Connecting Through Dance: Tony Stewart, University of Mount Union, USA

Tony Stewart (center, above sign) with AIU’s InterBreak breakdancing club.

Continuing a Passion in Japan

I’ve always been extremely passionate about dance, and when I arrived at Akita International University I was ecstatic to hear that there was a dance club on campus.

After attending their first meeting and becoming friends with many of the members, I knew that that was the club that I wanted to join. Everyone was extremely nice, welcoming, and talented. I couldn’t wait to be a part of this close-knit family.

The hardest part was deciding which genre of dance to focus my time on, but I eventually found a home with the school breakdance team, InterBreak.

Becoming Part of the InterBreak Family

Everything was new to me, but not once did my fellow breakers put me down. Even after falling numerous times or messing up the choreography consistently, I was always encouraged to get back up or try again. I was inspired by their passion and relentlessness. Every practice was a bonding experience.

Best Memory

Looking back, I would have to say that my best memory would have to be getting the chance to perform with InterBreak on stage at the AIU festival. A lot of time was put into preparing for that performance, and I can still remember the nervousness I felt before getting on that stage.

The funny thing is, I never felt closer to a group of people until the moment that we walked off that stage.

I never knew that I would find a second family here in Japan, but I’m happy I did. I’m looking forward to making many more memories, and performing on many more stages with the amazing people in dance club.