Constellating A Million Stars – The Art of a Woman

(New Work by Nao Kusuzaki)

What if dance isn’t just about perfection and youth, but about reimagining who gets to move and how? This new work challenges traditional boundaries, blending dance and voice across generations, accompanied live by cello and violin. We collaborate with empowering women in our community, including former dancers who continue to evolve as they confront new stages of life, while highlighting the strength and resiliency of these women and mothers. By embracing diverse ages, I seek to create a performance that isn’t just seen- it’s felt, and heard. We are each a unique star, constellating to uplift one another.

Artists

Nao Kusuzaki – Choreographer

Mimi Patman – Creative Collaborator, Dancer

Lisa Pertozzi – Creative Collaborator, Dancer

Allison Miller – Costume and scenic Designer

Vivian Shock – Dancer, appears courtesy of Houston Contemporary Dance Company

Carmelita Ford – Dancer

Dylan Allen – Dancer, appears courtesy of Ad Deum Dance Company

Seth Judice – Dancer

Patrick Moore – Cellist

With 

Reset choreographed by Hayden Stark and Shohei Iwahama. Premiered September, 2021 at Art of the World Gallery

And

Revival performance of Mandala choreographed by Nao Kusuzaki. Premiered February, 2025 at Houston Contemporary Dance Company

Midtown Arts Theater Center Houston – Matchbox 3

August 23, 2025

2:30pm and 6:30pm

Meiji Dances

In Celebration of Meiji Modern
Fifty Years of New Japan Exhibition at MFAH

About MEIJI Dances

A Dance at the Meiji Modern”, is a new dance piece choreographed by Nao Kusuzaki, Artistic Director of Creative Minds Collaborative in honor of the exhibition – Meiji Modern- Fifty Years of New Japan. The new work explores themes of tradition versus modernity, cultural identity, and the human experience inspired by curated art works within the exhibition.

The movements intertwine traditional Japanese dance forms with contemporary vocabularies, reflecting the collision and integration of the Western influences. The soundscape blends Meiji-era Japanese composers like Rentaro Taki and Kosaku Yamada, with imported Western music by Saint-Saën, creating an atmosphere that mirrors the era’s cultural amalgamation.

Set in modern day Japan, this dance narrative mirrors the spirit of the era it seeks to portray, celebrating both the richness of Japan’s heritage and its embrace of global influences.