Emiko Nakagawa Instagram　Web
Born and raised in Tokyo, living in New York
Tap dancer

Her tap dance video on Instagram goes viral !
2024: Appeared at The Joyce Theater and Vail Dance Festival as a member of
Dorrance Dance, a company led by Michelle Dorrance.
Passed the audition for the Caleb Teicher & Company directed by Caleb Teicher.
Appeared as a main member in “NY Tap Ensemble” directed by Derick K Grant
2023: An alumnus of “The School at Jacob’s Pillow 2023”
2022: Received the Outstanding Student Award at Broadway Dance Center
2021: Studied abroad at Broadway Dance Center (BDC) in New York
2015-2020: Main dancer in the “Legends of Tap” series
2017: Champion at Kawasaki Tap Festival
Age 6: Started tap dance
Age 4: Started jazz dance
She took dance lessons seven days a week when she was a kid.

Shake:
I heard that you performed on legendary stages in America as a tap dancer. Can you
tell me more about that?

Emiko:
Yes! In this summer, I performed in two shows with Michelle Dorrance, who I have
admired since I was 13 years old.
As a member of Michelle Dorrance’s company, Dorrance Dance I performed at The
Joyce Theater and Vail Dance Festival. I also danced solo. It was a great honor to be
recognized in the United States as a tap dance artist.
I have always admired Michelle since I took her workshop in Japan, so I was really
happy that one of my greatest dreams came true.

Shake:
Amazing! Congratulations.
Now, are you looking forward to working in New York?

Emiko:
Yes! I love New York, so I’ll do my best to become the best tap dance artist in the world.

Shake:
Wow! You want to be the best tap dancer in the world! I saw your dance on Instagram.
Do you like rap music?

Emiko:
I like pops and classical music, especially Mozart, but, I often select rap such as
Eminem and Busta Rhymes, and jazz. when I do tap dance.

One day, my video suddenly went viral on Instagram, and thankfully I have over 25,000
followers.
Maybe because of this video, I’m getting opportunities to perform through Instagram
DMs.
I’m so surprised, and enjoying my video shooting.

Shake:
Over 25,000 followers! Amazing! I’m looking forward you uploading videos.
When are your happiest moments in your life?

Emiko:
Dancing on stage is the greatest happiness for me.
Doing tap dance in my room or on the rooftop, it can be quite noisy.
I worry about disturbing everyone in the park (I enjoy dancing in the park though) so
dancing on stage it is the greatest happiness for me.
I want to dance on the stage at Lincoln Center some day!
When people tell me after my performance “It was amazing!” “You did great job”
These words make me so happy, and I devoted my entire life to tap dancing.

Shake:
When you dance on the street, How do people respond to you?

Emiko:
Many people tell me “Great job” or “I love it” and some of them take videos of me.
I have never experienced any trouble, I have never been uncomfortable, or felt
discriminated against while dancing on the street.

My biggest dream is to spread the culture of tap dancing in Japan.
The tap dancing community in Japan is still small. There are so many differences
between The United States and Japan. They respect each other more whoever we are
in U.S.
One more thing that amazing is that people in U.S. have plenty opportunities to
see dance performances even if you are not a dancer.
I believe this is because the performing arts are recognized by the state as important to the people.
This is amazing and it should be spread more.
I would love to bring and share it to Japan in the future.

I would be happy to join the ranks of the world’s tap dancing legends and one day be
approached by people from Japan.

Shake:
Are you interested in acting in movies?

Emiko:
Yes. As a tap master, I think of Fred Astaire from “Singin’ in the Rain” or Bill Bojangles
Robinson, so I’m also interested in acting in Broadway musicals, movies, and
commercials.
I’ve been in a shoe commercial in Japan.

I’d like to say to all of the people I love who are always supporting me.
My friends, who worry about my health and cheer me up with fun
conversations.
My mentors and teachers, who always push me, and saying, “Let’s go, Emi-
chan!”
And my parents, who provide not only financial support but also emotional support,
solve my problems with just one phone call.
I’m so happy to have so many people supporting me. Thank you so much.
I’ll do my best for my dream!