WHO AM I?
Choreographer, dance Artist, dance educator, certified DEI practitioner in NYC, originally from Japan.
MISSION / ARTIST STATEMENT
My mission is to help people find more freedom and possibilities in themselves using my movements, words, and passion.
EVERYONE CAN BE AUTHENTIC TO THEMSELF, BRINGING COMFORT IN TOGETHERNESS,
TO ULTIMATELY GROW THE STRENGTH AND BOND OUR COMMUNITY.
I strongly believe in the power of art. It raises individual self confidence, leading to the understanding of diversity, opening the doors to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. As a spokeswoman of queer and immigrant artist community, from a poverty family in a small town, I know everyone has much more freedom and possibilities than they think, they just don’t know. I want people to be aware of it, using my body and words.
For this reason, themes of my works are always based on the actual sensation of what people need in the moment or something we should let go from us. Sometimes, art makes people laugh, feel light, or reflect about themselves, to find and remember something important or forgotten, like solidarity and unity.
WHAT DO I DO?
Co-founding a NYC-based contemporary dance company “sarAika movement collective“, I offer our contemporary dance creations and movements workshops in NYC, Japan, and Europe.
About my movement style, I take everything “NOW” – what is around me, what comes into my sight, how I am/someone is feeling now – and improvise getting inspiration from them, and keep making chains of movements.
“I CAN’T FIGURE OUR YOUR DANCE STYLE” – BY AN AUDIENCE
Because I have pursued various performance methods— all street dance styles such as Locking/Popping/Hiphop/House, Ballet, Jazz, Floor-work, Improvisation, Performing Arts, Acting, Singing, etc—, my style is very unique and people say “I cant’ figure out your style. What is your back groud?”.
I use all these trainings to make works that tell people specific stories with specific purpose, not to just show off techniques.
“I want to use my technique to express stories,
I’m not using stories to express my technique”.
– Aika Takeshima
I offer webinars and consultations regarding *DEI(Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) to organizations in NYC & Japan.
I’m the founder of DEI consultant organization “LIVABALL“.
*DEI stands for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, which are essential tools to work towards the team/organization’s goal together with diverse people respecting and leveraging their uniqueness (talents/skills/personalities/backgrounds/identities, etc..) and to make an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone feels safe/respected to be authentic themselves, their voices are heard, and they can bring their best contributions.
History
In my 20’s as an entertainer.
Since there is hardly dancer who can dance Locking as well as Contemporary, Jazz, Ballet , I have had many solo opportunities in stages. Ashlé Dawson who is a Top 4 of SYTYCD season 1, director of “ ESTADO INGRAVITTO” suddenly came up with a role “Special Celebration Locker” and gave me the role. Amy Jordan who is a director of “The Victory Dance Project” also gave me a solo locking part at the beginning of their show to liven up audience. Chita Rivera, the legend of Broadway musical, watched that performance, screamed as soon after she found me, and gave me a great compliment.
Soloist Story-telling woman
COMPETITONS, BATTLES
- Special Prize : “BUZZ STYLE”
- 1st Prize : “Symbol Osaka”
- 2nd Prize : “Legend West Chapter.2”(Japan)
- Top 4 : “Gudasui”
EDUCATION
- Dance Study Program 2019-2020 & 2023-2024
- Performance Based PLUNG program 2018-2019
- Independent Open Program 2014-2015
- 2 years of Professional Career Course 2008-2010
- Open Classes 2010-2013
- Anabella Lenzu
- Julia Ehrstrand
- Jana Hicks
- Marijke Eliasberg
- Elisabetta Minutoli
- Guanglei Hui