ZACH BUSSERT
From Grand Rapids, MI, Zach Bussert (he/him) is a graduate of Grand Valley State University with a BBA in Dance & Marketing. During his time at GVSU, Zach was a recipient of the Upper Division Dance Scholarship and worked with numerous guest artists including Yoshito Sakuraba, Wallie Wolfgruber, Paul Singh, Brian Enos, Helanius Wilkins, and more.
Post graduation, Zach began his professional career with ConteXture Dance Detroit under the direction of Tracy Halloran, before joining St. Louis Dance Theatre (formerly The Big Muddy Dance Company) as a trainee for the 2022/23 season. During his time in St. Louis, he performed works by Norbert De La Cruz III, Joshua L. Peugh, and Kirven Douthit-Boyd, with highlights including Norbert de la Cruz III’s Could 9 at the 2023 Spring to Dance Festival. Working alongside Joshua L. Peugh, Zach received scholarship to participate in Dark Circles Contemporary Dance’s 2023 Arts Lab Desert Peaks in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where he performed Peugh’s work SLUMP, This Is Home II, and Critiques of the Morning Song.
Previously, Zach danced with WhirlWind Dance Company for three seasons under the direction of Joshua Manculich and Morgan Sandlin. During his time with the company, he has performed throughout the country including the Palm Desert Choreography Festival, Grier School’s Motion Dance Convention, and The Pillow Project in Pittsburgh, PA. He was also part of WhirlWind’s 2024 and 2025 professional residency, which included performing a wide range of repertory by Joshua Manculich, including Come Rain or Shine, Daydream, With Eyes Closed, and Moonlit. During his time with WhirlWind, he was able to work with resident choreographers Terrill Mitchell, John Litzer & Cody Szarko, Jackie Stewart, and Hanna Brictson. Zach was honored to premier as a feature role in Morgan Sandlin’s first evening-length work “Anywhere But Here” and also had the opportunity to create an excerpt of choreography for the show.
Zach is excited to join Detroit Met Dance, returning to his home state to continue performing, collaborating, and growing as an artist. In his free time, Zach enjoys working with young dancers and choreographing for competitive dance studios. His work has been showcased across the country and receives many top placements and awards. He is thrilled to help bring dance to the Detroit metropolitan area!