Occupation:
Performer
Time in Japan:
1 and a half years
I find that many people have a preconceived image of J-Mens. They expect a trashy strip
show with gyrating bodies. However, after viewing a performance you soon realize that it
is more like a concert. Superb choreography, dancing and singing showcase some truly
incredible talent.
Because it demands excellence, working at J-Mens makes life pretty hectic. My typical
day begins by going to the gym, followed by rehearsals at the club.
At about six thirty I begin to prepare for the evening performances which take place at
seven, eight thirty and ten. Although this may not seem like a great number of tasks, each
part of my day is both time-consuming and physically demanding, making it very exhausting.
The performers work so much that once in a while we are unable to perform our best. That
can be very frustrating.
Otherwise, my experience at J-Mens has been excellent. In the past I
?ve had the
opportunity to work with people like Michael Jackson and RuPaul, and in movies like
Birdcage. However, leaving opportunities like these behind in Los Angeles and coming to
Tokyo has allowed me to accomplish two things. First, it has separated me from the
everyday routine I had become accustomed to at home and thus helped me put many aspects of
my life in perspective. Second, working at J-Mens has really put me ahead financially.
Although I am very close to my family, and separation has been difficult, it has been a
worthwhile sacrifice. It will bring several years of financial stability when I will be
able to pursue other goals.
What do I look forward to in the future? Most importantly my goal is happiness. But
more specifically, I want to enter the music business. Although I
?ve had a wonderful
dancing career the past seven years, I now am ready to sing. I have already done some work
on a song called ?Insanity?. I am returning to Los Angeles next month to begin, what I hope to
be, a second career in singing and songwriting.
Overall, I feel very fortunate. Not only have I been lucky enough to inherit talent,
but I was also raised in an environment that has allowed me to realize it by understanding
who I am. Sureness of who I am (and maybe a little bit of luck too) has given me the
opportunity to actually use my talent to my advantage. So many people are well endowed
with talent but unable to find the opportunity to use it. Possibly the difference for me
has been my philosophy, modeled after some of the best advice I
?ve ever received: Find
out who you are, be that person. Simple, but truly important words of wisdom.
Occupation:
LIFE IN JAPAN: