Who am I?

José Lapaz-Rodriguez (He/Him) is a Dominican-born movement artist whose work pulses with spirit, lineage, and imagination. Now rooted in Harlem, New York, he weaves together contemporary technique, ballroom tradition, and nightlife performance into a singular, magnetic voice. He dances with Kyle Marshall Choreography and teaches Vogue with both grounding presence and electrifying finesse at The Ailey Extension, Steps on Broadway, and Rutgers University. Beyond the studio, José shapes New York’s nocturnal pulse through his work in nightlife at Le Bain, The Box, and previously The Stranger, where he holds space with artistry, glamour, and intention.

A Magna Cum Laude graduate of Mason Gross School of the Arts (BFA in Dance), José is a devoted member of the ballroom community and a defining force within the Artistic Haus of Telfar, where he continues to merge performance, culture, and innovation.

In addition to his career as a dancer, José is an actor and model, appearing in the films Playland by Georden West and Track 7 by Sean Perry. He has walked runways for designers such as Willy Chavarria and Wiederhoeft, and performed environmentally for Coach.

José’s work and presence have been highlighted in Paper Magazine, Mission Magazine, Gayletter, Self Service, Schön Magazine, The New York Times, Vanity Fair, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vogue (American, Italia, and Japan). His commercial collaborations include campaigns for Facebook Messenger, Gilead, and a global initiative with COS.