Shalay “Lay” Garcia is a dynamic movement artist, choreographer, and storyteller from Arizona. She blends hip-hop, contemporary, and Afro-Caribbean influences with her Christian faith. Born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in North Carolina, Lay’s artistry is shaped by the contrast of these two worlds—the raw, rhythmic energy of the city and the soulful, grounded essence of the South. This fusion has deeply inspired her movement, storytelling, and approach to dance. A senior at Arizona State University studying Performance and Movement, Lay’s work is rooted in her rich cultural heritage and her commitment to using dance as a transformative tool for connection and healing. Her artistic journey continues to be shaped by diverse experiences. In October 2024, she attended Dance Grenada, an international dance festival founded by ASU professor Dr. Shola K. Roberts. Immersing herself in Afro-Caribbean dance techniques further enriched her movement vocabulary. Her career highlights include performing in Super Bowl LVII's halftime show at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where she danced alongside Rihanna under the choreography of Paris Goebel. She has also trained, competed, and taught at Jukebox Dance Studios in Mesa, Arizona, refining her skills in hip-hop and urban choreography. In February 2025, Lay premiered e.MOTION, an original production at ASU's Margaret Gisolo Theater in Tempe, Arizona. The work explores human emotion through dance, monologues, original sound and score, media design, and music. Featured in Latent Heat Transitions II at ASU, this production brought together a multi-generational cast of 11 performers, highlighting Lay’s ability to craft emotionally resonant and visually striking performances. Currently, Lay is the Creative Movement Dance Club Coach at At The Outlet Inc., where she mentors young dancers and prepares them for performances. In May 2025, her students will take the stage at the Arizona Rattlers' halftime show, showcasing their growth and creativity. Beyond performance and choreography, Lay has led therapeutic dance workshops such as emPOWER Her, which focuses on healing and self-expression for women, and What Is True?, a visual dance project exploring perception and reality. She has also taught adaptive dance for One Step Beyond Inc. and received multiple choreography awards from the Assemblies of God Fine Arts Festival for her impactful work. Through her performances, choreographies, and mentorship, Lay continues to push the boundaries of movement. She uses dance to tell stories, foster emotional connections, and inspire audiences worldwide.
