Meet Ikumi Makino | Dance Instructor & Dance School Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ikumi Makino and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ikumi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
The most important lesson is learning together.

Teaching dance to students is my job, but at the same time, I also learn a lot from my students.

Students, especially the little ones, are very honest. If they don’t enjoy the class, they simply won’t participate. They don’t do things just because others are doing them, they don’t worry about what others think at all.

If my explanations are unclear, of course, they won’t understand.

They remind me of things that adults tend to forget and make me think deeply about how to teach and how to make learning enjoyable for others. Through this, they teach me so much.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I always make it a point to think about what my students want to do, what they find enjoyable, and what they are feeling.

To create a class where no one feels left out or unengaged, I make sure to closely observe each student, provide encouragement, and guide the class forward.

I also teach my teens to care for the kids. I encourage them to be role models, showing the younger students how to interact and dance in a way that inspires the kids to want to be like them. The teens learn to be role models, while the kids aim to be like their role models, creating a positive dynamic between the two groups.

Of course, the journey to where I am now hasn’t been easy. There were times when I couldn’t sleep, and I even had gastritis from stress. But I remind myself that there are people out there who are working even harder than I am, and quitting would be easy. I’ve learned to push myself, knowing that the more difficult path will ultimately be more rewarding. I believe the view from the top of the mountain you climb is breathtaking.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I will take you to Arizona. I went there alone on a trip once, and it was incredibly refreshing. Arizona has so much to offer. With vast mountains, stunning canyons, and beautiful deserts, it’s home to incredible landscapes, including famous spots like the Grand Canyon and Sedona. There’s nothing better than having a drink with Sedona right in front of you! The peaceful climate and wide-open spaces make it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Arizona is also rich in Native American culture, with plenty of Indian-inspired shops and art to explore. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are tons of activities like hiking, kayaking, and camping, so you can really immerse yourself in nature. With its beautiful scenery and unique cultural blend, Arizona is a truly special place to visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who deserve a shoutout. Of course, my family immediately comes to mind—especially my mother, who always worries about me, encourages me, and sometimes gives me a firm scolding or warning. Every time, I am reminded of how grateful I am to be where I am today.

Then, there are my dance mentors—my teachers from when I was learning dance. Even now, whenever I return home, they make time to meet with me. They listen to stories from the past, hear about my current concerns, and offer advice along the way. They are truly remarkable teachers, and I have nothing but respect for them. I sincerely feel fortunate to have them as my mentors.

I also want to express my gratitude to the students who have been with me since the very beginning when I started my school, as well as their parents. It was my first time managing, and I had many shortcomings. Even now, I continue to receive tremendous support from them.

In the past few years, I’ve also been especially grateful to my husband. Since I’m always working and hardly doing any housework, I truly appreciate his support from the bottom of my heart.

I truly feel that I am surrounded and supported by so many wonderful people.

Website: https://www.ai-vibration.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ai_vibration/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@aivibration?si=-ueyQvYYsSf9Qa9S