Check Out Zakyia Armstrong’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zakyia Armstrong.

Hi Zakyia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Ladies N Unity is where it all started for me. It was a neighborhood step and dance team founded by my mom in our front yard, and it made a huge impact by creating a positive outlet for young people and helping reduce crime in our neighborhood. But even before that, I’ve always known dance was a part of who I am. It’s been the one thing that consistently grounds and drives me, especially during uncertain times.

As I got older, I began formally training in high school, where I explored multiple styles including ballet, jazz, majorette, hip-hop, and even competitive cheerleading. While each genre challenged me in different ways, they all felt natural. My passion for dance quickly evolved into leadership opportunities, where I began creating choreography, building formations, and teaching eight-counts for my teams from a young age through the collegiate level.

College sparked something even deeper within me. Although I had always considered myself a natural-born dancer, there came a moment when I realized this wasn’t just something I loved—it was something I was truly meant to pursue. In 2019, I uploaded my first YouTube video, and from there everything began to grow. I transitioned into creating concept videos, booking shows, and securing performance opportunities with artists like Sisqó and at events for Michael Vick. Along the way, I built relationships with talented creatives and industry professionals who helped expand my perspective and opportunities.

Dance has opened doors I never imagined and has allowed me to impact others while continuously evolving as an artist. But despite everything I’ve accomplished so far, I still feel like I’m just getting started. Every new level reminds me there’s still so much more to learn, create, and experience.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. But honestly, I never expected it to be. One thing I often tell myself is, “For every negative thought, dance.”

I’ve battled anxiety, overthinking, and perfectionism throughout my journey. There have been moments when I’ve doubted myself, questioned my abilities, or felt overwhelmed by the pressure to be better. But instead of allowing those struggles to stop me, I learned to channel them into my art.

At an early age, I realized that your shortcomings can either hold you back or fuel your growth. I chose to use mine as energy. Dance became my outlet, my therapy, and my way of processing life’s challenges.

I’ve also learned that talent alone will only take you so far. Talent may get you in the room, but character, discipline, poise, and resilience are what sustain you. It’s one thing to know the steps—it’s another thing to embody them and tell a story through movement.

That’s why I continue to dance through the tough times. In fact, that’s the inspiration behind my slogan, “It feels good to have you here.” It’s a message rooted in my own experience with anxiety and serves as a reminder to myself and others in the dance community that even when we’re struggling internally, we still deserve to take up space, be present, and be seen.

The challenges have shaped me just as much as the successes, and I believe they’ve made me a stronger artist and person.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
AZMC | Professional Dancer & Creative Artist

AZMC delivers high-energy, professional performances specializing in Heels, Hip-Hop, and Commercial Dance. With a bold, captivating style and strong stage presence, AZMC is available for:

* Tours & Live Performances
* Long-Term Dance Contracts & Entertainment Gigs
* Music Videos & Commercials
* Brand Collaborations & Promotional Events
* Creative Direction & Choreography
* Heels, Jazz and Hip-Hop Classes
* Dance Workshops, Intensives & Artist Development Training

Combining movement, music, fashion, and performance, AZMC creates memorable experiences that connect with audiences and elevate every project. Whether performing on stage, teaching dancers, or bringing creative visions to life, AZMC delivers professionalism, versatility, and impact.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always strong-minded, full of big dreams, and maybe a little obsessed with fairytales. I dreamed of being on stages one day, inspired by icons like Michael Jackson, Missy Elliott, and Ciara. I remember performing Ciara’s entire “Ride” music video choreography in front of my family with the video playing behind me on the big screen—hunchback and all. If you know, you know.

On my mom’s side of the family, cookouts were basically dance parties. My aunts and uncles would be doing their couples’ two-steps, and my sisters, cousins, and I would put on mini performances for everyone. Looking back, I was ambitious about dance long before I realized it. At the time, I just knew I loved to perform. I loved the feeling of being seen, and my family loved every second of it. It became a tradition—they were always waiting for the next “episode” of whatever routine we had prepared. I would spend time planning and rehearsing my next performance for the next family gathering.

Dance films also played a huge role in shaping who I was. I was glued to movies like Bratz, The Cheetah Girls, Honey, Step Up, You Got Served, and classics like West Side Story, Footloose, Dirty Dancing and Hairspray. Those films opened my imagination to something much bigger than dance. They introduced me to storytelling, performance, fashion, music, and creative expression as a whole.

Personality-wise, I’ve always been creative, determined, and a dreamer. If I set my mind on something, I was going to find a way to make it happen. Even as a kid, I wasn’t just interested in dancing—I was fascinated by creating experiences, entertaining people, and bringing ideas to life. Looking back, those childhood moments were the first signs of the artist and creative visionary I was becoming.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/E2rf96yekpjcV
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azmcreation
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@azmcreation