Today we’d like to introduce you to Emiko.
Emiko, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I stared jazz, theater, tap, and hiphop at the age of 4, and went on to further develop her tap artistry with Yukiko “Smilie” Misumi’s mentorship at the age of 8, and I served as dance captain on various stages, including ARTN Company’s solo “Legends of Tap” series, and “Tokyo International Tap Festival”from 2015 to 2020 in Japan.
Before coming to NY, I achieved international recognition through performing at the show “JUBA!” at Chicago Tap Festival, and the show at Big Apple Tap Festival in NY.
I also have had success at many international tap dance contests. She was a winner of both Woodshed Experience and LA Tap Fest cutting contests in 2019. In the tap dance contest KAWASAKI TAP FESTIVAL in Japan, I won six prizes until 2016 and was the champion in 2017.
After coming to NY, I was awarded an Outstanding Student at Broadway Dance Center in 2022.
I am an alumnus of The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2023.
I successfully made her first circus appearance which New York Circus Project are the presenting organization in 2025. She works for Caleb Teicher & Company, Dorrance Dance and more.
My choreographies and performances have been shown at 54 Below, Symphony Space, The Joyce Theater, World of Dance (Headliner), 92NY, Vail Dance Festival and more, and I have a great appreciation for working and performing with amazing artists in U.S.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No. Especially before I could legally work in the U.S., the situation was extremely difficult. Because skills alone weren’t enough to et me work. But I never once thought it was too hard and considered giving up.
When I was little, I struggled to develop the expressiveness needed to bring joy to audiences. Until around middle school, I couldn’t quite get my facial expressions right while dancing and received a lot of corrections, I often felt embarrassed about expressing myself. During this time, no matter how much I loved dancing and received praise for it, I often got criticized for my lack of expressiveness, which sometimes got me down.
But I gradually overcame it through experiences many stages around the world.
Not achieving good results in the contest was also one of the painful experiences.
There were experiences when my intense desire to succeed prevented me from delivering my ideal performance. On those days, I felt incredibly down, but I would immerse myself in practice until I was satisfied.
But now, having accepted all of that and persevered for so long, I can do it naturally anytime—without forcing myself to “smile” or “express myself.”
Looking back over the past year, obtaining my visa was no easy feat. The sheer volume of paperwork was incredibly demanding, and there were times when the process stalled. But thanks to my parents, my lawyer, and my teachers, I managed to overcome that hurdle too.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a tap dance artist, I emphasize musicality and improvisation, particularly focusing on dynamic dance styles and the beauty sound of tap dance. I have a particular passion for the sound of tap dancing. I strive for a beautiful, clear sound that anyone who hears it will find pleasurable. The sound of tap changes depending on relaxation and where you place your weight, and rhythm is also crucial. Having been taught since childhood by legendary tap dancers from around the world and having listened to their sounds extensively, I believe that experience has shaped the sound of my own tap today. I’ve been practicing street dance styles like jazz and hip-hop for over 20 years. My strength lies in creating powerful choreography that blends these styles—choreography that can’t be fully expressed with just the feet.
What particularly influences me now is classical music. Especially since moving to New York, I’ve had more opportunities than ever before to experience the appeal of classical music at concerts and such, and each time I find myself captivated by it.
From that, I’ve become conscious of whether I can express the grandeur of an orchestra, even when dancing a solo. The profound insight gained from classical music is this: no matter how fast the tempo, never let the rhythm of the taps falter—play beautifully and ensure the sound never wanders off on its own.
Lately, I often create works with classical music playing in the background. What I focus on during those times is remaining fully committed as a member of the orchestra, while also making sure my presence as the lead performer is clearly felt.
I practice while consciously reflecting on these things and analyzing myself.
I dance wholeheartedly to create performances that linger in the memories of those who always watch me, and to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
There is still so much more I need to do to achieve that.
Any big plans?
I would say three from among my many dreams.
1. To achieve greater success as an artist
Starting this year, I can legally base my activities in the United States. Therefore, my first dream is to gain extensive stage experience and perform in ways that will bring joy to the many teachers, friends, and above all, family who have supported me thus far.
2. Further Establishing My Unique Style
I feel that one of my strengths is having long experience in other genres like street dance, so I will further establish a tap dance style that only I can perform. Beyond that lies the goal of creating routines and exercises for fundamental tap training. I want to complete routines and exercises that incorporate the basic steps and training I’ve learned over the years.
3. Serving as a bridge between the American and Japanese tap dance communities
What I found wonderful upon coming to America is that dancers, not just tap dancers, are more familiar to the general public and enjoyed as a form of entertainment. Not just dance professionals or dancers’ families, but many people come to see performances simply because they saw an ad on the train or in town. And these people respect the dancers and support them in some way. This allows dancers to focus solely on their performance. I want to bring that wonderful culture back to Japan. And someday, I hope to be invited to Japan as an overseas artist to work there.
This might not be a dream, but I want to remain someone who keeps striving. Tap dance would let you continue dancing as long as you keep doing that. The many people who taught me tap have kept striving for years, maintaining their superb technique and achievements. I deeply respect them. I aspire to be a tap dancer with the skill and human that makes people feel – “I want to work with you.” “She is also a joy to work with.”
I am grateful to my teachers, friends, and family who always support me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emikotap.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emiko.tap/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emiko.nakagawa.14
- Other: [email protected]
Image Credits
Studio photos are taken by Sayaka Masumoto
A stage photo dancing with a woman: She is my mentor, Yukiko “Smilie” Misumi
