Our History

 

Gentry Isaiah George and Tyler Garacci, Co-Founders

Photo by Eduardo Patino

Zest Collective was founded on November 02, 2013, by Gentry Isaiah George and Tyler Garacci. George and Garacci created Zest to promote collaborative opportunities for young performing and visual Artists in NYC's Washington Heights Neighborhood.

The company's premiere performance was on March 13, 2014, at MIST, presented by the Harlem Arts Festival. In New York, the company has performed at SummerStage, Wassaic Project, HarlemStage’s Gatehouse Theater, Ulster Performing Arts Center, and more. In 2020, the company went under a hiatus in response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The company re-emerged in 2022, debuting at the Adrienne Arsht Center of Miami-Dade County in a new production of Piano Slam, presented by Dranoff 2 Piano - Choreographed and Directed by Gentry Isaiah George. Zest now thrives in South Florida and continues to create movement literature that speaks to the diversity of our world.

 

Photography by Felix Kunze, David Tufino, Scott Shaw, Armando Colls, Gregory Reed, Cody Perkins

Artist Statement

“Dance is my vessel for storytelling—a dynamic and powerful language that bridges history, culture, and the human experience. Through my work, I aim to celebrate diversity, amplify Black voices, and create spaces where artistic exchange becomes a catalyst for inspiration and empowerment. As a choreographer, educator, and artistic director, my journey is deeply rooted in community, mentorship, and adaptability, constantly responding to the evolving landscape of the arts and the world around us.

Music plays a central role in my creative process. I am deeply inspired by the rhythms, textures, and histories embedded in musical traditions—from jazz and spirituals to folk and Afro-Caribbean influences. My process often begins with listening and research, exploring the cultural context of the music and imagining how its emotion, rhythm, and storytelling can live within the body. From there, I work collaboratively with dancers, allowing their individuality and interpretation to shape the choreography. I strive to create movement that balances classical technique with contemporary expression, blending structure with freedom and spontaneity.

As the founder and artistic director of Zest Collective, I have created a platform where movement becomes a tool for dialogue and transformation. Through performances, educational programs, and community partnerships, the company seeks to make dance accessible while celebrating cultural expression. Our Educational Enrichment Program and Masterclass Series bring high-quality dance education to students across South Florida, and our collaborations with institutions such as the Adrienne Arsht Center, Moss Center, Miami Theater Center, Miami Light Project, and the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center extend the impact of our work beyond the stage.

Mentorship is at the heart of my practice. As a professor at New World School of the Arts and an artist-in-residence at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, I am passionate about guiding the next generation of dancers and helping them develop both artistic voice and technical excellence. My own artistic growth continues as I pursue my Master of Fine Arts in Choreography at Jacksonville University, deepening my exploration of movement, narrative, and innovation.

My choreography is both reflective and responsive—drawing from history while engaging with the cultural conversations of our time. At its core, my mission is to inspire, educate, and uplift. Dance, for me, is not simply performance; it is a means of honoring cultural identity, building community, and celebrating the transformative power of artistic expression.”

  • Gentry Isaiah George

 

Photo by Roshaknie Hayes

 

What Do We Do?

 

Our dance artists use their bodies as the primary medium of storytelling. Our work is punctuated by poetry and iconic speeches about abandoning fear and emphasizes man's sensitivity to the pangs of life. We hope our movement will encourage people worldwide to translate their dreams into creative, purposeful lives. 

 

Gentry Isaiah George, Deja Darbonne, Diana Figueroa, Kiera O’Rourke, Maryann Arnita Benjamin, and Eleni Gialas

Piano Slam 2022, Presented by Dranoff 2 Piano and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County

Our Dream

 

We aim to become a leading global touring company and open the Zest Collective Performing Arts Center. Our mission is to celebrate the diversity of our community, inspire the next generation of performing artists, and foster collaborative works between artists and organizations throughout the world.

Nayah Merisier and The Company in ‘The Fountain’

Photo by TCDCX