Today we’d like to introduce you to Zion Harris.
Zion, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started dancing when I was five years old. My aunt took a West African dance course in College and would bring me with her to classes. One day naturally, I stood up and secretly learned the choreography in the corner and eventually the professor caught me and asked me to join class. Ever since then, I trained in West African dance for seven years. I was then invited to join the professor’s dance company, ventured into the hip hop and competition world. From there, I got my first opportunity to be in a music video just from training and working hard in several different dance classes. Now, I am a working dancer for multiple A-List artists and it’s just so surreal to me.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a dancer has never been an easy experience for me growing up. My mom as a single parent would sometimes have to take off work to help me get to practice. Some nights I’d have to walk miles just to get to the bus stop for classes and rehearsals. My mom is so good at hiding her emotions because she always taught me to be strong and she embodies that. On her birthday, we planned a movie day, but on our way there she got a really massive headache. Later, making it back to the house she had an aneurysm and a stroke simultaneously. I gave up dance and school completely while trying to care for my mom in her near death experience. The doctor had told us that only “2 out of 5 people” survive this. I had no hope or motivation to do anything after hearing I’d potentially be losing my mom. She is my biggest cheerleader in anything I pursue, so I knew giving up would be heartbreaking to her. So I decided to keep fighting for her as she recovered in the hospital. I auditioned and succeeded in three years of schooling at an art school. Danced for the NBA for two years. Traveled out of the country for my first ever tour. I say that to say, keep fighting even when you’re in the darkest of times because you never know what the future holds. I could have easily giving up but that would not only let me down and would’ve stopped me from getting to where I am now, but I would’ve let my mom down as well. Struggles will always be temporary, so keep that fight and conquer your dreams. You never know what is waiting for you on the other side.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Today, I am a professional working dancer and choreographer. Assistant Director of Prophecy at Chapkis Dance Family. I work alongside of Greg Chapkis as an assistant choreographer for Music Videos, Award Shows and Live performances. As a dancer of 17 years of training with five years of work experience in the industry, I can definitely say that dance is my specialty. I am known for being a member of the Golden State Warriors “Jr. jam squad” in 2015. I also was on the TV show “America’s Got Talent,” Season 16 with my team “CHAPKIDZ”. On the side of dance, I do social media influencing on Instagram, Tiktok and Youtube. Along with Modeling and Fashion shoots with well-known beauty stylists. I love to stay open-minded with different options and choices to partake in multiple fields and see what I am good at. I’ve always lived by Mom’s saying, “Never put all your eggs in one baskets”. You never know what opportunities could come from trying out everything.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I wanna start off by saying thank you to my mom that I love so much Tina Harris. She has sacrificed and committed so much time to help me thrive in this industry as a child. To Greg Chapkis, my dance dad and mentor. You have exposed me to so many major opportunities and trusted me to be alongside of as you make history. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for you and your guidance in my career and goals I consistently reach. Big shoutout to my good friends and family for always motivating me and believing in me as I reach new chapters of the growth of my life. You all mean the world to me and I appreciate all of you so much.
Pricing:
- Dance privates with me: $70/hr
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/zionharriss
- Twitter: twitter.com/zionharriss
Image Credits
Getty Images Evan Sinay Photos
