Mark Kenneth Ioane Kanemura (mKiK) was born September 17, 1983 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

 

Self-described “weird, little kid” Mark became entranced with the world of music and dance at a very young age. After viewing “The Phantom of the Opera” during a family trip to the Blaisdell Theater in Honolulu, young Mark knew that he wanted to be involved in the magical world of the theater. His parents, wanting to encourage his interest, enrolled him in programs at the Mid-Pacific School of the Arts and the Diamond Head Theater, which taught him the basics of dance and soon led to Mark winning roles in shows such as “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and “Tommy”. Probably the most-influential role at this moment in Mark’s blossoming career was his role in “Grease”, a production by the Army Community Theater, choreographed by Marcelo Pacleb, the head of the highly-acclaimed 24-VII Danceforce Productions.

 

At this point in his life, 14-year-old Mark wanted to continue his training, but at the same time, his family was embroiled in a divorce. With his mother trying to raise a family of four children, the money just wasn’t there to allow Mark to carry on with the expensive lessons. Pacleb, seeing Mark’s potential, took him under his wing and offered him a position teaching classes in exchange for lessons. This was not a handout, but the opportunity of a lifetime.

 

Marcelo encouraged Mark (as he does all his students) to stay in school. They often do homework on the sidelines of a show, if necessary. Marcelo offers scholarships, or work-study programs, to those who want to be a part of the program, but don’t have the necessary financial means. He also instills the life lessons of humility, respect and professionalism at all times. Mark considers Marcelo an “amazing mentor” who encouraged him “not only in dance, but in life”.

 

Mark transferred to Castle High School and, still with 24-VII Danceforce, was soon learning ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip hop and street dance styles. During this time he discovered a deep love for teaching and choreography, something which he says he would love to continue in the future. He furthered his training in California (at the LA Danceforce Convention) and in New York (at the Broadway Dance Center), learning with acclaimed teachers and troupes. During his time with 24-VII Danceforce, Mark won several awards and scholarships. He made his first national television appearance on the show “Destination Stardom” with a group of dancers from 24-VII. They won the competition in the Variety category. With 24-VII, Mark has also appeared in “Songs of Aloha”, which was broadcast on PBS nationally. He also appeared on numerous Miss Hawaii pageants, which he helped choreograph with Marcelo Pacleb.

 

Among some of Mark’s other accomplishments are frequent appearances with the Tau Dance Theater and the Hawaii Ballet Theater in their annual production of the holiday favorite, “The Nutcracker”. He was also the dance captain for Tokyo Disney Sea’s Mystic Rhythms, and a dancer and choreographer for Norwegian Cruise Lines. He appeared in and choreographed a music video for fellow Hawaiian native, and American Idol finalist, Jasmine Trias.

 

In the spring of 2008, Mark auditioned for Fox Television’s popular reality dance show, “So You Think You Can Dance”. He won a spot in the semi-finals in Las Vegas, and after a highly-entertaining and original solo to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”, he earned a place among the top twenty dancers, and a spot on the show. His pairing with Utah dancer, Chelsie Hightower was one of the most well-received partnerships on the show. The judges often offered high praise for their performances, most notably being told they were “the couple to beat” by guest judge Adam Shankman. Mark made it to the top six dancers before he was eliminated, making him the third favorite male dancer according to audience votes.

 

After being voted off, Mark was content with his placement, saying that he was “really, really happy” and that he felt “everything lined up for me to leave on an awesome, awesome note.” Mark’s performances were some of the most memorable on the show, with two (Bleeding Love with Chelsie and The Garden with Courtney Galiano) being selected for the finale, as well as his performance with the top 5 male dancers to “5 Guys Named Moe”. One of the things Mark was most thankful for during the show was that the audience and judges “were able to hear me and be able to understand me and what I was trying to do.”

 

Currently, Mark is preparing for the national tour of “So You Think You Can Dance” which commences in September, 2008. His plans for the future are “open to so many different things right now,” Mark says, mentioning movies, acting and Cirque du Soleil as projects that would interest him. With his immense talent, unique style and interesting and original choreography, the sky is truly the limit for Mark Kanemura.

BIO