Episode 145 | The Future is Embodied: Emi Matsushita

Knowbox dance
6 days ago
2 min read

#145: In this episode of Dance Behind the Screen, host Martheya chats with creative entrepreneur and educator Emi Matsushita about blending science, business, and the arts to empower dancers. They explore emotional nuance in choreography, artistic leadership, and building sustainable careers through coaching and entrepreneurship. (44:23)

Chapters

00:00 Emi Matsushita

00:44 Introduction to Dance Behind the Screen

01:03 Meet Emi: A Journey of Multidisciplinary Influence

02:36 The Intersection of Dance and Entrepreneurship

06:13 Navigating the Creative Pathway

12:47 Communicating Your Authentic Self

21:44 Embracing Technology in Dance

27:19 AI in Education and Entrepreneurship

37:14 Empowering Artists and Building Community

42:24 Flash Four: Quick Insights with Emi

Actionable Takeaways with Practical Tips

Integrate Multidisciplinary Thinking
- Takeaway: Blend science, business, and art to enhance creative leadership.
- Quote: "It's like it is what it is because for me, all of these things I really enjoy... I feel like I'm a good mix of all of these things to be able to create balance and alternative perspectives and a critical lens to anything that I approach." – Emi Matsushita
- Tip: Audit your skills across disciplines and apply cross-training to creative projects.
Own Your Identity as an Entrepreneur
- Takeaway: Every dancer and creative is an entrepreneur, even if training doesn’t frame it that way.
- Quote: "I believe that all dancers and all creatives are entrepreneurs. We just have this gap in our training or education, that we don't actually connect with that identity often." – Emi Matsushita
- Tip: Develop entrepreneurial habits—budgeting for creative projects, networking, and pitching ideas as investments.
Align Art with Strategic Planning
- Takeaway: Clear mission, vision, and values fuel intentional growth and sustainable careers.
- Quote: "We worked hard this past year to build our strategic plan and just be really intentional and clear—what is our mission, vision, and values, and what are the steps to making sure that we achieve those." – Martheya
- Tip: Schedule quarterly reviews to ensure your creative work aligns with long-term artistic and financial goals.

Bio

Emi L. Matsushita is a multifaceted creative entrepreneur & educator with a unique blend of scientific knowledge, artistic expertise, and business acumen. A seasoned dance professional with 28+ years of global experience, she empowers creatives through coaching, entrepreneurship, and embodied leadership. Emi has founded and collaborated with companies worldwide, holds an MFA in Dance Science from Trinity Laban through researching hip-hop dance battle culture. As a Creative Director & producer, she curates events like Bridges Festival and Mount Dora Movement Festival. An educator at UNT and Dallas College, Emi uses movement for education, connection, and personal growth. She also chairs Art Boost, advancing entrepreneurship initiatives for the DFW creative community.