Finalist
Kanami Kusajima
I’m the next Dance Icon because people in New York already call me iconic now, after 4 years of my dedication as a street performer.
I’m the next Dance Icon because people in New York already call me iconic now, after 4 years of my dedication as a street performer.
Help me compete to become the Dance Icon and appear in a music video with Ciara and win $20,000!
My dance style is influenced by contemporary dance, ballet, and modern dance techniques. People often call my dance style interpretive improvisation dance. When I improvise dancing, my body responds to the environment surrounding me: the structure of the space, temperature, sound, smell, colors, and so on. If I am on the street, nobody can control the environment, but that is the exciting part as well. I have danced in heatwaves, rain, snow, thunderstorms, and even hail.
If I could appear in Ciara’s music video, it would mean that I am making another rebellion against the dance world. Besides myself, I don’t know any other dancers in NYC who graduated from a conservatory program in college yet have been making a living off street performance for more than four years. I proved that I can be a professional dancer who supports myself through dancing, just by believing in myself. If I could be in the video, it would be another big confirmation of that.
With the $20,000, I would love to do more of self-produced shows in New York City to keep telling my story. Even though it has been never easy, I have produced 5 shows in total last year. If I had $20,000, I can continue to produce more of those shows, and even invite children to those shows for free. I really want to encourage people, especially children, by telling my story so that they can stay true to themselves even when they eventually face hard times in life.
The search is on for eight dancers to be flown to a live judged event in Phoenix, AZ, showcasing their skills to Ciara and her choreographer, Jamaica Craft. One will be chosen to appear in her upcoming music video and win $20,000!
Learn More
Vote for Kanami Kusajima to become The Dance Icon while supporting a great cause! Cast your daily vote below, or make even more of an impact with a tax-deductible donation supporting Why Not You Foundation.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Entrepreneur of Impact, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.
Learn More
