Born on the southernmost island of Japan, Okinawa, Megumi Kokuba (She/Her) is currently a Toronto based dance artist. As a young dancer in Okinawa, Megumi heavily trained in the classical art form of ballet. Into her early adult years, she was fortunate to come across contemporary dance and was smitten. This was the catalyst to move to Toronto to study the art of contemporary dance. After graduation from The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, Megumi joined Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT) as a Company Dancer for the 2012/2013 season and has been there ever since. Outside of TDT, Megumi is active in the Toronto dance community, taking part in many inspiring creation and performance opportunities. Megumi is a passionate collaborator who deeply enjoys offering, supporting, and interpreting within creative processes that intersect with artists from various artistic disciplines such as filmmakers and visual artists. As a dance artist, her main focus is to help maintain a supportive work environment. Actions like listening, holding space and prioritizing active communication are at the forefront of her personal practice. Day-to-Day, Megumi is an avid sleeper and lover of food! More recently, she has found a new passion for photography

Follow Megumi on Instagram @megumikokuba

EXCHANGE #6
In conversation with Megumi Kokuba (Toronto, Canada)
Recorded on June 25, 2021

This is an edited version of Joanna and Megumi’s hour and a half conversation and includes topics such as: the journey towards dance as children, the exploration of and departure from classical forms, and the importance of mentors and champions along the way.

*To turn closed captioning on or off, click on the CC icon in the bottom right corner of the video.

Below is the raw movement exchange relayed from Björn to Megumi. You will see Björn doing his original movement and then you will see both of them doing Björn’s movement, which Megumi learned. Megumi will add onto this and that movement will be passed onto Milka Djordjevich in Los Angeles, California.

Below is the raw movement exchange relayed from Megumi to Milka. You will see Megumi doing her original movement and then you will see both of them doing Megumi’s movement, which Milka learned. Milka will add onto this and that movement will be passed onto Yebel Gallegos in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York.

Photos by (left to right): Taca Ozawa, Koki Takeyasu, Cinematography by Dakota Wotton. Film still courtesy of Toronto Dance, Marie Lambin-Gagnon

This project is commissioned in part by the American Dance Festival (ADF).

Logo design by Chris Cherry