Dancer, Actor, Model, and Artistic Director / Founder and Artistic Director of ZCO/DANCEPROJECT

New York, NY

It was 2003 when Zazel-Chavah O’Garra—a successful dancer, actress, and model—discovered the brain tumor that would change her life. Her body of work at the time extended from the concert stage to photo spreads in magazine publications. Now, she faced the aftermath of a surgery that left her partially paralyzed and needing a leg brace to walk. 

But, from O’Garra’s new reality came new opportunities and accomplishments. “A year into rehab, I saw that I still had the talent, energy, and drive to continue my life as an artist,” she said. “And, I realized I could show other disabled individuals that they could live joyful, creative, expressive, and meaningful lives.”

O’Garra returned to the work she loved and took her career to new heights. In addition to appearing in numerous on-stage productions, she has shared her experience and expertise as a teaching artist and an educator. “Educating people on the importance of accepting everyone and seeing beyond their disability is my mantra,” she said. “I don’t believe that our differently abled bodies should overshadow our talents and steal our humanity. Each time we have a sold-out performance and people come on stage to dance with us, I know my work is making a difference.”

In 2011, O’Garra received the John F. Kennedy Center Very Special Arts - National Teaching Artist Fellowship. She also shares her story in performances of Inside/Out: Voices of The Disability Community and Secret Histories, both directed by Ping Chong. In 2014, O’Garra appeared as a guest speaker and performing artist at the first Black History Month program on disability hosted at the White House. She also released a video, Dancing Beyond Disability, for individuals with and without disabilities. “The sequences presented are designed to increase participants’ self-confidence and self-awareness, improve muscle coordination, and enhance motor skills and balance for all abilities,” she said. O’Garra has received numerous grants and awards, including the Caribbean Impact Award that recognizes the achievements and contributions of outstanding individuals of a Caribbean background.

Through it all, O’Garra credits dance as a guiding force. “Dance has given me the power of living life through hope. Through dance, I have gained a deeper understanding of the path that has shaped my creativity, and me.”