People Who Want Change: ZACHARY CRUZ

What can I tell you about Zach? He is a fantastic teacher, beautiful dancer and most importantly, a great friend. Very few people are as loyal and genuine as he. Zach has become one of my favorite people to photograph (you'll see why below). Last year, we did a shoot where we went throughout Williamsburg in the 20 degree weather (you would never know)

Links from last year's photos: http://www.photoblog.com/ashleymarinaccio/2009/02/17/ and http://www.photoblog.com/ashleymarinaccio/2009/02/18/zach-cont.html . During our last shoot, Zach brought along his girl Marissa, who you'll see below and a few of his other dancer friends. In a few weeks we'll be doing a dancer photo shoot at the theater that Marissa works at. I hope you enjoy the time we spent together and can guarantee that there will be many more Zach photos.

Who Are You?
A city slicking Newyorican from the lower east side Manhattan.

What do you believe in?

That a man creates his own destiny.

What kind of change do you want to see? Where do you see yourself fitting into your idea for change?

Making a positive influence in a young persons life in creating new future.

If your life had a soundtrack what would be on it?

‘Wouldn’t change a thing’ by Coke Escobedo.

If you could be doing anything with your life right now what would it be?

What I’m doing right now or traveling around the world with my skate board in my hand.

I Can't Live Without...

NYC pizza!

What are you craving right now?

The waves in Hawaii under my surf board.

Talk about a piece or art, performing arts, music or writing that changed your life...

George Balanchine’s “Prodigal son ballet”

What motivates you to do what you do?

The NYC under ground dance scene, my students that come back all grown up, my friend, family and mentors that all inspire me.

If you were best friends with any historical figure who would it be and why?

If I could, I would befriend the Zulu nation. The Universal Zulu Nation is an international hip hop awareness group formed and headed by hip hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa.[1]:101 Originally known simply as the Organization, it arose in the 1970s as reformed New York City gang members began to organize cultural events for youths, combining local dance and music movements into what would become known as the various elements of hip hop culture. By the 1980s, hip hop had spread globally, and the Zulu Nation has since established (autonomous) branches in Japan, France, the UK, Australia, Poland and South Korea.

If you were a character in your favorite fictional storyline (this could include a book, play, film, television series etc.) what would it be? How would your character be intertwined within the story line that already exists?

“Peter pan” young spirited and always searching for a new adventure.

Talk about a defining moment of your life. What happened? What did you Take away from it?

Mom getting sick and having to dance to support are family...

Talk about the best day ever.

9am community service with the kids at coy & girls club of Santa Barbra. 11am surfing at the point, 1pm having $! Beers And $2 tacos with the drummer of the butt whole surfers, 2pm skate to the beach, 5pm clime a mountain, 6pm skinny dip, 6:30 chill with a sea lion,11pm last call at the bar while dancing with some random women.12:30am past the fu#k out.. (True story)

Who is/are your hero(es)?

People who make a positive influence without sweating it.