Meet Yuka Fukuda | Dance educator

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

Hi Yuka, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I’ve been teaching dance for the past 25 years, and it has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. It’s more than a career—it’s a way of giving back, of passing on the knowledge and experience I’ve gained to the next generation of dancers. My own dance journey has equipped me with invaluable life tools that helped me navigate some of my most difficult moments.

In my teaching, I don’t just focus on technique. I strive to help my students discover authenticity, honesty, and the courage to be themselves. In a world where social media often promotes unrealistic and superficial ideals, I hope to create a space where young dancers can connect with who they truly are and grow confident in that.

Whether or not my students go on to become professional dancers is not what matters most to me. What’s most important is that they leave with the life skills dance can teach: showing up consistently—even when it’s hard, respecting themselves and others, not giving up, trusting the long-term process, and supporting one another. These are the qualities I believe we need more of in our society.

This is my purpose and my way of giving back—to guide, nurture, and empower through the art of dance.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was born and raised in Japan and came to the United States to pursue my dream of becoming a professional dancer at the age of 18. Adjusting to life here was challenging. I often felt like an outsider, and it took time to find a sense of belonging.

Dance training, in many ways, was the easy part. In the studio, I felt safe—free to focus on my craft and discover who I was. The real challenges began when I transitioned into the professional world. Auditioning for jobs meant facing constant rejection—not because of my ability, but because of how I looked or because I didn’t have U.S. citizenship, even though I had legal work authorization. At times, I questioned whether there was truly a place for me in this country.

I never thought of myself as an “Asian dancer”—I simply saw myself as a dancer. But at every audition, it felt like someone was holding up a mirror, reminding me that I was different. Over time, though, I carved out a career and made a living doing what I love. I learned that if I keep going, believe in myself, and never give up, the universe has a way of guiding me to where I’m meant to be.

Today, I’m proud to call myself an Asian dancer. I’ve come to see it not as a disadvantage, but as something powerful and beautiful. What this journey has taught me is to stay strong, be confident in who I am, and recognize the value of my unique voice. Everyone has something special to offer the world. And above all, I believe in treating others with love and respect—because what you put out into the world will always find its way back to you.

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 love taking friends from out of town on a little “drive-by tour” of all the classic tourist spots—haha! That usually includes sights like the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Boulevard, Beverly Hills, and more.

It’s always a treat to catch a concert at Walt Disney Concert Hall or the Hollywood Bowl, or to cheer on the Dodgers at a game—there’s nothing like that LA energy.

If time allows, I like to take them out of the city to experience California’s stunning natural beauty—places like Joshua Tree or Yosemite National Park are always unforgettable.

And of course, we have to eat! The Thai food in Thai Town is pretty great, and you can’t go wrong with the amazing Mexican food here either.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, I’d like to express my deepest gratitude to my parents. They have supported and encouraged every decision I’ve made, and without their unwavering belief in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today as a dance educator.

A heartfelt thank you to the Ailey organization, where I received most of my training in the United States. Ailey not only gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a professional dancer, but also helped me discover who I am through their guidance and mentorship. They continue to welcome me back with open arms, like family—and for that, I am forever grateful.

I also want to recognize the incredible institutions where I have the privilege to teach and create past and present: The Colburn School, Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), Idyllwild Arts Academy, Loyola Marymount University (LMU), Lula Washington Dance Theater, Degas Dance Studio, Joffrey Ballet School, and City Ballet of Los Angeles. Thank you for trusting me and giving me a platform to shape and share my vision of dance education.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yukafk?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Thang Dao
LACHSA dance