Meet The Recipient of the 2023 Lorna Strassler Award

 Meet Zakhele Grabowski

Zakhele Grabowski, also known as Swazi, was born in Swaziland (now Eswatini) and raised in the US. At just 18 years old, he has already made significant strides in both Tap and Breaking, gaining recognition in these dance communities. Swazi’s journey is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the power of community.

In this Q&A, the 2023 Lorna Strassler Award recipient generously shares his journey, experiences, and insights, all in his own words, offering a glimpse into the mind of a young dancer on the rise.

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Zakhele Grabowski, aka Swazi. I was born in Swaziland/ Eswatini, but came to the United States at the age of 7. This summer, I turned 18 and graduated from high school in NYC. I was fortunate to attend The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2023 Tap Ensemble program just before the start of my senior year.

How did your dance journey begin, and how has it evolved over time?

My dance journey began before I was probably even aware of it, but by preschool, I was learning traditional African dance along with Capoeira. After arriving in North Carolina in the United States, I became fascinated by watching the adult Hip Hop and Break classes. I was very fortunate that José Velasquez, who was teaching those classes, opened the doors and allowed me to join in.

A few years later, we discovered that there was a youth Breaking crew in Charlotte, a couple of hours away, and my mom began driving me there once a week so I could join them. Not long after I began Breaking, I also became very interested in Tap. Chapel Hill, where I was living, is the home of the North Carolina Youth Tap Ensemble (NCYTE), created by Tap master Gene Medler. He was my teacher and mentor for several years.

In 2020, when COVID-19 hit and we all needed to stay home, my mom and I built a DIY sprung dancefloor downstairs. I began taking Zoom classes with amazing artists and meeting other youth Breakers in online competitions. When things began to open up more, my mom and I started driving around the country to attend every Tap intensive and Breaking battle that we could. In 2022, because of all the new relationships I had formed during COVID-19, I came to NYC to become a member of Dynamic Rockers crew in Harlem, and to continue Tap with Derick Grant and Maurice Chestnut.

What have you been focusing on since your time at The School?

Since my time at the school, I have been focusing on both giving my best while traveling and performing with Rennie Harris Puremovement Streetdance Theatre, and continuing to develop my style and skills as I travel around the US and internationally in the competitive Breaking scene.

What lessons or insights from your time at The School have influenced your dance career?

I think the greatest insight that I gained from my time at The School was that every dance form, every form of expression, really can flow into one another and interlap to make a continually interesting and creative new experience for the dancer and the audience.

What’s your favorite memory from your time at Jacob’s Pillow?

It would be too difficult for me to choose a favorite memory from my time at Jacob’s Pillow because the entire experience was so memorable and rewarding. I truly appreciated all the interactions with the visiting dance companies, with the dancers and instructors in my cohort, and simply the beauty of the surroundings.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to turn their passion for dance into a career?

For someone who wants to turn their passion for dance into a career, I would say that it has to be the thing that guides all your lifestyle choices. You have to be willing to not just do the training, but also to think about how you take care of your body and mind so that you can hope for a full career. You have to be prepared for the highs and the lows as well.

Did the rich history of Jacob’s Pillow shape your experience at The School in any way?

Jacob’s Pillow does have an amazing and rich history, and I think that sometimes when you focus on your own area, you forget to think about how rich and varied the history of dance is, and how important it is to remember and value not just the dance and the dancers, but also the wonderful people who support the dance.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your story, experience, or career?

I think that my story really illustrates that it does take a village to help people on their path. From my early instructors who always encouraged me and allowed me to grow at my own rate, to amazing artists who gave time to me during the pandemic: Derick Grant, who spent many hours online offering improv, choreography, and showtime performance classes; Neguin, three-time World Breaking champion who gave me advice and lessons. There are really too many people to mention. Then also, there has been the support of my family, friends, and the dance communities. I have been very fortunate to have had so many people who have helped me on my path. That has made all the difference.

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Swazi’s journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, passion, and dedication in pursuing a career in dance. His story serves as an inspiration for aspiring dancers and highlights the transformative power of dance in connecting cultures, histories, and people from all walks of life.

This Pillow Pick was written by Bonnie Spann and published on August 13, 2024.