Photos by Michael Slobodian (above), Jason Tse (below)
Zachary Cardwell is a professional dancer and dance educator based in Toronto, dedicated to sharing the art of movement with people of all ages and abilities.
After graduating from Arts Umbrella’s Post-Secondary Dance Program, Zachary began his career with Toronto Dance Theatre, performing works by Artistic Director Christopher House and guest choreographers. Since then, he has built a versatile freelance career, performing across Canada, Mexico, Holland, and Italy with companies and independent artists including Echo Chamber Toronto, Zata Omm, Dusk Dances, hART dance, and Samantha Sutherland. He has also had the privilege of working closely with Crystal Pite as a performer, repetiteur, and choreographic mentee while studying at Arts Umbrella.
As an educator, Zachary is on faculty at Canada’s National Ballet School, where he teaches ballet, contemporary dance, creative movement, and adaptive dance. He has also taught at the University of Toronto, Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre, and Assemblée Internationale. His teaching is guided by curiosity, collaboration, and a belief in dance as a vehicle for self-expression, creativity, and community connection.
Whether on stage or in the studio, Zachary brings an openness to process, a respect for individual voices, and a deep commitment to artistic excellence.
