Dancing His Way Through The World with Yoshi Wright
POCHI PODCAST: SPILL THE TEA EPISODE 8
Our guest for this episode is none other than our dear friend, Yoshi Wright, who is a phenomenal human being as well as a talented dancer! We can’t wait for you to hear his story.
Yoshi Wright has been dancing for over 20 years and has been a professional dancer and choreographer in the industry for over 15 years. He’s worked on many Music Videos, TV Shows, Commercials, World Tours, Corporate Events, Award Shows and has been fortunate enough to dance with iconic artists such as Ariana Grande, Britney Spears and Selena Gomez.
Since moving back to Seattle, he created his own workshop class called “Camera & Choreo” with his business partner Isaiah Rashaad which sold out 10 sessions in the first year. Now in their second year, they have partnered up with a non-profit called “The Backstage Foundation” and are diligently working to bring this experience to high schools around the state to expose them to industry level dance training and help them receive scholarships for opportunities that they might not otherwise have access to. He also still teaches regularly at Westlake Dance Center and films local dance classes, music videos and other content for local artists.
Life as a Dancer
Going back to the roots of his dance career, Yoshi explains how many people have developed the idea that dancing is not a real sport. He speaks on the athleticism and strength it takes to pursue dance itself, mentally and physically. At times he has observed that the dance community lacks sponsors, support, and compensation that other sports may have. The sacrifice that professional dancers make to pursue their passion has gained the respect of Yoshi himself.
Starting a new life in LA in 2011 came with challenges as Yoshi discusses developing opportunities for himself on his own. From auditioning for Disneyland to going on tour, life came to be fast-paced and constantly changing. Yoshi goes into how his tour schedules and dance life impacted how he’s been able to spend time with his friends and family.
As a worldwide dancer, Yoshi toured the world which didn't always come with ease. The struggle to adjust to change was just as prominent as the reward and relationships created along the way. During his time in California, Yoshi describes working extra hard to be seen in LA, where everyone seemed to be extremely talented. He expresses how special opportunities were to him considering how many dancers were fighting so hard just to be seen in the “dance mecca”.
“Learn whatever you can, whenever you can, from whoever you can.”
Hardships
Yoshi speaks on his addictions as a young adult and taking initiative to put them to an end. After admitting to his addiction he spent 28 days in in-patient rehab. He explained how he experienced lows but eventually began to warm up to the people there and even found himself in the lecture haul teaching people how to break/bboy. He acknowledges his ability to overcome one addiction but explained how he still struggled with problems throughout most of the time he spent dancing in LA.
Coming to Realization
While living in LA, Yoshi had a lot of videographer friends who always kept him in touch with his spark for video. The new year after moving back home, Yoshi decided to spend days and nights studying the basics of video. With the purchase of his first camera, he was excited to finally find the right balance for his life without sacrificing his creative side.
As a young boy, Yoshi hoped and dreamed to live out pursuing his passions. He explains that where he is today in terms of successes did not go fully recognized by himself. He claims that it wasn't until recently that he realized that he has had a lot of impact on his community as well as many people that support and care for him. Through the ups and downs, it's no doubt that Yoshi took the opportunities he was given and with that, found exactly where he wanted to be.
It was such an honor to have Yoshi share his story with us. If you’d like to connect with him or want to see his work, check out the links below!
