Model: Zackery Betty-Neagle
Zack and I met in our freshmen year of college: We both majored in dance at Marymount Manhattan College. The best word to describe him and his dancing style would be… SASSY! He is the only dancer that I know who makes ballet sassy & jazzy. You’ll understand when you see it. It’s classical ballet with a twist. Zack is a very unique and talented dancer. Once he’s on stage, you’ll never be able to take your eyes off of him. I’ve always admired that trait of his.
For his photographs, I decided to lean more towards the monochromatic style. I wanted the landscape to be more bland, grayish, colorless. I wanted his personality to stand out as the only “color” you see in the photographs.
Check out the interview I did with Zackery Betty-Neagle below:
When did you start dancing?
I started dancing when I was 6 years old!
What was your inspiration?
My inspiration to dance was from my sister. Every dance she did on stage I would want to do. We are 8 years apart so when I was young I would break away from my mother’s arms during the recital to mimic my sister’s dancing on stage. The following fall I was enrolled in dance lessons.
What made you want to major in dance in college?
Around 5th grade I got very serious about dance and the arts and from then I knew I wanted to make that my career.
What is your biggest fear, if any, as a dancer?
I guess my biggest fear would be to injure myself in a performance, I’ve had nightmares about that!
Are you currently dancing (company, teaching, choreographing, etc)?
I currently dance for N Squared Dance based in Queens. I also work with Tami Stronach Dance and have been a guest artist with Keigwin + Co.
Where do you see your dance career in 10 years?
In 10 years I would love to not only have a bunch of performing under my belt but also be looking towards the future and potentially looking at grad schools for dance!
Is there a dance style you’ve yet to try? Would you want to do it?
I have not experienced Ballroom dance, any style in that realm. I would be up for learning them!
In your dance life so far, do you have a best moment?
I have had many best moments in my dance life, I don’t know if one is the true pinnacle. But some would be dancing a duet with my husband, taking The Joyce stage for the first time, and performing my first solo in college! They’ve all peak as my best moments in my career so far.
If you were given the opportunity to meet any dancer, dance teacher, dance professor, dance legend, etc (dead or alive)… who would it be?
I would choose Gene Kelly, his dancing, singing, & acting had a huge influence on my life growing up. Watching his films with my grandmother was one of the best memories I have. I think I was attracted to his aura through the screen, it was just marvelous to watch!
Tell us your top 5 favorite musical artists that you like to dance to.
Sia, Ludivico Einaudi, Britney Spears, Break of Reality, Whitney Houston
Describe yourself in 3 words.
FUN, full-out, & sassy!
Come see his performances with N-Squared Dance Company on June 3rd & 4th in NYC. For more information check out… http://www.nsquareddance.com/
Leave A Comment