Billboard Japan featured Los Angeles-based dancer Sara Ito in its Women in Music interview series, a project that began in 2022 to spotlight women making an impact in music and entertainment. Ito, who was born in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture, spoke from Los Angeles about the choices and beliefs that shaped her career.
Ito said she decided early in life to pursue dance and moved to the United States alone when she was 16. She told Billboard Japan that leaving Japan helped her stop searching for a “right answer” and instead focus on expressing what felt true to her.
In the interview, Ito said dance “saved” her and gave her something to hold onto during a difficult upbringing. She explained that popping became her style of choice because she wanted to commit herself fully to it while staying true to the music and the emotions of each moment.
Ito also reflected on working in the U.S. entertainment industry, including a job with NE-YO after receiving her visa. She said she initially felt self-conscious as the only Asian dancer among four performers, but changed her mindset and used her individuality as a strength.
She added that she hopes dancers will be recognized more widely as artists in their own right. Ito also spoke about sexism, racism and the value of working with women choreographers, saying she wants to keep challenging stereotypes and show what women can do.
