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Eighteen-year-old Kento Kadekawa wowed audiences with his breakdancing skills at the recent Brook’s Fine Arts Reach for the Top Talent Show. Kento is an international student from Japan who has been practicing his breakdance moves for the past six years. He was introduced to breakdancing by a friend in Japan. Together they would spend many hours practicing at school until they were satisfied with their routines. Having no formal lessons, their teacher was ‘You-Tube videos’. “Whenever I have free time, I like to practice breakdancing because it is so cool. Breakdancing is very different than other types of dances, as you need strength and confidence to be good at it.” 

On average, Kento spends one to two hours daily practicing his flips and other acrobatic moves outside. Whether at a school dance or talent show, Kento likes to perform because it gives him pleasure when people cheer him on. “I like it when everyone is so surprised and excited about my breakdancing moves.” Kento plans to keep breakdancing if his body permits him. Kento would like everyone to know that breakdancing will be introduced as a sport at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris France! 

In addition to breakdancing, Kento is also learning to play the guitar and perform beat box. He enjoys making music by himself as it makes him feel great. 

Kento has been studying at Brooks since February, 2022. Currently in Grade 12, his favorite class is cooking with Mr. Knickerbocker because it is a lot of fun. “Mr Knickerbocker is a good teacher who makes his cooking lessons fun.” Photo 12 with Mr. Bennett is another of Kento’s favorite classes. “Mr. Bennett is another good teacher who helps his students so much.” If Kento could do one thing to improve Brooks, he would like to see more student trips to other countries.  At the end of semester one, Kento will return to Japan where he still needs to complete another full year of schooling before he graduates. Eventually Kento would like to attend university in Japan. 

Kento likes living in Powell River as everything is close by and the people are kind. His favorite spot in town is the Recreation Complex where he enjoys swimming. A perfect day for Kento would include hanging out with all his friends at the beach. His dream vacation would be to see as many countries in Europe as possible. His personal motto is always keep trying to develop and improve your skills in a lot of different areas. 

Kento’s advice to students wanting to learn breakdancing is: “Keep practicing and dancing in front of everyone. Enjoy yourself on the stage and have fun.” 

Kento’s dancing style incorporates co-ordination, acrobatic and intricate body movements which delight all those who watch him perform.