Meet Greta Sugai

Today we’d like to introduce you to Greta Sugai.

Hi Greta, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up at a Christian dance studio in Loveland, CO knowing I would want to pursue dance for the rest of my life soon after my first few dance classes at 7 years old. I just loved it and how it made me feel and how expressive I could be through movement! I never knew really what dance would look like in my life, but I knew it was a big part of my story.

I didn’t go to college for dance, I never grew up going to dance competitions, I had never participated in a dance intensive or company of any kind, and I never even knew what contemporary was until after college. I always had a passion for dance, but after college and getting a degree in ministry, I really had to start from the ground up. Taking my first contemporary class at the age of 21 was a major turning point for me, and I couldn’t wait to dive into it more.

Years of exploring improv, getting into as many classes as I could, and finally discovering my love for choreography got me to where I am today. Years of training and building my resume, long drives just to sub for a dance class here and there, and taking any opportunity I could get just so people would start to recognize my name. These are just small glimpses into the work I put in. I couldn’t be more proud of where I am today as a dancer and choreographer and how I can be a light and encouragement to others pursuing the same dreams!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all! I didn’t grow up with connections in the dance world. I basically had to start from the ground up in my twenties with no connections and no studios who knew who I was. That was a big hurdle, but I love looking back and seeing the work that was put in!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a contemporary fusion teacher and choreographer! I love to focus on dancers’ individual giftings and give dancers the “skeleton” of movement, per se, and have them dress it up with their own style. I love that contemporary is very interpretive and can be so unique from dancer to dancer! That’s the beauty of dance!

I am most proud of my ability to connect and relate to students – I love being a safe space for students to feel comfortable to share things with me and feel at ease in my classes where they can express and feel seen! I believe being an encouraging light and a glimpse of hope to others sets me apart in my classes and in my choreo! I always want others to feel valued and validated. I am so thankful for all the opportunities I’ve been given with dance and I’m excited for what’s in the future!

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising some don’t know about me is I’ve been married for over 10 years! This year in 2024 will be 11 years! My husband and I got married super young (a month after I turned 21), and I just want to be an encouragement to others that you can have a family life as well as a successful career.

My husband has been so supportive and knows how important dance is in my life, so that’s been amazing. But when I travel for work a lot and am out of state quite often people seem super surprised to learn that I’m married!

But I love showing others that you can have a healthy relationship and pursue your dreams all at the same time! Anything is possible with determination and passion.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greta_sugai_dance?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Image Credits
Fiona Rose Photography and Tallie Johnson Photography