Zazel-Chavah O’Garra (she, her) is a brain tumor survivor, disability advocate, social worker, dancer, actress, model, and founder and artistic director of ZCO/DANCEPROJECT.
O’Garra became a disabled artist 18 years ago. Having faith pushed her to “dance beyond a disability.” She shares the resurrection as a disabled artist by creating customized movements for persons with mixed abilities; demonstrating directly that physical challenges need not limit a passion for living a fulfilling life. Before founding the ZCO/DANCEPROJECT, Zazel established a thriving career in the performing arts. Her body of work included performances on the concert stage, Broadway, Off-Broadway, European Tours, national commercials and magazine publications. In fact, her modeling career included the covers of Essence Magazine.
O’Garra currently works with the Brain Injury Association of New York State and YAI/National Institute for people with disabilities. She modeled in New York Fashion Week for Zappos adaptive clothing and SmartAdaptive clothing.
In her free time, when not teaching or performing or working with clients, O’Garra enjoys travelling to her parents’ homeland in Montserrat, West Indies. When in Montserrat, O’Garra delights in visiting its beautiful beaches, marveling in the volcano observatory and eating the native cuisine. She is a fan of soccer, basketball and cricket and enjoys collecting unique African American artwork.
