Kyoka
Japan
·
Dance
Birthplace | Osaka City, Japan |
|---|---|
Nationality | Japan |
Career start | 2002 |
Disciplines | Dance |
Born in Osaka, Japan, Kyoka was inspired to dance at the age of eight by her idol Mini Moni. Quickly developing a unique style that incorporated musicality and experimental flow, she caught the attention of formidable freestyler and hip-hop dancer Maika.
The duo formed the iconic crew Rushball, with Kyoka gaining attention due to her ability to master any genre and deliver the unexpected. This led to her training with top dancers around the world and learning new styles such as capoeira, flamenco and shorinji kempo.
This proved vital in Kyoka and Maika winning the hip-hop category in Juste Debout in 2016 – becoming the first Japanese duo to take the title.
Now, Kyoka leads a hugely hyped hip-hop dance class, where the next generation can learn some of her choreography. She says: "I don't practise that much. I do many lessons and workshops, so that is my training. One of the things I'm proudest of is teaching the younger generation."
As well as dance, Kyoka has an interest in photography and often captures her students mid-flow for her Instagram page – while her own skills can also be seen on social media as she swerves from chopped-up synth to afro-beats and from old-school Motown to modern hip-hop.
Still competing around the world and showcasing her undeniable talent, Kyoka loves to offer advice to young dancers, saying: "Try to expand your horizons and experiment with different types of dance. Push yourself outside your comfort zone and challenge everything. This will elevate your style. But most of all, believe in yourself."