FISH WITH LEGS

Popping and locking seems easy until you try it. But Nakada Hiroyuki a.k.a. Fishboy makes it look… sublime. Apart from his accolades and numerous dance awards, he's  also the host of the wildly popular Japanese TV show Dance @ TV. A judge at the upcoming Gatsby Dance Competition to be held in Singapore, we fielded some questions at the dance savant and this is what he threw back.

First off, how did you come up with the name “Fishboy”?

When I was first given the chance to become a dancer, I thought of changing my name to signal a fresh start. At that time, I happened to read one of my brother’s (Japanese talent artiste, Acchan) novels and there was a funky character by the name of Fishboy, so I decided to borrow it.

Did you always want to be a dancer when you were young?

I started dancing at 15 and at that time, I didn’t think I'd be able to make a living from it. But… I stuck at it and kept dancing and before I knew it…

You were winning accolades for your dance.

Exactly.

What’s your daily regime?

Being an instructor both in and out of Japan, getting involved in battles and workshops and appearing in TV dance shows are part and parcel of my life now.

As a judge for Gatsby Dance Competition, what are you looking for in a dancer?

A balance of skills, creativity and persuasion in their performance.

What's the best dance moment from your career?

Now is the best time for me. The present that is the result of my past work is very fulfilling.

What’s next for you?

I would like to promote street dance in the domestic market through TV programmes as awareness for that is still quite low. And I also hope to participate in more dance battles overseas this year.

Fishboy, along with Charisma Kantoro, will judge the Gatsby Dance Competition on February 18.

Interview courtesy of Gatsby.