Meet Ned Zaina | Dancer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ned Zaina and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ned, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
One thing that people outside the industry may not realize is that, often when attending auditions, you invest hours in dancing or submit all your materials to casting agents, only to receive no response most of the time. This leaves you in the dark about whether you’ve been rejected until you see someone you know doing the job. This situation can be particularly stressful for those relying solely on dance work in the United States. Personally, I’ve had to let go of the anticipation of booking a job and refrain from getting excited until after signing the contract and rehearsing for the role.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is the positive and welcoming energy I bring to the room. I thrive on the organic process of collaborative creation, valuing each individual’s unique talents and styles they bring to the table.

Additionally, I am incredibly punctual and always arrive on time, ensuring I am fully prepared before stepping into the room the next day. Doing your homework is crucial; it instills confidence not only in your abilities but also in your work ethic for those you’re working with.

My journey has not been easy. Personally, I believe if it were easy, everyone would pursue it. My biggest challenges have been centered around self-worth, especially when facing frequent rejections during auditions. However, I find solace in understanding that casting agents are piecing together a puzzle, and just because you may not fit into one puzzle doesn’t mean you won’t fit perfectly into others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I think for a general itinerary around LA, I would definitely start by taking my friend to Laurel Hardware, one of my favorite restaurants in West Hollywood. The following day, we’d head to Malibu for some surfing, followed by enjoying fish and chips on the beach. Then, we’d venture back to the hills for a hike, and top it off with dinner at Castaways in Burbank, one of my favorite steakhouses in LA. A must-do activity would be visiting Universal Studios—it’s a full-day adventure, and as a huge Harry Potter fan, experiencing the Harry Potter landscape there is truly magical.

After that, I’d probably take them to the Melrose Flea Market for some shopping. Additionally, going to the cinema in LA is always cool; the city is filled with movie buffs, and watching a film here feels like a different experience compared to anywhere else.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are many people who deserve credit and recognition for my story, most notably my mom, Janine Zaina, who supported me throughout my childhood, even in the face of adversity. When I was younger, it wasn’t widely accepted for men to pursue dancing, so I encountered numerous struggles at school and at home when choosing it as my hobby. Yet, she stood by me without hesitation.

Additionally, I am grateful for the dance teachers who initially introduced me to dancing: Lila, Lisa, and Vikki Wells at the Wells School of Dance. They supported me tirelessly for years.

After graduating full-time, I was fortunate to have incredible mentors like Yvette Lee, Chantal Runting, and Mike Snell. They played pivotal roles in helping me secure dance jobs, manage finances, and pursue my dreams.

Since moving to the United States, I’ve had the absolute pleasure of working with some incredible choreographers and artists, most notably Mikey Minden. I’ve had the opportunity to work with him multiple times with different stars, such as Paris Hilton and Erika Jayne.

Instagram: @ned_zaina

Other: Tik tok @nedzaina

Image Credits
Parker Burr Kevin Ostajewski