Today we’d like to introduce you to Finleigh Zack
Hi Finleigh, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
At a very young age, I knew that choreography & entrepreneurship was the career path I wanted to take.
I have always been a creative individual and had an interest in creating something that I could call mine. I found myself imagining dances in my head and wanted a platform where I could continue my work. I moved to New York at 17 years old to pursue a degree in Dance at NYU and really dove into my creative practice and honed my craft during my studies. I was fortunate enough to be surrounded by influential mentors who helped support my ideas and help them become my reality.
At 19 years old, I started the process to form my business, Finleigh Zack Dance Inc., a non profit dance company supporting mental health advocacy in the arts industry.
With my experience in the field and how our emotional health was a taboo subject, I wanted to create a platform where we could flip the narrative that has been present for too long. How can we as artists use our craft to support one another and our support our emotional health?
FZD will be turning 4 years this August and is amazes me how much we have grown in our small time as an organization. I have such a huge respect for my growing team and community and look forward for what we have in store.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a business from the ground up can be a challenge and a learning process! It has been one of the most rewarding things I have done with my career thus far but still comes with obstacles along the way. I have learned how to navigate road blocks and redirect quickly when issues arise. I find that the best way to learn how to overcome challenge is by diving head first and learning along the way. I ask questions, observe how other dance companies run their organization, and work as a team so that we can operate to the best of our ability.
I still have so much to learn in terms of running a successful business but I have a passion I want to share with the community. Our mistakes we have made in the past shape the work we do now! Creating a business can be trial and error and sometimes that comes with a challenge, but a challenge I am willing to take!
Like mentioned previously, I could have not done this without the support from my mentors, dancers, and board of directors. I thank each and every person who has come to a performance, donated to our organization, given us a follow on social media, or celebrated us from a distance. All of our work would have not been possible without you.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Finleigh Zack Dance Inc., was founded in 2020 as a non profit organization. Our dance company supports mental health advocacy in the arts industry through dance performances and workshops.
My idea for the company all started from my personal experience with mental health challenges and I wanted to shed light on a topic that has been shied away from. I decided it was time to share my own story and help those who may be struggling and give them a voice and outlet as well.
The company has performed in various cities internationally as well as in our home base, New York City. We hope that sharing our work with the community will inspire audience members to flip the narrative around mental health.
Our work is made possible by supporters in the community. I believe that art is what binds us together. Whether that be through supporting a live performance, attending a workshop/talk back, or donating to our organization, the work we create is just as much mine as it is yours.
I am proud of my growing team of artists and community. To look back 4 years ago and see the platform we have created inspires me daily to work harder. It keeps me going.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I was fortunate enough to meet my mentor just as I was in the beginning stages of creating FZD back in 2020. We worked together for 2 years to set up a successful business plan and she gave me learning tools to help me run FZD as the director. I find that we never stop growing our network base. Connecting with those who inspire you and your work as well as those who may just be starting is always a great way to meet and collaborate with fellow individuals in your field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.finleighzackdance.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/finleighzackdance/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/finleighzackdance
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@finleighzackdanceinc.73
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Ava Pellor, Brittney Eng, Eliza Frye