Zazel’s Story: Turning Setbacks into Comebacks

Pictured: Zazel leading a dance class.

By Zazel-Chavah O'Garra, MSW

I’m writing to share my personal journey of crafting a vibrant, creative life after becoming disabled. Given my extensive background, I believe I can inspire others with the message of "turning setbacks into comebacks."

I became a disabled artist 20 years ago when I was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and the aftermath of the surgery left me partially paralyzed with a slight speech impediment. To transform my life, I had to accept my disability and redefine my path.

Pictured: Zazel dancing

I share my resurrection as a disabled artist by giving motivational speeches, spreading the message “without faith, nothing is possible; with it, nothing is impossible,” and teaching creative movement classes that demonstrate how physical challenges need not limit one's passion for living. I convey an upbeat energy and provide everyone with moments of pure joy.

I was chosen as a National VSA (Very Special Arts) teaching artist. Through this award, which is given to disabled artists to develop as educators and teach disabled children and adults the benefits of exploring their chosen art forms, I refined my capacity to design and deliver highly engaging, effective expressive-movement programs for disabled individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Zazel is featured on our June cover!

This culminated in starting ZCO/DANCEPROJECT, a physically integrated dance company comprised of dancers with physical and mental disabilities. We’ve performed at various theaters throughout NYC and beyond, showing audiences that despite limitations, the joy of dance keeps us moving with conviction, tenacity, and love.

“Adding to my love of the arts and my journey, I became a social worker, assisting those with traumatic brain injuries by providing guidance, support, and advocacy. Persons suffering from chronic illnesses often don’t know how to navigate the healthcare system. I assist clients to ensure they get the treatment they deserve.”

I belong to several organizations, including the Brain Tumor Foundation, Voices Against Brain Cancer, and Divas With Disabilities. These organizations spread hope and resolve for those impacted by chronic illness and disability.

I ignore the changes in my body, the fact that I have a “damaged” brain, and that I am disabled. I value each and every day of my life. Dance has given me the power of living life through hope. In particular, dance gives me the hope that keeps me going. It is not too much to say that dance helped me when I was in rehabilitation, faced with a complete change in my being. The end result of the change in my body is a deeper understanding of the path that has shaped my creativity and me.

Pictured: Portrait of Zazel

About the Author

Before founding the ZCO/DANCEPROJECT, I established a thriving career in the performing arts. My body of work includes performances on the concert stage, Broadway, Off-Broadway, European tours, national commercials, and magazine publications, including the covers of Essence Magazine. As a disabled artist, my list of accomplishments includes appearances on Dr. Oz, being an inaugural member of The White House Disability Liaison, and participating in NYC Fashion Week. My productions include "Inside/Out: Voices of the Disability Community" at the Kennedy Center, "This/Ability" at the Samuel Beckett Theatre, Theatre Breaking Through Barriers at ART/NY, "Secret Histories" at NY and NJ public schools and Lincoln Center, "Bodystorming Access" at the Guggenheim Museum, and Arts4All Florida. Additionally, I was part of several performances, including livestreaming events with RESPECTABILITY, Disability Unite Festival, and Dance New Jersey. Awards include the Cityarts Grant, NYSCA/NYFA Artists with Disabilities Grant, Dance Advancement Fund, Flushing Town Hall Queens Community Grant, Caribbean Impact Award, and the Disability, Dance, and Social Justice Fellowship.

I am a member of SAG-AFTRA, Equity, Dance/NYC Disability Dance Force, and I am represented by Gamut Talent Management.