Riehata, the 'Queen of Swag', Leads Dance Exchange Initiative Between Japan and Philippines

Riehata, a renowned choreographer known as the 'Queen of Swag', has been making headlines with her high-energy performances and her involvement in a new initiative to strengthen cultural exchange between Japan and the Philippines. Born to a Japanese father from Niigata and a Filipina mother, Riehata has built an international career working across Tokyo, Los Angeles, and beyond.

The initiative, Stella Dance Jam, was launched by the Japan Foundation Manila, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Japanese culture around the world. The program aims to cultivate dance exchanges between Japan and the Philippines, and Riehata was chosen to lead the project due to her expertise and experience in the field.

Riehata's journey to becoming a renowned choreographer was not without its challenges. At 15, she moved alone to Los Angeles to pursue her dance career, and years later, she faced a career-threatening knee injury just as she entered motherhood. Her return to the highest level of performance is a testament to her hard work and dedication.

Riehata's connection to her Japanese and Filipino heritage is a key aspect of her work. She believes that the cultural exchange between Japan and the Philippines is essential in promoting understanding and unity between the two nations. "I appreciate both cultures," she said in an interview. "Filipinos and Japanese have similarities and differences. But when we dance together, those differences disappear."

The launch of Stella Dance Jam marks a significant step in promoting cultural exchange between Japan and the Philippines. The program has the potential to bring together talented dancers and choreographers from both countries and create new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Riehata's involvement in the project is a testament to her commitment to promoting cultural exchange and her passion for dance. Her high-energy performances and infectious enthusiasm have inspired countless dancers and choreographers around the world, and her new initiative is sure to make a lasting impact on the dance community.

"My mother always believed in me," Riehata said. "She always supported me and kept telling me, 'Rie, you should dance, you should sing.'"

Riehata's connection to her Japanese and Filipino heritage is a key aspect of her work. She believes that the cultural exchange between Japan and the Philippines is essential in promoting understanding and unity between the two nations.

The launch of Stella Dance Jam marks a significant step in promoting cultural exchange between Japan and the Philippines. The program has the potential to bring together talented dancers and choreographers from both countries and create new opportunities for collaboration and growth.

As the Philippines continues to grow as a global dance hub, initiatives like Stella Dance Jam are crucial in promoting cultural exchange and unity between countries. Riehata's involvement in the project is a testament to her commitment to promoting cultural exchange and her passion for dance. Her high-energy performances and infectious enthusiasm have inspired countless dancers and choreographers around the world, and her new initiative is sure to make a lasting impact on the dance community.