To Dance Is To Be Free featuring Gerson Lanza

As the resounding beats of musical feet echoes through the theater, intertwining seamlessly with soul-stirring live music and thought-provoking spoken word, we aim to ignite conversations, unearth truths, and foster a deeper understanding of the multifaceted tapestry of Blackness and American society at large. Come witness a groundbreaking fusion of art and advocacy as we illuminate the beauty, struggles, and resilience of those who call the United States home and the art form that is often marginalized yet continues to prevail.

About Gerson Lanza

Originally from La Ceiba, Honduras, Gerson first encountered the art form of tap dance after moving to New York City in 2001. He immediately fell in love with the art after his first encounter. Lanza began training at Wadleigh School for the Performing and Visual Arts and the Harlem School of the Arts. He has completed residencies at Lincoln Center, Jacob’s Pillow, Guggenheim Work and Progress Series, Fall for Dance Festival at New York City Center with New York-based company Music From The Sole, led by Leonardo Sandoval and Gregory Richardson. In his own right he has been featured as Strathmore Amplify Artist and Artist in Residence, featured in Artist at the Center at New York City Center, curated by Ayodele Casel, which landed his first New York Times review for his choreographic work, and lastly headlined the Millennium Stage with his jazz quintet at The Kennedy Center—all while simultaneously working towards a master’s degree in performance studies and dance from the University of Maryland.

Lanza received his Master in Fine Arts (MFA) from The University of Maryland, where he focused on the Afro-Latinx diaspora. His research landed him the International Program for Creative Collaboration & Research Grant to study the relation of the African diaspora in Honduras and Spain through the lens of tap dance. Gerson has also served as a consultant and presenter for 92 Street Y's newest curriculum, "Tracing Footsteps, " taught by performing arts educators in New York City. Whether performing alongside spoken word artists, musicians, other dancers, or in solo performances, Lanza mesmerizes with complex moves that he makes look easy.

Gerson's goal is to one day empower others to act on their dreams and sies the opportunity as he is living his dream through rhythm, movement, and scholarly work.

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Host or Publisher City College Center for the Arts