About
Abdul Sanz is a Haitian-born choreographer, performer, and educator whose work bridges contemporary movement, cultural identity, and human connection. Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sanz began dancing at an early age and trained at École de Danse Joelle Donatien Belot under the direction of Joelle Donatien Belot, Stephanie Belot Joseph, Alexandra Belot, and Etelka Molnar Prosper. His artistic foundation was shaped by both rigorous training and the experience of navigating cultural perceptions surrounding male dancers in Haiti.
In 2022, Sanz moved to New York to pursue higher education at Hofstra University, where he studied Dance and Civil Engineering. The intersection of these disciplines continues to influence his creative practice, informing his understanding of structure, design, collaboration, and movement.
As a choreographer, Sanz has created works including Tourments Nécessaires, Shades, Unstable, Les Vraies Horloges sont Imparfaites, The Right to Walk Away, Under Tension: Where the Structure Breathes, and On Edge. His choreography explores themes of identity, home, migration, masculinity, resilience, love, freedom, and community through physically demanding movement and emotionally driven storytelling. His work seeks to challenge perspectives, empower individuals, inspire dialogue, and foster healing.
As a performer, Sanz has appeared in works by Janice Rosario, Livia Vanaver, Robin Becker, Daniel Moore, Clement Mensah, Telly Fowler, Adam Barruch, Ian DaSilva, William Isaac, and Fredrick Earl Mosley. Additional performance credits include Hearts of Men, directed by Daniel Padierna and presented at the Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater, as well as participation in the Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts Summer Intensive.
An active educator, Sanz has taught and facilitated workshops for libraries, community organizations, private students, and emerging artists throughout New York. His teaching philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, artistic individuality, cultural awareness, and creative confidence.
ABDUL SANZ
Haitian-born Choreographer • Performer • Educator
New York, USA
Instagram: @abdul_dance
EDUCATION
Hofstra University
Bachelor of Arts in Dance, 2026
Hofstra University
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Expected 2027
École de Danse Joelle Donatien Belot
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
CHOREOGRAPHY
2026
“On Edge”
Co-created with Saskia Laurié
Hofstra Dance Senior Showcase
“Under Tension: Where the Structure Breathes”
Senior Practicum
Hofstra Dance Program
“The Right to Walk Away”
Co-created with David Parmegiani
Hofstra Student Rep Festival
2025
“Les Vraies Horloges sont Imparfaites”
Hofstra Student Rep Festival
“Unstable”
Hofstra Student Rep Festival
“Shades”
Presented at New York University
“Can I Bother You?”
Choreographed for music artist Zeke Pujols
2023
“Tourments Nécessaires”
Hofstra University Miscellaneous Works
PERFORMANCE
Performed works by:
Janice Rosario
Livia Vanaver
Robin Becker
Daniel Moore
Clement Mensah
Telly Fowler
Adam Barruch
Ian DaSilva
William Isaac
Fredrick Earl Mosley
Daniel Padierna
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE
Hearts of Men
Directed by Daniel Padierna
Alvin Ailey Citigroup Theater
2025
Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts Summer Intensive
2025
Performed works by:
Daniel Padierna
Meredith Rainey
Ruddy Frias
Maxine Steinman
TEACHING
Guest Artist and Workshop Instructor
Westbury Memorial Library
Uniondale Public Library
Community Arts Organizations
Private Instruction and Coaching
Areas of Instruction:
Ballet
Pointe
Contemporary
Jazz
Haitian Folklore
Haitian Folklore Fusion
Improvisation
Composition
Repertory
Sanz earned his Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Hofstra University in 2026 and continues to develop work as a choreographer, performer, and educator. Rooted in his Haitian heritage and shaped by his experiences in New York, he is committed to creating dance that transcends borders and builds meaningful connections across communities and cultures.