Today we’d like to introduce you to Katana Pop.
Hi Katana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Katana and I was born in Chicago. I grew up as a competitive figure skater- practicing 6 days a week before and after school. Figure skating consumed my entire life until I was diagnosed with a back injury called scoliosis. From that point forward, my competitive skating career was over since I was frequently in and out of physical therapy with injuries connected to scoliosis.
I started dancing at 6 years old – I had to do ballet training for my figure skating which I honestly hated as a kid. In high school, I started dancing more seriously, training in all different studio dance styles. After getting injured, I decided to shift focus and pursue dance fully, for it was my true passion. In 2014, I stumbled into my first dance battle, and I was blown away! I couldn’t believe how the dancers were moving so effortlessly in freestyle movement! From that day forward, I dedicated myself to becoming a freestyle battle dancer.
I began entering as many all styles battles in Chicago, and out of state all across the states. I also began training with my mentor OG Teabuggz in the styles; of popping, Egyptian bang tuts, waving, animation, etc. Since then, I have battled, judged, and taught across the country and wish to continue on an international level. Now I am living in the Bay Area in Oakland, California. Since moving here 2 years ago, I have learned so much from the street dancers here, whose style is called Turfin.
Turfin is a direct offspring of Boogaloo (which was also created in Oakland) and includes techniques such as glides, toe spins, bone breaking, tutting, grooves, etc. Learning and competing here have challenged and changed my movement, pushing me past my limits.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I was 16, I was diagnosed with a back injury called scoliosis that ended my figure skating career. The injury affects me to this day, but regardless, I have stayed dedicated to my craft. Injuries have been a big part of my struggle but I become much more aware of my body and the healing process necessary for health. In my journey, especially in the beginning, I dealt with a lot of insecurity and self-hate for my movement. I was just too stubborn to give up but it took years of dedication and hard work to earn the confidence I have today.
Being a woman in a male-dominated community has also posed many struggles along the way. A lot of the time you can feel alone and the women would usually instantly see you as a competition or a threat since this society has conditioned us to think that way. But recently, I’ve seen this change a bit more since more and more women are taking the leap of faith and beginning their battling journey, and being supportive of each other. It’s a beautiful thing to see!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a professional, freelance dance artist. I teach kids and adults, I perform, model, judge dance battles, and even work as an event emcee. I teach classes to kids ages 5-18 years old. Kids are the future and I love getting to share the knowledge and skills I’ve acquired through the years with them.
I also teach private lessons to adults; teaching them techniques from popping, battle preparations, and how to improve their overall freestyle movement and build confidence. Modeling is something I started doing for fun and it became a part of my career. It’s another way I can express myself and incorporate my movement and flexibility to create different shapes and concepts you wouldn’t normally see. I also work as a traveling event emcee hosting anything from corporate events to birthday parties, and dance battles. I’ve hosted and organized many of my battles in Chicago, and am now hosting/organizing battles in the Bay Area with my team here called It’s THEM (THEM – They Hate Every Move).
I truly love and take pride in being a teacher. One of my students Daisy VMZ made it to the Redbull Dance Your Style National Finals, and got second place at just 17 years old! I could not be more proud of her and happy that my influence has played a positive role in her journey. I also have judged all styles of battles across the country from Chicago to San Antonio, Detroit, Oakland, etc.
I guess what sets me apart is that I live and breathe what I do. I could go and get a regular job that helps pay the bills, but it would take away from my time and energy as an artist. I haven’t selected the easiest path but it’s one that I know I won’t regret. I can live and die knowing that I’m doing what I love and hopefully inspire others to do what they love too.
What do you think about luck?
Everyone has good and bad luck. I would say my bad luck would lie in some of the injuries I’ve gotten, but in the end, those experiences were learning lessons and taught me how to take care of my body on a deeper level. I feel like with dance/art it’s all about putting in work, putting yourself out there, and never giving up.
The more you are willing to work hard and sacrifice, the more opportunities will come your way. You have to sacrifice a lot; to get better and you have to invest in yourself financially, physically, mentally, and spiritually. The older you get, the harder it is to keep on going, but success and rewards usually come in the most trying times.
Pricing:
- Private lesson fee online or in person: $60 an hour
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @katana_pop
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katanapop?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@Katana_pop
Image Credits
Adarryll Jackson, Sr., JCo studios, Redbull Dance, Alex Harmon, and Alohatenz
