BE:FIRST’s SOTA Participates As Dancer & Choreographer In "I-DEVELOP DANCE CAMP"

SOTA, Japanese member of dance and vocal group BE:FIRST, recently wrapped a two-day workshop as a dance instructor and choreographer to New Zealand’s I-DEVELOP Dance Camp that took place on January 20-21. You can read all about the event below!

A 4-Day international dance event and networking experience, I-DEVELOP has the main objective to connect, inspire and support local, national and international artists. Established by Auckland, New Zealand-based dance company, Identity Dance Company (IDCO), this inter-connective, high quality learning opportunity is opened to the public, and follows on from the companies auditions with the intention of kickstarting the year with a bang and bringing the dance community together, under one roof.

As part of I-DEVELOP this year, this is the first time SOTA has taken on the role of performing as a dancer and choreographer overseas since he became an official member of leading Japanese group, BE:FIRST. Before joining BE:FIRST, SOTA started dancing at a very young age under the name of SOUCHIN, and was a professional backup dancer, choreographer and hip-hop dancer. Being a part of different dance groups including Kana-Boon!, Kana-Boon! All Star, and as a solo performer, SOTA has won multiple world championship dance awards since he was 13 years old.

SOTA with Joshua Cesan, Director, dancer and choreographer of Identity Dance Company (IDCO)

This was the first time in 2 years that SOTA has travelled overseas as a member of BE:FIRST, with New Zealand being his 10th country to visit in his career as a dancer, choreographer, and now as an artist. Fulfilling his role as a mentor and choreographer at I-DEVELOP NZ, SOTA has been able to explore and enjoy his time outside of Japan despite it being a short stint this time. Representing under the name of his artist management and group, BMSG and BE:FIRST, SOTA has been able to introduce to over 100 participants from all over the world, a different flavor of dance. This included new choreography, which SOTA created specifically for this event, as well as one from Kana-Boon! All Star 2018. The latter being the choreography which SOTA won the World Hip Hop Dance Championship as Gold Winner.

On the importance of his first overseas outreach mentorship, SOTA says, “I celebrated my birthday right before heading to New Zealand, so this was a great way to start my 22nd year! I was nervous at the beginning, being some time since I last taught a class overseas, and even more so in different country and language. It was very heartwarming to be able to meet new people outside of Japan, and introduce them to what I do, as well BE:FIRST. This trip has driven me to pursue and challenge myself more as a dancer, as an artist, and as a member of BE:FIRST. The experience highlights a great eye-opening, turning point in my career. Not only do I want to bring this experience back to influence BE:FIRST and BMSG, I also want to create something new and hopefully, be able to collaborate with some of these great dancers in the future.”

SOTA adds on, “The reason why I decided to change my career from an artist who only dances to an artist who can sing and dance back then was simple. I thought that an artist who creates my own music and dances to it would be able to embody the music much better than if I was only dancing to other people's music, and I would be able to widen my world and potential. I love dancing, and I strive more to be an artist who is able to express myself in both. This opportunity has reassured me that dancers love music. They enjoy it, feel it, dance, and express themselves through music. It has also solidified how dancing has shaped me to be who I am today, how it has brought growing dance communities from all over the world together in some form, and has continuously encouraged me to be better while in turn given me the opportunity to learn and work with others.”

SOTA in New Zealand

SOTA in New Zealand

With their debut album, "BE:1" released in August 2022, BE:FIRST has been nothing short of unstoppable, sweeping up No. 1 spots on multiple music charts in Japan, and with their music videos surpassing over 300 million views to date. BE:FIRST has just published an official teaser of their upcoming single, "Boom Boom Back" on their official social media channels on 27 January 2023. With a digital first approach in mind, the single has already been shared and published by local dancers and choreographers in the leading up to the actual post, establishing BE:FIRST’s forever commitment to their love for music and dance. ‘Boom Boom Back’ is slated for release on 13 February 2023, more information is expected to be shared in the weeks ahead.

BE:FIRST - Music Videos:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbnrvWONK6FdEWKeXArhrUMu53Xb7ruxl

1st ALBUM "BE:1" - Streaming & Download Links:
https://befirst.lnk.to/_BE1