Today we’d like to introduce you to Koine Iwasaki and Kiki Nyemchek.
Koine “Koko” Iwasaki was born in Kanagawa, Japan and moved with her family to the United States when she was two. Koine grew up in South Florida and began dancing at the age of 3. Through her years of dancing, Koine trained in all styles of dance and began her professional dance career at the age of 16. She has worked with artists such as Pitbull, Flo Rida, Nicky Jam, Becky G, Luis Fonsi, and Camila Cabello.
In addition to appearances with artists, Koine went on a world tour with award-winning Latin artist, Maluma and was a regular on season 1 of La Banda. Koine was also runner-up on season 14 of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and performed in the “So You Think You Can Dance” U.S. tour. Other appearances for Koine include the 2018 Grammys, Billboard Awards, “The Ellen Show” and “Dick Clark’s NYESpecial.”
Koine’s passion for dance has recently extended into creating choreography for dance studios and guest teaching for touring workshops such as Intrigue Dance Convention and Tribe. She just recently finished a tour with Maks, Val, and Peta from Dancing With The Stars.
Kiki Nyemchek, born in New Jersey, started dance at the age of 4 and began competing in Ballroom at age 5. Throughout his 20+ years in his competitive career, he has won numerous titles around the country in all age categories and has achieved high ranks internationally.
In 2011, he joined the tv show “Dancing With The Stars” as a Troupe dancer and was on for three seasons. Continuing his competitive career, he has reached the Semi-Finals and Finals at the infamous Blackpool Dance Festival in 2016 and 2017. Most recently he has reached Top 4 finalist in the tv show “So You Think You Can Dance” season 14. He has toured with Maks and Val’s Our Way summer tour and their Confidential spring tour.
We’d love to hear about how you met.
We met on the TV show So You Think You Can Dance and shortly after started dating.
With Kiki being a ballroom dancer and me being a commercial dancer it created dynamic chemistry between us. Not only were we able to teach each other our different dance styles, but we are also able to fuse our two styles together and create a cool fusion mix.
After the show, we went on a US tour for So You Think You Can Dance and soon after that went on another tour with Maks, Val, and Peta from Dancing With The Stars. I love that we get to do what we love together. Kiki is my best friend and my favorite dance partner.
Has it been a smooth road?
KI: Life is never a smooth road. But that’s the beauty of it. Obstacles and challenges are the reason why the “good” feels so rewarding. We both worked on our craft for years. Blood, sweat and many tears, but when we get on a stage, our hearts light up. It gives us the validation that we are working so hard for the right reason.
Growing up, I had to balance my school life and friends, with my dance life. I couldn’t go on most field trips or any parties on the weekend. And for a kid, that’s hard! But dance was always my focus. I made sure my health was my first priority, and I was in the best physical and mental capacity for my craft.
KN: Life wouldn’t be a good journey without a few hiccups in the road. I feel like hard work, focus, dedication, and passion play a huge role in my life. Of course, I had challenges along the way. Who doesn’t? Growing up in school being a male dancer is not easy. But without it, I wouldn’t be having this interview.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes for sure. LA is one of the best cities to live in as a dancer. Most gigs for a dancer is based in LA. Its the city we all dream to end up in.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected] [email protected]
- Instagram: @koko_iwasaki @kikinyemchek
Image Credit:
JT Simon, Michael Becker
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