Ikigai is an evening-length work of tap dance and original live music exploring the lasting impact of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear disaster. Drawing from my personal experiences and those of my family and friends, the work reflects on the devastation of this historic event while celebrating the acts of community that enabled people to recover and rebuild.
The piece blends intricate tap choreography with traditional and contemporary Japanese dance, street dance, spoken word, and original live music. Performed by a touring ensemble of 7 dancers and musicians, the work integrates tap with Japanese percussion instruments and found objects to create a layered soundscape. The choreography moves from frenetic rhythms to moments of stillness, mirroring the process of loss, rebuilding, and collective healing. Commissioned by the Joyce Theater, Ikigai will premiere at 92NY in March 2027 and is being developed through residencies with Works & Process, Guild Hall.
Caretakers of Land/Land Acknowledgement: Mohican, Munsee Lenape
Estimated Artist Fee: Single Performance: $22,000; Weekly Residency: $35,000
