Creative Generations nurtures young dancers by fostering their curiosity, creativity, and resilience in a safe and supportive environment. We guide them through challenges like physical strain and balancing school with dance, ensuring they feel empowered every step of the way. With mentorship, resources like videos, and career planning, we’re not just developing their dance skills—we’re helping them grow personally, positioning Creative Generations as a truly unique program in the dance world.

Q&A with Derek Sakakura

Interviewer: Can you take us back to the moment when the idea for Creative Generations first came to you? What inspired you to create a program that empowers young dancers in such a profound way?

Derek Sakakura: Growing up in the ballet world and training across some of the most prestigious schools in the country, I often felt that what was expected of us far exceeded the time and support we were given. There was a constant demand for perfection, but not always the environment that nurtured our growth toward it. In my later professional years, I realized that as a teacher, I could create a different kind of space—one that was safe and encouraging. This shift made a world of difference for my students. I've seen them thrive, whether they went on to become professionals themselves or finished dancing after high school. Many have expressed their gratitude for the mentorship that extended beyond dance, helping them grow as individuals. My goal with Creative Generations is to ensure that every young dancer feels empowered, resilient, and supported by the system around them. I want them to have the resources and encouragement that I often found lacking in my own journey.

The experiences I had growing up in the ballet world—feeling the pressure without adequate support—were pivotal in shaping my vision for Creative Generations. It was those challenges that made me realize the importance of providing not just technical training, but also emotional and psychological support to young dancers.

cont.