Dynamic Visionaries! With Azuki Umeda
Celebrating the Career-Driven Artists Who Broke Boundaries at the Inaugural 2025 Choreographer’s Cup!
Please join us in celebrating the phenomenal geniuses who brought the audience to their feet! Each of these top 3 artists took home titles and cash rewards up to $25,000! The work these choreographers and their dancers put in, was definitely worth it. Our team at Inside Dance is honored to turn the spotlight on each of them and bring their journeys to you, our readers!
$5,000 WINNER – 2ND RUNNER UP:
AZUKI UMEDA “Give It Up, Nothing Matters”
What gave you the motivation to strive for the Choreographer’s Cup competition?
I knew right away I wanted to submit the work I had been working on since August 2024. It was a dream to get to present this work with my company, AUTHENTICITY in front of so many other artists I know and respect. I first presented this work at an annual show in LA called Reconstruct. The energy after presenting this work was illuminating; I knew I wanted to keep researching, as I felt like there was more to be said and a wider audience to reach.
Tell us about the moment you found out you were a finalist!
I was on my way to my own intensive called AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE. We were hosting for the first time in Atlanta, and as we were driving to the studio, I got the email! All my friends were in the car—Jacob Wiederrich, Dani Mullan, Ande Godwin, and Jennifer Vieweg. This trip in general was a full circle moment for AUTHENTICITY, as Jacob and Dani were my first company members. For me to share this news in their car with them, and with current company members, was truly an extraordinary memory.
Give us an overview of your creative process with this specific piece!
Complete darkness… haha! In all seriousness, I always had to workshop this piece at night in a room that had no skylights. I had about 15 flashlights that were all tried trial and error until we ended up with nine lights that made sense for the work. There was one point where I was in the studio around 1 am trying to figure out the ending that Allyson Feltner ultimately executed at the end of the piece. The first draft of the work consisted of five dancers and was shorter. The Choreographer’s Cup asked for seven dancers minimum, which challenged me to add two more dancers.
How has this experience propelled you, as an artist, into creating new bodies of work?
Quality over quantity! I find myself separating my creative ideas between what speaks to my company versus what speaks to my job as a freelance choreographer. The two things that I strive for as an artist are: intention and authenticity. While the tricks and virtuosic movements are something to remember, we must also learn the why behind movement.
Tell us about how “authenticity” is a driving force in your brand and work?
Whether I placed in the top three or not, authenticity for us means using this platform to amplify our voices and to generate awareness, kindness, and empathy. As an artist who identifies with several different minority communities, I want others to know that you are not alone. And anything is possible.
QUICK HITS
Based out of? Born in Japan, moved to San Jose, CA when I was 2! I am now in Anaheim, CA. Will be bicoastal in New York City soon!
Been choreographing for how long: Since 2015… 10 years! My seeds were planted thanks to my high school mentor, Tawnya Kuzia.
Who inspired you? I have two—Becca Lemme and Liz Maxwell. I am so thankful for their guidance, forever and always. A choreographic idol, though, would be Crystal Pite.
