We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Misa Mochizuki. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Misa below.
Alright, Misa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
I started dancing ballet when I was 5 years old. And when I was 10, I joined the competition for the first time. It didn’t go well actually, but around that time I started to practice seriously and got motivated to be a professional ballerina.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
After I graduated university in Japan, I came to NY in 2012. First I got student visa, and went to ballet school. In 2019 I got an artist visa and officially became a dancer in America.
I dance ballet/contemporary with multiple companies as principal and soloist. For example, in winter I always perform “Nutcracker”. I love dancing Sugar Plum Fairy. That is always challenging role. But that gorgeous Tchaikovsky music always makes me feel excited and energetic.
I used to seek higher technique. How many turns I can make, how high I can jump, how long I can balance, how much flexibility I can show, etc… But now, I just enjoy showing who I am on stage. Of course I know I still need good technique, but it’s not my priority anymore. So I can dance without fear, because now I know it’s not necessary to become someone else.
I have a performance on October 19th in NY. I’m gonna dance Henritte’s solo from “Raymonda” and Marguerite from “Faust”. I’m looking forward to sharing my energy with audience there!
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I love expressing myself and my emotion. I always feel so greatful when the audience feel excited, have fun, smile, get inspired from my dancing. And after the show, they often come to me and give some comments and feedback. That’s the best moment for me!
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I wanna dance more freely without any limits both physically and mentally. I wanna reach my inner truth. Also this is just my curiosity, but I’m really interested in how long I can keep dancing. That’s my ongoing experiment.
On the other hand, I’d like to share my knowledge and experience to dancer/non dancer. Expression thorough our body is really fun and you can find new emotions which hide behind your mind. That moment is priceless!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @misafullmoon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/misa.mochizuki.50
- Youtube: @misamochizuki1187
Image Credits
Personal photo : Impressions.life
Additional photo
1st: unknown
2nd: Raquel Beauchamp
3rd: Takaaki Ando
4th: Ray Maranan
5th: williamktheflawless
6th: Conrad Turner
7th: Kevin Richardson
8th: Rachel Neville