Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kaori Hiwasa. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kaori, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you ever had an amazing boss, mentor or leader leading you? Can you us a story or anecdote that helps illustrate why this person was such a great leader and the impact they had on you or their team?
One of the most impactful mentors I’ve had is Ellenore Scott. When I moved in New York from Japan, I had the chance to meet Ellenore in person after having seen her on TV(So You Think You Can Dance). At the time, I had mostly focused on street dance and hadn’t explored contemporary styles much, so encountering contemporary dance in America was already a fresh experience. But what truly captivated me was how Ellenore’s style went beyond the typical boundaries of contemporary dance, creating something much more intriguing and unique. Taking her class, I found myself completely drawn in.
What stood out in her creative process was her emphasis on storytelling and musicality, elements that I really connected with. Her ideas and the pieces she created were simply wonderfull. As someone with a street dance background, contemporary dance was initially intimidating for me, but Ellenore’s world opened my eyes and made me feel, “I want to do this,” and “I want to be a part of this world.”
After learning about her dance company, ELSCO Dance, I reached out to her, but by that time, the auditions had already closed. She encouraged me to come back the following year, but knowing I lacked a ballet foundation and wasn’t yet technically ready for contemporary dance, she advised me to take ballet classes at least 3-4 times a week over the next year to build my skills.
I followed her advice and worked hard to improve. The following year, I auditioned again and was accepted as a company member. Through this experience, my horizons as a dancer expanded significantly, and my concept of dance evolved. Meeting Ellenore truly became a turning point in my career.
Kaori, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a dancer, choreographer, and instructor from Osaka, Japan. I began dancing at the age of 15 and was captivated by styles such as hip-hop and locking. My journey into dance started during my high school’s freshman welcome event, where I watched a performance by the dance club. The energy and movements left me in awe, and after being encouraged by a friend to attend a trial session, I took my first step into the world of dance. At first, I was simply fascinated by the joy of learning new moves, but before I knew it, I was driven by the desire to dance better and to be seen.
In Japan, I worked as a backup dancer for the rock band Ulfuls and performed as a cheerleader for the Orix Buffaloes. I also appeared in major events such as the opening ceremony of Nippon Professional Baseball and the World Athletics Championships in 2009. Additionally, I co-founded the all-female dance group “MASK,” performing in numerous events across Japan.
In 2012, I moved to New York City in pursuit of greater challenges. Since then, I have expanded my expertise in contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop dance. I am currently a member of ELSCO Dance Company, led by Broadway choreographer Ellenore Scott, where I collaborate on creating stage productions while showcasing my technical and expressive abilities. A major turning point in my career came when I met Ellenore. Her choreography—blending storytelling, musicality, and emotional depth—opened my eyes to the vast possibilities within dance.
With her advice, I revisited the fundamentals of ballet to refine my technique and evolve my own style. This experience reinforced my belief that with determination and passion, people can transform and grow. Performing on the world stage in New York has been not only a professional achievement but also a deeply personal journey of growth.
As an instructor, I strive to help my students experience the joy of accomplishment. My teaching emphasizes clear, simplified explanations to ensure that students can understand and truly feel the movements. In my creative work, I prioritize crafting pieces that align with the theme and resonate with audiences through accessible and impactful storytelling.
I have participated in numerous projects over the years, including directing a film in 2021 that won the Excellence Award at an international film festival. Additionally, I have explored new forms of expression by studying ASL (American Sign Language) and integrating it into my choreography. This fusion of sign language and dance seeks to transcend language and cultural barriers, creating a unique and inclusive form of communication.
My choreography is characterized by its focus on storytelling, aiming to evoke emotions and narratives that audiences can connect with. Drawing from my diverse background in contemporary, hip-hop, and jazz, I embrace creative freedom that transcends genres, giving my work a distinctive edge. Through this approach, I aim to inspire audiences and offer them new perspectives. My ultimate goal is to connect with people through dance and deliver stories that resonate deeply and foster empathy.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding part of being an artist is inspiring and touching people through my work and performances. While we can find inspiration in nature or AI, I believe it’s human actions that truly move hearts. Sharing the kind of excitement I felt when I first started dancing and seeing that joy in others brings me happiness and a sense of accomplishment.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My creative journey is driven by the mission to express stories and concepts as a storyteller, both in productions and company performances, as well as in my own work. At the core of my creativity is connecting with others through dance, and conveying emotions and narratives that resonate with the audience. Collaborating with other creators to bring stories to life is my ultimate goal, and it’s what pushes me forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kaorihiwasa.com/
- Instagram: ＠kaorihiwasa @kaorihiwasa_asl
- Facebook: Kaori Hiwasa
- Linkedin: KAORI HIWASA
- Youtube: Kaori Hiwasa
Image Credits
Photographer: Hayato Sakurai
Filmmaker: Kazushi Matsugaya
Dancer: Hiroko Uchino
Dance studio: Ballet Arts in NYC