Rino Nakasone was born and raised in Okinawa Japan. Rino made her way to Los Angeles in 1999 to whole-heartedly pursue her dance dreams. Despite various obstacles following her arrival, Rino refused to let go of her dreams. Her hard work and dedication have led her to be one of the most well-respected dancers in Los Angeles. Rino currently dances for two all women dance crews, Best Kept Secret and Beat Freaks. Her credits include Britney Spears, Missy Elliot, Mary J, Gwen, Marques Houston, B2K, and many others. Her fun personality, down to earth attitude and talent all contribute to the well-rounded individual that she is. She’s an aspiring singer and hopes to pursue her career in the music industry. She’s shared her talents with many, by teaching classes all over the United States as well as internationally. Rino has an incredible story and we’re honored to interview her as One Cypher’s featured dancer.

“Gil and Janet’s people helped me get a recommendation and all the paper work stating that I would be working with Janet Jackson. Then finally I got the O-1 visa. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be here.”

One Cypher: When did you start dancing?
Rino: I have been dancing ever since I can remember!

One Cypher: What does your dance background consist of?
Rino: Watching Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, TLC’s stuff. Beatfreaks have helped me with breakin’. I love Hip-Hop!

One Cypher: At what age did you realize this is what you wanted to pursue? Why?
Rino: Ever since I was little I’ve always loved to dance and perform. It was a natural thing. I always thought I was going to be an entertainer.

One Cypher: Who has influenced you throughout your dance career?
Rino: Tina Landon, Fatima, Swoop, Roro, Super Dave, Dante, too many! Sorry if I missed anybody.

One Cypher: What groups are currently dancing with?
Rino: I have my partner Maryss from Paris and we are both in a Girl’s
crew called, Beat Freaks. I dance with the Groovaloos on occasion. I also
dance with Chonique and Lisette in their all girl group Best Kept Secret.

“I want to express myself in more than in just dance. I want to be an artist or singer.”

One Cypher: Who have you danced with or for?
Rino: Britney Spears, Missy, Mary J, Gwen, Marques Houston, B2K, and more.

One Cypher: What has been your largest obstacle?
Rino: Foreign people need a visa to work in America. In order to obtain an O-1 visa (entertainment visa) most dancers have to have that visa. In order to get this visa you have to prove that you are the best at what you do. Not just the best in America, the best anywhere. Ever since September 11, the INS has gotten really strict. Even though I had letter of recommendation saying I worked for Britney Spears, I still got rejected. At that point, I felt I had no choice but to go back to Japan, but in my heart I knew I could get the visa somehow. So. I hired a lawyer because I couldn’t give up. I knew that I was supposed to stay. Around the time of my second application, Janet Jackson’s audition came up and I booked it. Gil and Janet’s people helped me get a recommendation and all the paper work stating that I would be working with them. Then I finally got the O-1 visa. If it weren’t for them I wouldn’t be here.

One Cypher: Who do you look up to and why?
Rino: Tina Landon because she works so hard at what she does, and I think she is one of the greatest and most talented people I have ever seen. Not only that, but she is also such a down to earth person. Her work has totally inspired me to do what I do now.

One Cypher: Tell us what your experience was like when you first came to the United States?
Rino: Amazing. It made my dream come true. I’ve always wanted to be in music videos and here I am. I was working with the people I used to watch when I was in Japan. I was finally in the world that I had dreamed about. I was so happy cause it was my dream to come out here.

One Cypher: What kind of training have you had? Have you trained under anyone?
Rino: Yes, I tried to take everybody’s class, but being an assistant of Dante helped me the most.

One Cypher: What has dance done for you life?
Rino: So much. It has allowed me to be able to express myself. No matter how much I was down with my other personal issues, dance was always there for me. When I dance I forget about everything else. Dance helps me to live. I’m glad that I can have a passion and love something. I’ve met so many beautiful people through dance. I feel that I’m very lucky to be able to do what I love and make living out of it.

“Everybody’s timing is different. Just because your friend booked before you…dont blame yourself…your time will come.”

One Cypher: How have you changed as a dancer throughout the years?
Rino: I’ve become better through watching myself on
videotapes, taking lots of classes, and practicing in my spare time. Also, taking classes and working every job helped me grow as an dancer.

One Cypher: Are you interested in learning other forms of dance? If so, which kinds?
Rino: Of course. I wanna learn everything, especially traditional Japanese and Okinawan dance, Jazz, Breakin’ Old Skool, Locking, Popping, Boogaloo.

One Cypher: Who in the scene do you look up to and why?
Rino: Maryss, my dancing partner ‘cause she is truly a lover of dance and she works so hard. I also look up to Tina Landon because she is a hard worker who doesn’t give up. She has such an amazing talent.

One Cypher: Do you have other hobbies?
Rino: I love relaxing, traveling with my friends, watching movies, singing, and writing.

One Cypher: Whats your observation of the dance scene?
Rino: Don’t get caught up with booking jobs, who you are working for and what people think about you. Don’t forget that you dance because you love doing it. I would like to see more original stuff. All I know is, I miss old skool stuff. Back in days all those music videos and shows inspired me.

“If you want to do it, go for it.”

One Cypher: How do you feel dance has changed throughout the years?
Rino: Even though my favorite style comes from old skool, I still enjoy today’s style. I think it is interesting how everybody’s art is different.

One Cypher: If you could dance with anyone, who would it be? Why?
Rino: Michael and Janet! They are the reason I am in America!

One Cypher: What was your experience like dancing for Britney?
Rino: On the road with her I learned so much, not only about dance, but also about life. It was my first world tour. I had to be
more girly and jazzy. Dance style-wise I learned so much. I had to be in heels, girly and sexy…it was really hard. The tour really challenged me.

One Cypher: Do you have any advice for people trying to get into the industry?
Rino: Just practice hard. Stay really positive because there will be a time where you don’t get auditions or you don’t do well in class. Stay positive and try to learn from everything. Everybody’s timing is different. Just
because your friend booked before you, don’t blame yourself. Your time will come.

One Cypher: What’s your ultimate goal?
Rino: I want to express myself in more than in just dance. I want to be an artist or singer.

One Cypher: Any words of wisdom for aspiring dancers?
Rino: If you want to do it, go for it. You’re lucky to have something to be
passionate about. There are so many people who don’t know what they want to do or even like to do. Just try it because you don’t know what can happen.

One Cypher: Do you teach classes? Where and what time?
Rino: Yes, Maryss and I teach class at Millennium at 2:00 pm every Tuesday and Thursday.

One Cypher: Upcoming shows?
Rino: I will be going on a promo tour for Gwen soon.

One Cypher: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Rino: Hopefully I’ll be doing what I like to do which is be an artist, have a husband and just be happy.

One Cypher: Shout-Outs
Rino: Haisai! Okinawa represent!

*Pictures by Mike Quain www.quainphoto.com
*Interview by Shelley Oto