ZAK RYAN SCHLEGEL, originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, moved to California in 2008 to pursue a career in dance and has been working with Backhausdance since December 2010. He is currently pursuing a BFA in Dance Performance at Chapman University where he has received awards in both outstanding performance and choreography. In 2008 Zak had the opportunity to perform a reconstruction of Bella Lewitzky's Pietas restaged by her daughter Nora Reynolds. Since moving to California, Zak has been working in multiple performance disciplines, from concert, commercial, and film to modeling, performance art, and cabaret. Zak has worked with GMUNK, Nina Mcneely, Lisa Eaton, Mecca Vazie Andrews, Kitty McNamee, and Ryan Heffington in a wide variety of styles and venues. Some professional credits include Echo Park-based band We Are The World, Gallimaufry & Greene, TEDx, Flash on the Beach, Former Ghosts, FLAUNT Magazine, Bess NYC, Rouge Cabaret, and Britney Spears. In addition to being a full-time student, Zak teaches at West Coast School of the Arts in Costa Mesa.