Tap Into The Light

In 2006, the American magazine Dance Magazine ranked him among the "25 Dancers to Watch." In 2016, he became the first Asian artist to receive a Bessie Award in New York, a prestigious dance honor. Kazunori Kumagai is an exceptional tap dancer who divides his time between the United States and Japan. He will present a solo performance as well as a trio performance with bassist Alex Blake and pianist Toru Dodo. Technical virtuosity, explosive energy, and boundless creativity.

Born in Sendai, in northern Japan, Kazunori Kumagai discovered tap dancing at the age of 15. Four years later, he moved to New York to refine his skills under the guidance of Ted Levy and Gregory Hines, among others. He then performed in numerous clubs across the city. Returning to Japan in 2002, he opened his own tap dance studio while continuing to perform in jazz clubs. His collaboration with renowned jazz trumpeter Terumasa Hino truly launched his career in Japan. This remarkable improviser has since performed alongside exceptional musicians, including pianists Yosuke Yamashita, Omar Sosa, and Hiromi Uehara. He appeared solo at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.