Kyson Kai | Photo by Mia Yoshioka

Where did you train?

I began my training at my school, the Mid-Pacific School of the Arts dance program. From there, I had also trained at Xstatic Dance studio and found myself at Honolulu Dance Studio for the last years of my high school career. I am forever grateful for all the amazing mentors I have learned from.

What inspires you?

My inspiration stems from a variety of sources. Whether it be through the endless spiral of my Instagram explore page or witnessing someone passionately move in front of my eyes, I am constantly inspired by stimuli both related to and not related to dance. What inspires me most is seeing someone’s unwavering love for something and the lengths they go to nurture their passion.

Describe yourself in three words.

Swaggy, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, Determined.

Tell us a fun fact about you.

I once ate a whole pie in one sitting… and I have no regrets.

What does it mean to be a part of USC Kaufman?

At the risk of sounding cliché, being a part of USC Kaufman means the world to me. USC Kaufman offers everything I have searched for (academic rigor, diversity in techniques, a space to grow artistry and much more) while simultaneously cultivating a supportive and tight-knit community. I cannot wait to be dancing non-stop surrounded by talents of all calibers and styles and creating new friendships. I am ready for all the successes, the failures and the unknowns that lay ahead in my journey at USC Kaufman.

Kyson Kai | Photo by NUVO Dance Convention

Kyson Kai | Photo by Mia Yoshioka