Ozzy Berzin-Cohen is a queer artist and swimmer from London. Born with talipes and never expected to walk, he ended up becoming a swimmer and later discovered his passion for ndance at 14. His journey into dance was unconventional, starting with commercial styles before discovering contemporary dance during GCSEs and A-Levels (2016-2020). He then joined The Place CAT Scheme (2019-2020) and went on to complete a BA (Hons) in Dance at Falmouth University (2020-2023). During his training, Ozzy choreographed a full-length work, and performed in pieces by choreographers such as Simon Birch, Kevin Turner and Katrina Brown. Alongside his degree, Ozzy choreographed and danced in student films, performed at Tate St Ives, and stayed politically active in Cornwall.

After graduating, Ozzy spent a year freelancing, working with companies such as Théâtre Volière, Mad Jacks Dance Theatre, Indigo Dance Company and independent choreographers including Finnleigh Zach Dance in Paris. His freelance journey took him to Prague, where he trained closely with Lenka Vagnerová & Company, gaining deep insights into their repertoire and practice. He also completed intensives with Hofesh Shechter, KOMOCO, Rambert and Crystal Pite.

Ozzy’s movement practice is grounded in floorwork, gaga, and release, while he continues to refine his technical skills in Cunningham and ballet. Alongside performing, he has pursued his choreographic work, conducting research for two new pieces exploring the unknown in the natural world and its physical and scientific processes.

Beyond dance, Ozzy is a qualified swim teacher and lifeguard and has completed several long-distance swims in Cornwall and the Lake District. He has over 10 years’ experience in youth work and key-working, and can always be found swimming in a lake, climbing a tree, the studio, or the vegan aisle of the zero-waste store.

Photo credit: Josh Hawkins