Meet Yurie Ono

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Yurie Ono. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Yurie below.

Yurie, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
My primary sources of inspiration are derived from three distinct facets.

First, Feelings.
I occasionally center my creative process around introspective observations from my daily life, transforming them into expressive works. When grappling with negativity or intrusive thoughts, I channel these emotions into my creations, effectively purging them through artistic expression. Conversely, when confronted with moments of joy and contentment, I intricately weave these experiences into my work, amplifying their impact. This cathartic approach not only facilitates personal emotional well-being but has also resonated with others who have shared that engaging with my creations brings them solace.
The gratifying outcome of my work is that it not only serves as a means of personal catharsis but also contributes to the well-being of those who encounter it. Witnessing the positive impact on others has reinforced my determination to persist in this creative journey. My ultimate aspiration is to perpetuate this cycle of improvement, where both myself and those who engage with my creations can look forward to slightly brighter days ahead. This enduring commitment to creation remains my unwavering objective.

Second, Nature
The intrinsic elegance of nature lies in its innate existence, devoid of any operational concerns or financial pursuits. Its sheer presence evokes a profound sense of fascination within me. Even within the bustling confines of New York City, the urban landscape harbors an array of diverse plant life and trees lining the sidewalks, while the ever-changing sky above offers a constant spectacle. Moreover, my formative years in Japan are adorned with vivid recollections of my interactions with the natural world.
The prospect of encapsulating the captivating allure of nature consistently brings me joy and fulfillment. Despite the urban environment that surrounds me, I find solace and artistic expression in capturing the beauty inherent in the world around us. This enduring fascination fuels my creative pursuits, compelling me to celebrate and convey the mesmerizing essence of nature through my work.

Third, Human Beings
Human beings, an integral component of the natural order, exhibit a remarkable complexity. Our individual cognitive frameworks often diverge, leading to instances of discord and disagreement. The diversity in perspectives, while inherently enriching, can occasionally culminate in conflicts. I hold an appreciation for the inherent variety that characterizes our species, yet I also acknowledge the responsibility to address instances where certain viewpoints inflict harm upon others.
My chosen avenue of artistic expression, dance, serves as a medium through which I endeavor to navigate this intricate landscape. Utilizing the language of movement, I endeavor to convey the notion that while divergence of thought is invaluable, it is imperative to recognize and rectify situations where these differences perpetuate harm. In employing dance as a conduit for this message, I seek to engender a profound awareness that harmonizes the uniqueness of individuals with the collective responsibility to foster an environment of empathy and respect.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Presently, I hold the esteemed position of Artistic Director, Choreographer, and Dancer at Umami Playground Dance Company, where I am actively engaged in orchestrating performances within the vibrant milieu of New York City while concurrently forging innovative works. As a multifaceted creative leader, I attribute my distinctiveness to a diverse array of dance disciplines that I have cultivated over the years. Commencing my journey with ballet during my formative years, I later transitioned to street styles and contemporary dance. Consequently, my choreographic vocabulary draws inspiration from this eclectic amalgamation of influences, resulting in a synthesis of movements that encapsulate my comprehensive training and creative evolution. One facet that distinguishes my directorial and choreographic approach is my propensity for conceptualization. While the majority of my company members boast a foundation in street styles characterized by the primacy of movement and emotive expression, I adopt a more conceptual framework when shaping our performances. This distinctive marriage of street dance rooted kinetics and abstract thematic underpinnings imbues our productions with a unique resonance.
Indeed, the synergy of conceptual depth interwoven with the dynamic essence of street dance constitutes a pivotal and exceptional hallmark of our creative endeavors. This fusion is emblematic of my commitment to pushing the boundaries of convention and illuminating uncharted avenues within the realm of contemporary dance performance.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I firmly believe that establishing strong foundational skills through dedicated practice and repetition is of paramount importance in any discipline.

Observing the dance community, I’ve noted a trend wherein some individuals prioritize learning choreography over grasping the fundamental techniques. This approach, akin to learning complex mathematical concepts without a foundational grasp of numbers and basic operations, can impede one’s progress. By prioritizing the acquisition of fundamental skills before delving into choreography, dancers can significantly expedite their growth trajectory and enhance their overall proficiency.

Developing foundational proficiency requires steadfast commitment and substantial repetition. This process can be arduous, and it’s not uncommon for individuals to become discouraged and abandon their pursuit prematurely. I encourage persevering through these challenges, as mastery necessitates the repetition of specific movements thousands of times. Patience is essential; through consistent, diligent practice, mastery will be attained, and one’s dance skills will flourish.

The principle of persistence applies not only to skill acquisition but also to the creative process. Rarely does a masterpiece emerge from initial attempts; it evolves through iterative cycles of creation, evaluation, and refinement. Embracing this concept, aspiring artists should persistently engage in the act of creation, embracing errors as stepping stones toward improvement. The evolution of a masterpiece is predicated upon a willingness to navigate the iterative path of trial and error, ultimately yielding a result of exceptional quality.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I am enthusiastic about engaging in collaborative ventures with artists from diverse disciplines. My constant pursuit of new challenges fuels my desire to co-create innovative artworks that transcend traditional boundaries.

Additionally, I am open to partnerships with business proprietors seeking to leverage my artistic creations and movements to enhance their promotional endeavors. The fusion of creativity and business acumen presents an exciting prospect that I am eager to explore further.

Please send me an email or DM on Instagram/Messenger/TikTok.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Sean Chee Christopher Kayden Josef Pinlac John Casem

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