In 2023, Janet Jackson’s tour began with four backup dancers already selected. However, for her show at Madison Square Garden in New York this May, two additional dancers were chosen. One of them was TOMO.
Featured in a 2017 article by NY1page.com, TOMO is the only female among five male dancers, handpicked by Janet Jackson herself for a pivotal role—performing right beside the pop legend.
“I don’t go around saying I’m confident in my dancing,” TOMO says. “But I do believe my skills speak for themselves when people watch me perform. This time, I kept believing that I’d be chosen. Maybe that belief and persistence showed through in my dancing and resonated with Janet.”
At Madison Square Garden, TOMO stood out as the only Asian woman in the lineup of tall American men, captivating the audience with her sharp, flawless moves and radiant smile while performing Janet’s iconic Rhythm Nation.
What defines TOMO’s dance style under the “happy vibes” concept?
“When I freestyle on stage, there are moments when the audience erupts with excitement. This comes from my daily life in New York, where I’ve experienced the highs and lows of the city. Street dance is deeply intertwined with life here, and that connection allows me to express it instinctively.
As I dance during a concert, I can feel myself transform, tapping into that instinct. The energy and vibes that emerge from deep within me resonate with the audience and get them moving. It’s one of my unique skills and a hallmark of my style.”
A typical question: Were you nervous when you met Janet?
“Maybe because I’m not starstruck easily, meeting celebrities doesn’t surprise me much. Of course, I might have been in ‘work mode’ at the time, which helped. No matter how much of a fan I might be of an artist, the feeling is more like, ‘Oh, the musician I’ve been listening to is standing right in front of me.’
Perhaps my lack of nervousness is part of why I’m suited for this job.”
What direction do you see for yourself in the future?
“People have suggested things like, ‘Why not focus more on being a choreographer?’ or ‘Why not try living in L.A.?’ And while those words have sometimes moved me, right now my focus is on listening to my heart.
I want to carve out a life that satisfies me and feels meaningful to me.
Living as a New Yorker requires courage and curiosity. Over the past ten years, I’ve fought to establish myself here. When I finally stood on Janet’s stage, it felt like the city had embraced me at last.”
Profile
TOMO
- Began studying jazz dance at the age of 6 and hip-hop at 9.
- Moved from Japan to New York at 22.
- Within just one year of relocating, TOMO became a backup dancer for one of the most iconic female hip-hop rappers, Missy Elliott.
TOMO’s career includes working as a backup dancer for major artists such as Janet Jackson, Madonna, Cardi B, Fat Joe, Lil’ Kim, Missy Elliott, Keyshia Cole, J Balvin, and BTS. She is also a member of the Banji Twerk Team.
In New York, TOMO teaches classes at Peridance Capezio Center and PJMDanceNYC. She is frequently invited to lead workshops worldwide, drawing in dancers captivated by her unique style. In Japan, her special workshops and choreography for artists continue to attract an ever-growing following.
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