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Teaching is also a process of creating. I love watching people progress and improve, and I aim to make every class fun, memorable, and supportive of each student's unique journey.
Dance journey
I started gymnastics when I was 2 years old because I couldn’t walk properly, and my grandmother thought it might help. But what I really fell in love with was the more “dancey” parts of gymnastics. When I was 4, my grandmother, who had been a ballet dancer herself until the age of 72, introduced me to ballet—and I instantly knew it was what I wanted to do.
I trained at the same studio in Japan from the age of 4 until I graduated at 18 with a diploma. Many dancers from my studio went on to perform professionally or in musical theatre, and I started training full-time at just 12 years old. My training followed the Vaganova method, which meant ballet was my main focus, though I occasionally took contemporary classes.
After finishing my diploma, I joined Liberty Ballet, a contemporary ballet company in Japan, while studying at university in a non-dance field. However, the work environment in Japan wasn’t a good fit for me, so I decided to pursue dance abroad.
I came to Adelaide to study performing arts at UniSA and immediately began taking dance classes across the city. I spent three years training at Dance Alive, where I learned contemporary techniques like Cunningham with Rejane. In 2023, I started studying at AC Arts, first completing a Certificate IV and then continuing with the Advanced Diploma.
Next year, I’ll be taking a break from AC Arts to pursue an Honours degree in Creative Arts at UniSA. My focus will be on combining dance and virtual reality to create immersive dance films, allowing audiences to view performances from any angle. I’m also exploring how VR can be a tool for dancers and choreographers to create and learn choreography.
Alongside my training, I’ve explored choreography, performance, and directing in a variety of settings. I’ve also studied Japanese traditional dance, and last year, I participated in the inSPACE development program, combining Japanese performing arts with contemporary dance.
In addition, I’ve been part of the OzAsia Festival’s Artists Lab program, which supports young Asian artists in developing their careers. These experiences have shaped me as both a performer and a creator, and I’m excited to bring my passion for dance and innovation to the Dragonfly Dance community.
Teaching
Teaching is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career because I see it as a creative process. I love watching my students progress and improve over time. Even the simplest exercises can spark creativity when working with adult bodies, as everyone’s movement is so unique. I enjoy crafting classes that challenge students while being fun, memorable, and supportive of their individual journeys.
I focus on helping students develop not just their dance skills, but also their overall physical abilities—fitness, stamina, and flexibility—which are essential for both dancing and daily life. My goal is to ensure every student leaves my class feeling good, regardless of their movement level. Dance should be an enjoyable experience, and I work hard to create an environment where everyone can have fun and feel successful.
One of the key tools I use in my teaching is imagery. It’s something my own teacher emphasised, and I’ve found it to be incredibly effective. Imagery, combined with humor, makes learning both engaging and easy to remember. While anatomy is important, using imaginative cues often resonates more deeply with students and helps them connect with the movement in a meaningful way.
I hold several professional certifications, including Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) and Barre instruction (from The Barre Clinic), as well as the Vaganova Teachers Course through the Japan International Ballet Association. I also have a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts from the University of South Australia, a Certificate IV in Dance (Contemporary Dance) from the Adelaide College of the Arts, and am currently pursuing an Advanced Diploma in Dance Performance. Next year, I’ll be taking a year off from AC Arts to focus on an Honours Degree in Creative Arts at UniSA, exploring the use of virtual reality in dance.
Teaching at Dragonfly Dance allows me to share my passion for dance with a vibrant community of adult learners. My classes are a blend of creativity, skill-building, and joy, and I aim to make every class a positive and transformative experience for my students.
Biography and qualifications
PBT Teacher Certification by Progressing Ballet Technique
Barre Teaching Certification by The Barre Clinic
Vaganova Teachers Course by Japan International Ballet Association
Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts from University of South Australia
Certificate IV in Dance (Contemporary Dance) from the Adelaide College of the Arts
Ongoing for Advanced Diploma in Dance Performance at the Adelaide College of the Arts
Ongoing for Honours Degree in Creative Arts at Uni SA