ZACHARY FRAZEE

Senior Instructor

Zachary J. Frazee (they/them/theirs) has always held a deep love for movement and anything creative. Currently they are a dancer, choreographer, educator, and creative entrepreneur based in Rochester, NY. Upon graduating from SUNY Brockport in 2014 with a BFA in Dance, Frazee went on to dance professionally with companies and choreographers such as the New York State Ballet (2014-2017), Saratoga City Ballet (2018-present), electricGrit Dance (2018-present), Project 44 (2019), Michelle Pritchard (2019), Cheryl Johnson (2014), Zoe Cushman Walders (2019-present), BIODANCE (2018-present), and Create A Space NOW (2020-present). During that time, they also jump started their career as a dance educator by teaching at several local dance schools and studios as well as teaching guest classes and private lessons throughout the greater Rochester area and beyond. They mainly teach ballet technique, contemporary ballet technique, and contemporary dance technique but also offer classes in rhythm tap, musical theatre, choreography and composition, and improvisation. Most recently, Frazee started teaching as an Adjunct Professor in Dance at Hobart & William Smith Colleges where they taught an Advanced Contemporary Ballet course in the 2020 and 2021 spring semesters.

To continue upon their movement education, Frazee began working in the fitness field. They became a certified Group Exercise Instructor in 2018 and taught Silver Sneakers and Cardio Dance classes at various YMCA’s throughout Rochester. In 2019, they decided to take it a step further and get certified in Pilates through Evolution Pilates of Rochester where they now teach Mat and Reformer private sessions and classes. They thoroughly enjoy combining their experiences with dance, fitness, and somatics to create a well-rounded and mindful approach to movement with the goal of making every class, session, and/or rehearsal accessible and inclusive of all bodies and abilities.

Frazee’s main passion is to create. In 2018, they formed their own dance company, Frazee Feet Dance. Frazee Feet Dance is a project based contemporary dance company with the mission of creating original work that showcases the diversity of human movement, connection, and collaboration. Since then, Frazee has created three evening length works with the company, all premiered through the KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival, and has toured shorter works across the country at events and festivals in cities such as Richmond, Chicago, New York City, Buffalo, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Boston, Saratoga Springs, among others. Outside of Frazee Feet Dance, they have been commissioned to create work for the New York State Ballet, Saratoga City Ballet, Mayhem//Dance, Lindenwood University, and various dance schools and studios. Recently, Frazee was selected as a recipient for the 2021 Western New York Choreographers Initiative Award, funded by the New York State Dance Force.This award will provide resources to allow them to research and develop new work surrounding the concept of ‘identity’ with Frazee Feet Dance throughout 2021.

Frazee’s passion for art and creativity spans outside of the studio and stage as well. When they are not performing, choreographing, or teaching, you can find them behind a camera working as a photographer and videographer. They started their own photography business in 2020, ZJFrazee Photography, where they specialize in portraits, headshots, and movement photography but also have dipped their toes into wedding photography, performance & event photography, product photography, nature photography, and are now starting to offer videography services. They are very passionate about working with other artists and utilizing their eye for movement and composition to capture authentic images and videos of those they work with. Frazee also likes to utilize this skill set to photograph local protests and activism as a way to document and bring awareness to important social causes in support of marginalized communities. Most recently, Frazee photographed a collaborative event for Project A.I.R. and Hoopbus in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. One of their photographs was also recently featured in the ‘Last Year on Earth’ exhibit at Rochester Contemporary Art Center.

Frazee utilizes their multiple interests and skill sets to work as a full-time creative which brings them great pride and joy. Their creativity and love of movement are intertwined with every aspect of their life and they thoroughly enjoy sharing this love with those around them. When they are not working, you can find them talking to their cats, experimenting with new recipes, or breaking down gender stereotypes by embracing their gender nonconformity. To learn more about Frazee and their various pursuits, visit www.zacharyjfrazee.com and follow them on social media: @zjfrazee