program
CONFIDANZ is a program designed to increase dancer's comfort in front of the camera as well develop the friendly conversation with the photographer. The workshop breaks down key skills and highlights ways to create successful photos as well as a better overall experience. The session covers basic elements of photography which in turn will support dancers the understanding of angles, lighting and how to make choices in order to create strong poses, leading to successful photo shoots whilst building some 'confidanz'.
here’s ‘why’
Modeling introduced itself into my life when I was severely injured and was searching for a means to keep my mind at ease while still using ‘dance’ as a tool while my foot healed. As I became more knowledgeable in this new field, I soon began to take notice that because I was a dancer with the familiarity of a photographer I had ability to use the best of both worlds. The photography part of my life had been graciously provided while I attended college, it was a basic film photography class just a couple times a week. And I can say today that those classes were immensely beneficial throughout the months of my injury, and continue to be in the present day.
The series was created to build onto the dancer’s ‘toolbox’ and having them understand that being a dancer in the modeling world is an asset waiting to be used. Nowadays more and more dancers are being asked to participate in New York Fashion Week, pose for a variety of campaigns, or model for familiar brands. I did not have the access that these dancers have these days and I presumed, after some research, that dancers are not usually advised as to how one may go about fulfilling the photoshoot whether if it’s a collaborative or paid project.
about the creators
Zui Gomez
(dancer, movement coach, performer, choreographer, believer)
Born in the Dominican Republic, raised in Miami & received her BFA in Dance from The Boston Conservatory. She currently dances for Gibney Dance Company where she had the opportunity to create this dance and photo series titled ConfiDanz. The mission of the series is to help dancers build more confidence when they step into a photoshoot. The classes provide a handful of useful information regarding lighting, perspectives, angles, & legal rights.
Gomez is a huge fan of dance & fashion and strongly believes that they'll forever live in sweet love affair. She was once appeared on GlamourSpain magazine with Marlon Tyler Wiles (a dancer and jewelry designer in NYC), featured on a six page spread on DanceSpirit Magazine, modeled for Good HyouMan, and enthusiastically been a part of fashion week for two years with designs by Cristina Ruales (choreography by Jen Roit) and Jessica Lapidos. She was recently a dancer at the opening dance ceremony for a clothing line Berenik based in NYC, designs by Veronica Brusa with choreography by Pascal Rekoert.
guest artists
Jason Rodriguez
guest instructor & mover
(vogue-artist, dancer, instructor, movement coach, choreographer)
Jason Anthony Rodriguez is a born and raised New Yorker from Washington Heights. During his teenage years, he’s had multiple experiences with the ballroom scene but did not begin his journey until 2011 when he participated in a vogue workshop with the renowned Benny Ninja. Jason graduated from SUNY Purchase College in 2012. He’s received his dance training from The Joffrey Ballet School, Martha Graham School & Complexions Dance Company contemporary ballet intensive. He was a featured voguer in Baz Luhmann’s The Get Down and in Saturday Church produced by Damon Cardasis. Jason continues to teach workshops and classes in New York City, Miami, Vienna, Dominican Republic & Japan. Presently, he plays Lemar in the cast of Ryan Murphy’s new show POSE.
(check him out on his IG @slim.ninja & he currently teaches check out his schedule at Gibney Dance)
Gabriel Johnson
(photographer, business owner, instructor, creative director)
Gabriel has been working in the photography field for 8 years. He started photography as a hobby starting with smartphone cameras and eventually upgrading to his professional DSLR, setup. His knowledge of composition and detail is very relatable and current.
Johnson graduated from Science Skills High School with an Advanced Regents HSD and went to college at ASA Institute. He has taken classes at PhotoManhattan (photo studio where he currently co-manages & teaches), along with NYIP. Well versed in all aspects of photography, with also a background of non profit community work with teens and young children, he specializes in studio portraiture, weddings and family portraits, all while fitting in personal fine art photography. Johnson developed a fondness for capturing moments, and telling stories through photos, and creating art through the human body, similar to dance.
(more of his work on IG @levue_ & www.levuestudios.com)