hewitt Museum, Respectability-Positive Exposure 109, Judson Memorial Church, Secret Histories - NYPL Lincoln Center, Imagining an Accessible NYC.
Professional Affiliations: Arts and Education Committee-Board of Education, Disability Task Force, DANCE/NYC, SAG-AFTRA/PWD, Ambassador-Voices Against Brain Cancer and Divaswithdisabilities. Zazel holds an MSW from Fordham University and is a member SAG-AFTRA, EQUITY.
Drive. Determination. Dance.
Destiny!
Destiny!
For my full biography, please click here.
CHECK OUT ZAZEL IN ACTION!!
April 8, 2026
ZCO Dance Project, Deaf Music Ensemble tell it 'Like It Is'
The ZCO Dance Project and Deaf Music Ensemble delivered an energetic, memorable performance on March 15 with "Invisible/Visible: Telling It Like It Is" at The Tank on West 36th Street, Manhattan.
ZCO Dance Project, Deaf Music Ensemble tell it 'Like It Is'
The ZCO Dance Project and Deaf Music Ensemble delivered an energetic, memorable performance on March 15 with "Invisible/Visible: Telling It Like It Is" at The Tank on West 36th Street, Manhattan.
October 9, 2025
From Stage to Advocacy: Redefining Dance and Possibility
Professional dancer Zazel's journey took an unexpected turn after surgery. Now she advocates for performers with disabilities to claim their spotlight.
From Stage to Advocacy: Redefining Dance and Possibility
Professional dancer Zazel's journey took an unexpected turn after surgery. Now she advocates for performers with disabilities to claim their spotlight.
July 14, 2022
Mayor Adams, thanks honorees for making impact, at magnificent return of the in-person Caribbean Life Impact Awards
The Mayor of the City of New York, Eric L. Adams, congratulated an overflowing room with elegantly dressed nationals who were honored with the Caribbean Life Impact Awards, on July 13, noting “you cannot go through life and not in some way make an impact, or impression,"....
Mayor Adams, thanks honorees for making impact, at magnificent return of the in-person Caribbean Life Impact Awards
The Mayor of the City of New York, Eric L. Adams, congratulated an overflowing room with elegantly dressed nationals who were honored with the Caribbean Life Impact Awards, on July 13, noting “you cannot go through life and not in some way make an impact, or impression,"....
June 12, 2022
Meet Zazel- Chavah O'Garra
We had the good fortune of connecting with Zazel-Chavah O’Garra and we’ve shared our conversation below...
Meet Zazel- Chavah O'Garra
We had the good fortune of connecting with Zazel-Chavah O’Garra and we’ve shared our conversation below...
July 24, 2021
ZCO / Dance Project was awarded....
ZCO / Dance Project was awarded a grant from the Barbara and Carl Zydney Grant for Artists with Disabilities, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA).
ZCO / Dance Project was awarded....
ZCO / Dance Project was awarded a grant from the Barbara and Carl Zydney Grant for Artists with Disabilities, administered by the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA).
July 2, 2021
ZCO / Dance Project was awarded....
ZCO / Dance Project was awarded a grant from the City Artists Corps Grants through New York Foundation of the Arts....
ZCO / Dance Project was awarded....
ZCO / Dance Project was awarded a grant from the City Artists Corps Grants through New York Foundation of the Arts....
June 24, 2021
YAI Arts & Culture Reaches Beyond I/DD Community, Therapeutic for Marginalized Groups
From her apartment in Queens, Zazel O’Garra begins her movement class in front of the camera. She sits on a chair in the center of her living room, wearing a pink sleeveless top and black workout leggings, flashing a smile to those tuned in...
YAI Arts & Culture Reaches Beyond I/DD Community, Therapeutic for Marginalized Groups
From her apartment in Queens, Zazel O’Garra begins her movement class in front of the camera. She sits on a chair in the center of her living room, wearing a pink sleeveless top and black workout leggings, flashing a smile to those tuned in...
November 17, 2020
Diversity Styling Agency - VirgoImage - Releases New Music Visual Celebrating Disability, Fashion, and Beauty Imagine a world where a young blind woman could direct a film, where a woman with paralysis could dance to her hearts delight, and high-end fashion designers....
Diversity Styling Agency - VirgoImage - Releases New Music Visual Celebrating Disability, Fashion, and Beauty Imagine a world where a young blind woman could direct a film, where a woman with paralysis could dance to her hearts delight, and high-end fashion designers....
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