Our passion for hosting this event
Mariko Takahashi
Executive Committee Representative of JAPAN DANCE FESTIVAL/
Representative Director, M Style Inc. / Owner, LOVE the Studio
Starting in 2019,The COVID-19 pandemic has brought fear and uncertainty to the world, disrupting our lives and taking away the joy of dance parties and performances. People have become hesitant to even laugh out loud, fearing the unknown of the virus. Dance, which used to be a source of joy and connection, has become an abnormality in our daily lives. Events we were looking forward to have been canceled one after another, and traveling the world has become impossible. My dance students also have expressed their anxieties.
The mind and body are interconnected. Through dance, we can liberate our hearts and bodies, finding richness and connecting with people worldwide through the joy of dance, bringing genuine smiles to everyone’s faces.
With that in mind, I opened my studio during the pandemic, aiming to bring smiles and believing that dance can help us liberate our hearts and bodies, just like before. I had been longing for the day when dance can bring people together and make everyone genuinely smile, creating a connection that transcends borders and cultures.
And now, the world is slowly returning to normalcy, with dance becoming a part of our daily lives once again. Japan is finally seeing the resumption of events this summer. I want to bring the world closer and create a stronger connection through dance. When I shared my thoughts with my dancer friends from LA whom I deeply admire, they expressed their support and enthusiasm. As a result, we are able to hold a magnificent event to commemorate the 10th anniversary of our studio.
Dance truly connects the world. It allows us to feel closer to others and to unite through the power of movement. Dance is about surrendering to the music, liberating our hearts, and moving our bodies with joy. It requires no equipment; it’s a natural and instinctive pleasure that has been enjoyed since ancient times. Have you ever seen a baby spontaneously move their body when they hear music? Dance has the ability to make our hearts and bodies healthy and happy.
I want people to feel dance even more closely. From the dance kingdom of Los Angeles, we are inviting incredible dancers to immerse ourselves in their power and energy. My wish is for everyone to release their hearts and enjoy themselves fully.
Let’s bring dance closer and make it a part of our lives, allowing it to heal and connect us all.