How did you get your stage name?
“Sake” honors my Japanese origins on my mother’s side. I like to think that “Spotlight” reflects my inner moth personality: I’m attracted to light, I love being in the spotlight!
How did you get into dance?
I was born and raised in Canada, and I started dancing when I was very young. At 14, I entered the Quinte Ballet School of Canada, where I studied modern dance, ballet and jazz. My parents saw me as an adult very early on. As a teenager, I had regular contracts as a dancer, actress and model: I was already involved in the artistic world. My parents taught me to try everything, and never back down from an opportunity even if it’s scary. Thanks to them, I was determined to discover the world and developed a natural sense of daring. I think that life is short. Every opportunity should be seized with open arms. I really believe that when you get out of your comfort zone you start to live life to the fullest.
After high school, I followed my passion for dance and moved to Manhattan to attend the Alvin Ailey School. After graduating, I started work in the New York night-life scene. That’s when a friend told me that I was born to dance at Crazy Horse Paris. I did a bit of research, and when I heard the show’s music, I was hooked.
We would love to be a fly on the wall at a Crazy Horse Paris audition; can you tell us about yours?
It’s actually a pretty “crazy” story! At the time, I was working a lot: I was a dancer by night and dog walker by day. Sleep deprivation caught up with me on the train to the audition: I woke up in Brooklyn, far from my destination! I almost gave up, but then I remembered my friend’s words: “Go for it, you’re going to love it.” So I went for it! I was the last to arrive at the audition. Although I have no problem with nudity, this time I was really happy to undress. I was so hot from racing to the audition! At the end of my performance, Andrée Deissenberg, the artistic director of Crazy Horse Paris, asked me if I wanted to come to Paris. Without a second thought, I said “yes!”. A few weeks later, I was on the plane!
How do you feel when you dance on stage?
When I’m on stage, I feel charming, powerful and free but always in control. I feel wonderful, surrounded by incredible women who share my passion. I like to create a joyful atmosphere. I work hard to make every show a celebration. I often think about the people who are watching the show for the first time, or the artists in the audience, and when I go on stage, I say to myself: “I want that person to leave full of energy, feeling inspired”.
What do you think is “Crazy” and what isn’t?
“Crazy” is a wonderful word! For me, what’s “crazy” is being 100% yourself, including all your imperfections, and being proud of who you are. Too often, people hide behind their ego. When they move beyond this and become true to themselves, they become “crazy” interesting! What’s not “crazy” is being rigid and closed-minded, or hiding behind appearances. At Crazy Horse Paris, everyone is a bit crazy. That’s what makes this place so special!
Do you have a trick to deal with stage fright before you go on stage?
Before I go on stage, I like to listen to jazz, especially music with brass instruments. Jazz is sexy and powerful. It’s a source of inspiration that helps me embrace my role before each performance.
What is your favorite act of the show?
At the moment, I’m passionate about Striptease Moi. It was the first number I saw when I arrived at Crazy Horse Paris. I love its glamorous atmosphere with its famous lip-shaped sofa. I knew right away that I wanted to dance it one day.
Photos: Paul-Henri Pesquet
