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We finally caught up with dancer and choreographer Mark Kanemura, a finalist on last season's "So You Think You Can Dance." The 25-year-old Castle High grad, now based in Los Angeles, said life has been a rollercoaster since he danced his way to the Top 6 on the much-watched FOX TV reality competition. After months of trying to get hold of the Kaneohe native, we finally tracked him down for an e-mail interview, and he enthusiastically shared everything from his experiences on the show to the spots he hits for food and fun when he's home in Hawaii.
What was it like to compete in "So You Think You Can Dance," and did you enjoy the show's tour?
Competing on the show was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done mentally. Don't get me wrong, physically it was CHALLENGING, but mentally... YIKES! The process really works your mind. But one of the amazing things about the show is that it teaches you that you're capable of so much more than you think. You're rehearsing and going through the process thinking, "How in the world am I gonna get through this?" And you do! And then the next week comes, and it's the same thing. By the time you finish the show and look back it's like holy moly... look what I’ve accomplished! When you're watching it on TV, it doesn't look as challenging. But when you’re going through it, it's freaking hard!!! Trust me.
The tour was incredible. I love traveling, and I love dancing, so to get the opportunity to wake up in a different city every day doing something you love is such a blessing and an incredible experience. I would wake up and go off by myself and get lost. It’s the best way to explore and find things. I miss it. The schedule was crazy... We had 43 shows in 42 different cities in less than two months. But you’re going through it, and you realize this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I’m gonna soak it ALL up! I reminded myself I could sleep after the tour.
How would you say the show advanced your career in the dance world?
It has increased my confidence in who I am. When you’re performing in front of millions on TV, you have to be confident in what you’re doing. When I go into auditions now, I remember what I went through on the show and remind myself anything is possible. You can do this. When you’re auditioning and working, confidence speaks volumes.
You've been a choreographer for quite some time; how do you get ideas for new dance routines? How much of it (especially when you're doing a routine for yourself) is improvisation?
Ideas for choreography come from a lot of random things. It usually starts with the music. Once I find that song that I’m really feeling and gives me that tingly feeling inside, movement usually follows. When I start moving, I do things that feel good as opposed to things that look good. I worry about that later. I get inspired for ideas and movement by animals, modern art, robots, drag queens, cartoons, imaginary creatures, you get the point. I like my choreography to tell a story. I want it to ignite feelings: comfort, discomfort, like, dislike, excitement, humor, sadness… as long as you’re feeling something, I’m happy. If you’re sitting there empty, without feeling, I haven’t done my job. When I choreograph, it all starts from improvisation, but I will rarely go out and improve a routine. It makes me nervous to improv or freestyle, and I really like my choreography to be well thought out.
Where have you performed in Honolulu?
I actually grew up in musical theater in Honolulu, performing at Diamond Head Theatre, Leeward Community College and Castle Performing Arts Center... I LOVED it! You are surrounded by talented and passionate people who are doing it all for the love. It’s incredible to be in that environment. But then I went through puberty, and my voice changed. That’s when I got into dance and started performing and training with 24-7 Danceforce, Hawaii Ballet Theater and Tau Dance Theater. I would love to perform at some massive concert at the Aloha Stadium or Blaisdell.
Do you have any favorite performers, DJs or local bands from the Islands?
Na Palapalai. The sound they create is so rich, full and absolutely beautiful. They fill my ears with such goodness! Also, Jana Alcain. She's one of my best friends from high school, and her voice is a gift. When you hear it, you’re touched. Seriously, I always look forward to hearing her sing at church when I go back home. I cannot wait until she is on Broadway or releasing a CD. Jonathan Levi is another good friend from high school, who just released an EP, "These Doors" on iTunes. I was so blown away when I heard it. It’s feel-good music with beautifully inspired lyrics... And last but not least: 24-7 Danceforce... My home. My heart.
Career wise, what are you up to these days?
I recently started teaching at the EDGE here in Hollywood. I also travel a lot teaching, which is always fun. I have a great passion and appreciation for teaching. I just choreographed a piece for The Choreographer's Carnival for the artist That Rogue Romeo. Since being out here, I've been on "Dancing With The Stars," "Ellen" and I have a couple other things I worked on for Nickelodeon and Disney that will be out later. I've also had the opportunity to work with some really great directors and choreographers, which I’m really grateful for. I'm on a rollercoaster these days... hahaha... up, down, side to side, tossed, turned... But it's all good. I’m learning. It's the business. It's my life.
We know you grew up in Hawaii and still have friends and family here. So when you're home, where are your favorite spots around town to chill with friends?
The Loft ‘80s night! The vibe is amazing, it’s filled with an eclectic group of people, and the music... sigh... AMAZING! I’m such an ‘80s baby. I have my sisters to thank for bringing me up with all that good music and dance from the ‘80s.
Where are your favorite clubs to bust out some dance moves?
HAHA! I actually like to observe... Very rarely will I be out dancing. If I am, it's usually because:
A) I'm comfortable
B) The music is too good to pass up
C) I'm out with good friends
D) I've had a few good drinks
or
E) All of the above
One of the best nights of dancing I had was at NextDoor when Steve Aoki played. HOLY MOLY!!! I danced the entire night! It was amazing. My clothes were drenched. I literally wrung out my shirt leaving a puddle in Chinatown! That night was an A, B (ooohhhhh was it a B), and C!
Tell about your favorite restaurants in Honolulu and what you like to order?
I LOVE Shokudo. My friends and I usually always end up eating there. We'll try and think of something different, but nope… Shokudo it is! I usually get the California roll. It's a little different. There's egg on it, tofu salad, ramen... soooo much good food! And the drinks there are super good too.
Another spot is Mariposa. This is a special place for me and my sisters. When we are all home, that is on our MUST list, we go there at least once when we are all together. It has become a tradition. The food is great. The atmosphere is relaxing, but what is amazing is the popover bread they serve. We go through rounds of it! The "popover boy," as we refer to him, becomes our best friend for the day.
What's your favorite local food joint and what do you order?
Rainbow Drive In - hamburger steak, gravy all over. I once ordered two plates in one sitting. After Rainbow's comes Matsumoto's Shave Ice. it’s like a routine, eat plate lunch and then shave ice... rainbow with mochi balls....MMMmmmmmm......I’m getting hungry thinking about it. I also like L&L Hawaiian Barbeque. The chicken katsu... the best!
Other places...
KJ's Local Grindz - furikake chicken... ono-licious... cheeee... hahaha.
Romy's Kahuku Prawns and Shrimp Hut - garlic shrimp..... A-freaking-mazing!
And of course Zippy's for the chili chicken mixed plate, Zip Pac and Orange Bang.
What's your favorite hidden gem restaurant in Honolulu?
Without a doubt, Ninniku-ya Garlic Restaurant. It's a little house (literally) with big flavor. One word... garlic!
Where's your go-to restaurant late at night, after you finish clubbing, and what do you order?
Hahahahaha. I’d like to say it’s either Zippy's or Sorabol, but most of the time it's Jack's... yup... in the Box. Two tacos for 99 cents and a chicken sandwich. If it's Zippy's, it’s saimin with fries. I like to dip my fries in my saimin, and if it's Sorabol, BBQ chicken, and the vegetables are so yum! But like I said, if it's late night, after clubbing, it's usually Jack's.
What's your favorite beverage - alcoholic or otherwise? And where do you get it?
Well I'm a simple kind of a guy... haha... it's usually water. I don't drink soda; if it’s juice, it’s the best kind. JAMBA! Oooohhh, I just remembered I’m a huge investor in Starbucks...Triple Iced Espresso with Thai... AMAZING!
When it comes to a-a-a-a-alcohol, I'm T-Pain... again, I keep it simple. Vodka (Grey Goose or Ketel One please) on the rocks with a splash of cran, sometimes beer, rarely rum or tequila. Margaritas can be fun... ooohhh Li Hing Margaritas from Ryan's Grill, yum! Crap, just remembered. I’m a big wine guy too… mostly red (Pinot Noir or Shiraz) and sometimes white (Riesling)... yum! Guess I’m not that simple.
What other people are saying...
LaurieJim from Kaimuki - June 03, 2009 at 9:59 PM
A wonderfully in-depth and entertaining article. Thanks so much!
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