(They/them) is a bicultural multi-disciplinary artist who grew up and has been performing in Japan and the US.

They believe that it is our bodies that humanity should be able to seek shelter in, therefore, they pursue their creative practices for illustrating humanness through their physical canvas. At the core of their heart, Manatsu is committed to using their creativity and artistry to join the frontline of trans and gender non-conforming artists in the dance and theater world. Art is for the people, not for the “audiences”.

I commit to accountability, I commit to responsibility that comes with art,

especially under the name of “contemporary” as I am a contemporary dancer,

I shall shoulder the weight of it. 

My passion for art, my love for humanity, my empathy for this world, and my creativity used to be a red jay,

now a phoenix and I dedicate my ways as a practitioner of the arts to pay respect to the power of art.

I dream of my phoenix spreading flame drops to people’s hearts as they fly the broad sky, above seas, above lands,

 igniting candle lights each individual carry. 

@manatsu.tanaka