09/25/2026
โจ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐: ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐
This past week, our senior dance majors had the incredible opportunity to work with guest artist Azuki Umeda (azuki umeda (ๆข
็ฐๆๅธ)).
Azuki brought so much artistry, intention, and individuality into the studio. She challenged our seniors to stretch beyond what they already know while thoughtfully highlighting their unique strengths and qualities as artists. Her approach to this original work allowed each dancer to shine, while her own personal choreographic flair brought something truly special to the work.
Our seniors had an incredible time learning, exploring, and creating alongside her, and weโre so grateful for the artistry, energy, and perspective she shared with our dancers. โค๏ธ
Thank you, Azuki, for pouring so much into our seniors and reminding them of the power of bringing their own artistry into the work.
An amazing 4 days with Azuki!!
๐๐๐๐โจ
Stella, the rehearsal assistant.
Azuki Umeda, born in Tokyo, Japan, raised in San Jose, CA, is a 1st generation Japanese neurodivergent q***r artist. She received her BFA in Dance and BA in Integrated Educational Studies at Chapman University and received the Nancy Dickson-Lewis award for Outstanding choreography. She graduated from California State University Long Beach to receive her Masters of Fine Arts in Dance. During her time, she received a Graduate Fellowship for her thesis work, โhow i became kinder &kinder,โ as well as the Distinguished Achievement in Creative Activity award for the work. Azuki has performed with artists such as Twenty-One Pilots and FINNEAS; she has worked with choreographers such as Keone & Mari Madrid, JoJo Gomez, Monika Felice Smith, and Tessandra Chavez. She has presented work at prestigious dance festivals, such as Capezio ACE Awards, World of Dance, and was recently 2nd runner-up for Choreographerโs Cup. Azuki was named one of the Ann & Weston Hicks Choreographic Fellows at Jacobโs Pillow 2023 Program. Since then, she has been involved in company and collegiate residencies. She is featured in STEEZYโs โ3 choreographers 1 songโ series on YouTube. She has taught for her
