I remember when I started to dance … I was probably around 5 or so. My father’s friend’s daughter Sanae—who would became my teacher for 17 years—was looking for ballet students …
My Childhood Dance Performance Memories
So now I remember my first performance was mouse from The Nut Cracker. I still remember the movement that I did (of course not all of them). I remember practicing a lot alone with my teacher but I don’t remember being on the stage. Strange, because I even have some pictures.

Next memory, I used to love to put make up on. Our dressing room was downstairs at the theater, there was mirror and I always thought “Wow I look so different” and “I’m actually pretty with make up.” And when the show is over taking off the make up and I always thought “My regular face is boring.”
– Takami Craddock
My mother always shaved my face in the morning of the show, she said that it helps to put make up on smoothly. We do have a custum to shave our face, even girls. I think.
I had my first solo show with a straw hat. At the time we didn’t have lots of fancy modern dance costumes. My teacher changed from classical ballet to Modern dance when I was in the 3rd or 4th grade. All of a sudden she said it’s okay to dance bare foot. I don’t remember me hesitating to switch from point shoes to bare foot. No questions, not even from my parents. Strange …
Anyway, the title of the song I danced to was “In the Wind.” I had a big straw hat and my mother made my pants. She put big flowers on the side of my pants and I just wore a leotard, but I remember I was dancing in the light and could not see anything but this big shining light! I was so exciting and nervous! I think I did a good job … I hope.
I had short hair when I was growing up, so I always played the boy part in performances. I was a prince or other boy character. And I remember I played Peter in Peter and Wolf. My best friend was a blue bird. She had a cute skirt with leotard and I was wearing boy pants. I used to think that’s not fair!
Finally I had a chance to wear a beautiful white long skirt. I was in the middle school and thought my dream came true to wear long skirts while I danced. And then I got injured that year and wasn’t able to participate in the performance. I was so sad. I was supposed to do a solo dance performance that year and loved the piece. Instead I was sad as I lay in the hospital bed.
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February 2, 2016
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Upcoming Events at MoBu Dance Studio
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Summer Teen Dance Camp 2-week Intensive
Information for Teen Camp is will be announced soon. The dates will be July 27 through August 14th. -
Children’s Summer Dance Camp 2020
Every summer MoBu Dance Studio has Summer Camp for children K thru 6th grade. It’s a great way to keep them active and interacting with other children.
3 Weeks in June 2020! -
DancEsteem Spring Performance 2021
DancEsteem 24th Annual Performance
April 30, May 1 & 2, 2021
at Fort Mason Cowell Theater