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WHO AM I?

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I am a dancer, circus artist, and '80s fanatic tucked into a 5-ft tall frame.

Despite being the size of a baby squirrel, I am known for my explosive energy and athleticism.

As a "Blasian" individual (half Japanese and half Black) I am fluent in speaking, reading, and writing Japanese. Thrilled to call Chicago my current home, I am represented by Gray Talent Group.

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MY "WHY"

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I was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and Black father, and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii.

My love for performing was passed down to me from my Japanese obachan (grandmother)

Ayako, who has always been a huge influence in my life. Ayako was a gymnast and highly gifted Kendo martial artist who dreamed of someday competing in the Olympics. However, her dreams were cut short when she was forced to give up her goals- it was highly looked down upon for women to pursue dreams considered "unfit" for a woman in society at the time.

During one of my trips to visit family, my obachan pulled out her old high school gymnastics uniform for me to try on, and...

 

it fit my body like a glove.

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In that moment it became clear to me that I had to continue in my obachan's footsteps and pick up where she left off. I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to go after my dreams, something she was unable to do in her lifetime. Every time I step onto a stage, I bring my obachan's love and strong spirit with me.

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I also perform for underrepresented children to see another multicultural individual on stage, and to see themselves. In the past 10 years, 4% of performers onstage have been Asian. The severe lack of POC artists in theatre onstage and behind the table, especially Asian artists, is evident.  As a young child I had very few performers of similar background to look up to, and I wished to see more diversity on stage. I feel very honored and blessed to have become the very person I wished for, for children today.

Representation matters. 

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MY JOURNEY

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After graduating from the Mid-Pacific Institute School of the Arts in Honolulu, I left the island to attend Ohio State University, graduating in 2015 with a BA in Sociology and Dance minor.

 

Moving to Chicago in 2016 I attended the Actors Gymnasium's 9-month Professional Circus Training Program, where I trained 27 hours a week in various circus disciplines. Upon graduating circus school, I have taken on many professional performing opportunities.

Regionally I have performed at the Goodman Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre Company,  Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Mercury Theater Chicago, Porchlight Music Theatre, Arden Theatre Company, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Skylight Music Theatre, Music Theater Works, Short North Stage, Cocodaco Dance Company, and Diamond Head Theatre.

 

With my taste for adventure, I am always looking for new opportunities to challenge myself. I have traveled across the US and Canada with the First National Tour of Broadway's The Spongebob Musical, have worked on several national commercials, and my wildest adventure yet- traveled to Australia during the pandemic to compete on an athletic competition reality TV show based on a 1980s arcade game.

Catch me competing on episode 7 of NBC's TV show, FROGGER on Peacock TV!

 

Outside of performances, you can find me as a full-time student in paralegal school, hitting the gym, learning new skills, reading books, teaching youth dance and circus classes, or occasionally performing as Princess Moana at birthday parties. I absolutely love working with children- it is an honor whenever I get to have a part in helping the next generation of adults find their voice in this crazy world. My dream is to be able to combine both my passions of art and law, to protect our children and advocate for them. 

 

No matter where the unpredictable twists and turns of life take me, I will always be an island girl at heart!