Meet Kaori Hiwasa

We recently connected with Kaori Hiwasa and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaori, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I’ve always loved dance, but it was through the people I met and the experiences I gained that I truly realized it was my purpose.

When I first started dancing in Japan, I simply enjoyed moving. But as I had more opportunities, met different artists, and explored various styles, I began to understand that dance was more than just movement. I still remember watching a particular dancer’s performance years ago—it was the first time I felt completely speechless and got goosebumps from a dance. In that moment, I knew that dance had the power to move people. That realization became a turning point for me.

Now, I find joy not only in performing but also in choreography and teaching, helping dancers grow in their own journeys. I believe that purpose is something that evolves over time. A few years from now, I may be involved in dance in a different way. But no matter what form it takes, dance will always be my way of connecting with people and expressing myself. That is my true mission.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a dancer, choreographer, and instructor based in New York City. My work includes stage performances, choreography for productions, and teaching. What excites me most about dance is its ability to connect people beyond words—whether it’s through performing, choreographing, or guiding students in their artistic growth. Seeing movement bring emotions to life and inspire others is what makes this art form so special to me.

Recently, I have been working on new choreography projects, as well as teaching and mentoring dancers who are eager to refine their skills. I am also looking forward to upcoming performances and collaborations, which continue to push my creative boundaries.

Above all, I believe dance is a universal language that allows us to tell stories, express emotions, and build connections. I’m always seeking new ways to share my passion with others and create meaningful experiences through movement.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back on my journey, three key qualities that had the most impact on my growth as a dancer and artist are adaptability, patience, and self-awareness.

First, adaptability is crucial because the dance industry is constantly evolving. Whether it’s learning new styles, adjusting to different choreographers, or navigating unexpected opportunities, being open and willing to adapt has allowed me to grow in ways I never imagined.

Second, patience is essential. Progress in dance doesn’t happen overnight. There were times when I struggled with movement, technique, or performance anxiety, but I learned that consistent effort and trust in the process lead to real improvement.

Lastly, self-awareness has been key in shaping my artistic identity. Understanding my strengths, weaknesses, and what truly moves me as a performer has helped me make intentional choices in my career and find my unique voice in dance.

For those just starting out, my advice is to stay curious and open to learning. Embrace challenges as opportunities, be patient with yourself, and take time to reflect on what inspires you. Most importantly, trust your own journey—everyone’s path in dance is different, and that’s what makes it beautiful.

What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?

I believe both approaches are important, but the balance depends on an individual’s goals. From my own experience, focusing on my strengths has allowed me to build my unique artistic identity, while also challenging my weaknesses has helped me discover new ways of expressing myself and opened my mind to new possibilities.

When I first came to New York, I was confident in the dance styles I excelled in. However, I quickly realized that diversity is highly valued in this industry. There were times when I struggled with unfamiliar movements, but instead of viewing them as limitations, I decided to adopt the mindset of, ‘If I want to do this, I’ll give it a try!’ For example, by learning styles outside of my comfort zone, I not only became a more adaptable dancer but also deepened my overall understanding of dance.

That being said, I do believe that leveraging one’s strengths is key to standing out and expressing individuality. Instead of aiming for perfection in every area, it’s about finding a balance—highlighting what makes you unique while still being open to new challenges.

My advice to those pursuing a creative path, not just dancers, is this: ‘Refine your strengths, but remain open to new challenges. Sometimes, the biggest growth comes from areas that once seemed like weaknesses.’

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo by Hayato Sakurai

Photo by Josh Davis from the musical ‘Avalona’

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