Meet Zuri Cong

We were lucky to catch up with Zuri Cong recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Zuri , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

When I first started dancing, I faced a lot of challenges when it came to relating to my peers. I was on a dance team for 3 years with majority white girls and it was hard for my teammates to be understanding to the typical black girl problems. I couldn’t always wear the same exact hairstyles without my thick 4c hair coming out wild. I also was naturally a lot bigger in muscle mass at the time so a lot of people would just comment on it. I’ve definitely had a couple of people make a skin joke or two. People would make it a point to call out everything different about me.

Fortunately, I learned how to channel my uniqueness to be my ultimate superpower. If I didn’t have the strongest technique, I worked ten times harder to get what was required for the dances each week. Because I became one of the strongest physically at the time, I was able to help with special tricks and lifts. It was in those moments where I started look at my own differences as positives for sure.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I want people to know that I’m a fighter over everything. Nothing in this world has came without hard work and sacrifice. I spent the past 10 years leading up to a lot of the incredible projects I am working on now as a professional dancer and choreographer. Professionally, I am looking forward to being a future creative director for world tours, commercials, music videos and movie sets. I see myself expanding in all areas and creating a successful business around my love for dance.

In this year alone, I have been super blessed to participate in the Super Bowl, direct my first two dance concept videos, and choreograph a handful of music videos. Also, I just hosted my first dance class at My Safe Place Studio under Zuri Isadorah Dance which has always been a childhood dream of mine. In addition, I recently just co-choreographed and danced for the 2024 BET Conference with Artists SlimmtheRuby and SinCityKeez.

Next month, I will be preparing to perform on my first Minifest Tour with Artist LaVashti. In December, I am starring in and co-producing my friend Gaia Speak’s short film “Stuck On Earth”. I won’t disclose too much about upcoming future plans because I have this superstition that talking about your plans spoils them. Just know that 2025 is going to be a very fruitful and divine year. As of right now, I am currently working on one of my biggest projects yet which I will be wearing many professional hats for. The project will be a really big event bringing a lot of local Las Vegas dancers and art enthusiasts together to celebrate culture.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

What was most impactful for me in my career so far was remembering who I was outside of my dance career and the success I got from it. I won’t do anything that compromises who I am and puts myself in a situation that can dim the light I created for myself.

Another impactful skill set that has impacted my career heavily was learning how to represent myself. I am currently unsigned but I am always busy. As a matter of fact, this whole year has been booked up. The key to achieving this was always promoting myself and showing my journey on social media even with or without support. I took on opportunities that I feel represented the type of brand I want to showcase for myself. Sometimes, I don’t expect anything out of the opportunities; I go to get lessons and to grow.
Plus, a lot of people in the community continue to take chances on me by allowing me to be part of their creative processes. I’m truly grateful because these creative opportunities help me project outwardly into the world what I can do as an artist.

Another skill I have acquired is understanding how to be a student. I’m always open to learning and evolving which contributes to my longevity. I always enter spaces and new opportunities humble but never humbling my artistry. I am a phenomenal dancer but I do not know everything there is to know which keeps me excited and invested.

For those who are early in their journey, I would recommend soaking up every moment as much as possible and to remember your why. Ask yourself questions often like why am I pursuing this journey or this particular path? The answer should always be for yourself first because your journey is truly about you wanting to excel out of passion and out of love. You should want to win for yourself first because you are your greatest hype man and competitor.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client will always be the one and only FKA Twigs. I will dance for her one day or be her creative director. There’s a high chance I could do both. She has been a monumental influence for me for over the past ten years and I feel like my movement correlates with hers.
At this moment, I’m in a headspace where I want to always have opportunities to work for creatives and artists who constantly are ready to push the envelope. I want to create a platform that always challenges and is the opposite of what’s deemed acceptable by society. Not only does FKA sings, she pole dances, she vogues, she choreographs, she’s a composer, she acts and she even wields swords. There are so many layers to her that I think people are just now catching on to.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zu.r.i/profilecard/?igsh=MXozYTIyMmd2anYy
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zuriisadorahdance?si=shX0939shv4bBeni

Image Credits

Dance concept @carosfootprint

Makeup photo @beatsbykaydee

My house poster and class photo @gaiaspeaks

Raz B “drip on me” music video

Stage performance photo capture @mrmotionvisuals