Personal Projects
The following pieces were shot, written, and edited by me. As an admirer of arts and culture stories, these projects held personal significance. I was passionate about each cause and the mission of every interview guest, all of which shaped my upbringing and have a strong influence on New York culture.
Bronx native Mel Ramirez, 25, applies foundation, eyeliner, mascara and ties it all together with gemstones on her face before she heads out to skateboard on New York City streets. Ramirez, who has been skating for three years, has faced sexist remarks and doubts about her skating ability as a young woman. That experienced motivated her to co-create the Bronx Girls Skate collective in 2020.
As viewers worldwide gear up for the debut of breakdancing at the Paris 2024 Olympics, one Brooklyn studio is focused on keeping breaking afloat in the birthplace of hip-hop, New York City.
On a cold and windy October afternoon, I saw Jonathan L. adjusting a spinning DMX figurine on an empty Brooklyn street. As I approached him, I learned about his deep love of hip-hop culture and a fascinating sculpture hobby – as seen on his Instagram @mytapepoppedtoys.
Is tap dancing a dying artform? Professional tap dancer Marshall L. Davis Jr. (Happy Feet) speaks on the state of the tap scene.
Gavy Contreras
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Gavy Contreras 