Directors

Gua (Guang)

Guangmin Shen, Director / Performer

Guangmin Shen’s work bridges street dance and contemporary forms. He began dancing in 2009 and started his professional career in 2010 as a choreographer in Chengdu, China. Since relocating to New York City in 2016, he has trained extensively in street and contemporary practices, with a primary focus on House dance, mentored by pioneers Sekou Heru, Tony McGregor, and James “Cricket” Colter. His movement practice fuses House, popping, breaking, contemporary floorwork, martial arts (Taekwondo black belt and Capoeira), and Korean-Chinese traditional dance. From 2017 to 2021, he served as choreographer for The Neighbors Dance Company. He founded Umami Playground Dance Company in 2022 and remains an active freestyle battler, placing second twice in major NYC dance battles.

ゆりえ(Yurie)

Yurie Ono, Artistic Director / Performer

Yurie Ono, from Japan, began studying ballet at age four and later transitioned into street dance while attending Obihiro University. She has since developed versatility across Street Jazz, Hip-Hop, Waacking, House, Locking, and Breaking. She won the GATSBY Dance Competition in Hokkaido and later joined the renowned Chibi Unity dance company. In 2018, she moved to New York City, where she deepened her street dance foundation while exploring contemporary dance. From 2018 to 2021, she served as co-director of A Rhythm Company, leading the team to first place at SAYAW. As a solo artist, she placed in the top five at the Fabulous Waacking Battle in 2023. She is also an active member of Feathers Dance Company, Disagreeable Creatures, and Free Focus Dance, and regularly teaches at PJM Dance NYC, AKF Dance Studio, and Evolute Academia.

Artistic Consultant / Performer

All of our works are created through deep collaboration with our dancers. Artistic consultants are a vital part of our creative process—they help shape movement, structure, and meaning, and ensure that each style’s culture, history, and values are represented with integrity.