Billboard Girls in Music Interview

Billboard Japan’s Girls in Music initiative launched in 2022 to have fun artists, producers and executives who’ve made important contributions to music and leisure and impressed different ladies by means of their work, following the footsteps of Billboard’s annual Girls in Music honors since 2007. This interview sequence that includes feminine gamers within the Japanese leisure business is likely one of the highlights of Japan’s WIM undertaking.

U.S.-based dancer Shiori Murayama spoke with author Rio Hirai for the internet installment of the sequence. Murayama began dancing when she was 6 and constructed her profession within the U.S., performing in among the most prestigious occasions in at this time’s leisure together with the Tremendous Bowl halftime present and Coachella. She shared her ideas on the cultural variations she skilled within the U.S., the challenges she confronted as a feminine dancer, and her goals for the longer term.

You began dancing on the age of 6 and moved to the U.S. by your self after graduating highschool. What have been among the variations you felt while you went overseas from Japan?

I used to be impressed by how pleasant and unpretentious everybody was. I began taking courses with out realizing a lot English but, however my classmates have been rather more open in sharing reward and telling me what they thought was good, which felt new to me. The environment throughout courses and even throughout rehearsals is admittedly relaxed, however when it’s time to run by means of the routine, they go full out. Clearly I don’t imply to say that dancers in Japan do issues midway, however folks listed here are very targeted on the precise efficiency and put a lot of vitality in rehearsals.

Would you say that distinction in stance is one thing anybody who has been dancing all their lives in Japan would really feel once they go to the U.S.?

Sure. I additionally really feel that there’s much less hierarchy within the U.S. I got here right here on an artist visa in July 2023, so it’s been lower than two years. Once I obtained a job and went to the studio, there have been some well-known dancers that I knew about by means of the media, however even they’d deal with me in a pleasant method with out making me really feel like I used to be beneath them. There are many initiatives which are short-term, starting from every week to a month, and even in that brief time frame, there’s good teamwork and everybody treats me kindly for essentially the most half. Persons are simply good.

You’ve carried out on among the most sought-after phases in leisure, just like the Tremendous Bowl halftime present and Coachella. Has it hit you that it’s fairly superb to have completed these feats as a dancer from Japan?

I didn’t actually really feel it instantly after the performances, however after I obtained heat messages from everybody and after I watched the movies of my performances, it hit me that I had actually finished these issues.

Are you seeing a development towards Asians having the ability to carry out on such phases?

I’d say it is dependent upon the artist, however there are numerous initiatives which are culturally, racially, and gender blended today. Possibly Asian dancers are being employed deliberately due to the present recognition of Okay-pop within the music business. I’ve by no means felt any limitations primarily based on race or gender within the initiatives I’ve participated in. I suppose there could be cases the place an artist goes, “I solely need black dancers for this track” or “Solely white dancers for this track,” however I really feel that the vary of actions out there to Asian dancers like myself has expanded since I got here to the U.S.

Nonetheless, it’s true that there are variations in physique form and look between Japanese and People. Once I don’t make the reduce, I typically marvel, “Possibly I used to be judged on my look?” However there’s a restrict to how huge I can get by coaching on the gymnasium, and there’s nothing I can do in regards to the distinction in physique I used to be born with. I attempt to leverage my strengths that aren’t in that space. 

What do you assume are your promoting factors, as you’re employed in your present setting?

I’ve particularly reasonable pores and skin to start with, which I absorb a great way as a result of it makes it simpler to acknowledge me onstage. And I’ve very lengthy hair in the meanwhile, so I typically get complimented on my hair. Individuals additionally inform me that my dancing is admittedly highly effective. Regardless of having a skinny construct, individuals are typically shocked by the facility I convey to my performances, and I feel that’s considered one of my key strengths.

How do you assume being a lady has affected you?

I imagine that the feminine physique has its personal distinctive actions and expressiveness. I’m at all times making an attempt to discover expression by imagining myself dancing to a track, like, “I may make this half extra supple,” or “I may make it extra female, engaging, and attractive.”

Once I carried out LISA’s track “Elastigirl” at Coachella lately, the choreography expressed the sexiness and energy of girls. I wore heels, and tight garments from rehearsals to take heed to the form of my physique, paid consideration to the angle of my neck, issues like that to current myself and provides a efficiency in a means that solely a lady can, in my distinctive means of expression.

In what methods do you are feeling that dancing within the U.S. fits you higher than again residence?

My highly effective model works higher right here. In Japan, ladies are sometimes appreciated for his or her flexibility, however since my dance is highly effective, I can specific the various sides of a lady. I really feel that I’ve extra alternatives within the U.S. to showcase my highly effective strikes and trendy choreography with intricate footwork. Additionally, Japanese folks are likely to favor being like everybody else, however I like that there are numerous alternatives to specific my individuality within the U.S.

Have you ever ever skilled any setbacks or come up in opposition to a wall in your lengthy dancing profession?

To be sincere, I don’t keep in mind any main setbacks, however I did expertise some difficulties. After I accomplished my dance main in school, I used to be in a position to work within the U.S. for a yr on OPT (Non-obligatory Sensible Coaching, an internship-like visa). Till then, I wasn’t allowed to earn cash as a pupil, so though I had connections with choreographers, I couldn’t work. I noticed the folks round me getting employed and wished to be like them.

My dream was to modify to an O1 visa, so after I made it to the ultimate spherical of an audition I participated in, I used to be elated, considering, “If I get this job, I would be capable to change visas.” However ultimately, a Japanese dancer who was a very good buddy obtained the job and I didn’t. In fact I used to be pleased for my buddy, but it surely was nonetheless a shock. The identical day, I used to be scheduled to work as an assistant for a workshop, however was advised that I didn’t have to come back in as a result of their regular assistant was out there. It was fairly onerous when issues like that occurred concurrently.

Some folks, once they’re younger, could be afraid of constructing errors or hesitate to tackle challenges as a result of they assume they should turn into higher at it first. What would you say to encourage somebody like that?

The opposite day, my mom stated to me, “You received’t succeed until you tackle challenges” and I completely agree together with her. In case you like (dancing), I’d such as you to have enjoyable doing it earlier than anything. In fact, you’d want to coach to enhance your abilities if you wish to make it your profession. Dance is such a deep area and taking hip-hop for instance, there are numerous totally different types inside that style. Watch totally different folks, be influenced by them, and problem your self as a lot as potential.

Plenty of instances, issues end up all proper while you take that first step although you’re afraid to. I’d fairly you remorse doing one thing than remorse not doing it.

What are some challenges you’d prefer to tackle sooner or later?

For a very long time, I’ve wished to turn into a dancer who works on a global scale. I need to take part in a world tour and carry out in Japan as effectively. Additionally, my household has supported me since I began dancing… no, since I used to be born, so I need to give again to them by means of the stage.

—This interview by Rio Hiral (SOW SWEET PUBLISHING) first appeared on Billboard Japan