Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomi Funaki.
Hi Naomi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started tap dancing when I was seven, but I started taking it seriously after I got a chance to come to New York as a scholarship student. I was shown a new fascination for tap dance that I didn’t know existed. I decided to move to New York for tap dance in 2016. I didn’t speak English and had no connection with anyone at the time. So I was always dancing in train stations, hoping someone would find me. I practiced tap dance and English every day. One of my outstanding and favorite memories is getting to be a part of Jacob’s Pillow’s tap dance program. I cultivated new skills and confidence. After the program, I started working with professional tap dance companies as a performer. This year, I made my debut as a choreographer. These past 7 years, I met many amazing teachers and friends who inspire me inside and outside my tap dance community. Without them, I couldn’t be where I am today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Only some things have been smooth. I still struggle! However, I had a tough time in New York during my first and second years. Since I didn’t speak English, I was timid to speak up in classes or to someone, even though I had many things to say. But that experience made me love tap dancing even more because I felt like I could express myself with tap dance without language.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I am a tap dance artist based in New York City. I do performing art, choreographing, and sometimes teaching. I work with New York-based tap dance companies. I am honored to work with Ayodele Casel, Music From The Sole, and Caleb Teicher & Company. I have performed at New York City Center, Lincoln Center, Radio City Music Hall, Guggenheim Museum, The MET, American Repertory Theater, Joyce, and more. I came to New York dreaming about being a performing artist. I am proud to have made my dream my career. I need the people I got to meet in my life in New York to make the dream come true.
What does success mean to you?
Many dreams have yet to be fulfilled. I am still on my way to my goal. However, there’s a word in Japanese called “Ikigai”. It means your reason for being, life purpose, or bliss. My ikigai is being able to express myself with tap dancing, Spending time with my loved ones, and eating. If I could live with happiness in my life with ikigai, I would be happier than if I had a lot of money.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_naomi.funaki_/
Image Credits
・Ryoko Konami ・Matthew Murphy ・Francesco Lo Castro
