Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Asazawa
Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, how did you get started?
Growing up in Cleveland, I began Irish dancing at 4. After years of competing and becoming North American National Champion, I joined the Irish dance show Riverdance and have toured with the company for nine years. I have become the show’s lead dancer and dance captain and have traveled across America, Asia, Europe, the UK, and Australia. While living in Dublin, Ireland, with Riverdance, I got a first-hand experience of the overwhelming amount of live Irish dance entertainment at local pubs and events that allowed dancers to develop as performers and be celebrated for their years of dedication. While on the road, another long-tenured Riverdance cast member named Andrew O’Reilly and I began to discuss the idea of creating an Irish dance entertainment company back home in America. This was the start of JiGGiG, an entertainment agency that supplies custom-designed, energized Irish dance performances to any bar, event, or occasion. As dancers, we are committed to giving young, aspiring American Irish dancers the chance to perform and share their passion with audiences around New York City, Cleveland, and beyond. After much preparation, we launched JiGGIG this St. Patrick’s Day and have received great feedback.
We look forward to continuing to grow the business with our ultimate goal of employing as many hard-working dancers as possible and bringing the energy of Dublin City to communities across the US.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
With this being my first business venture, the journey has been an ongoing learning experience. From the dance perspective, Andrew and I are comfortable creating entertaining Irish dance choreography. However, understanding and overcoming the challenges of running a small business is new, and we have had to learn on the go. After months of reaching out to local bars and Irish bands, we still needed to secure a gig, with only about a month left until St. Patrick’s Day. While a bit discouraged, persistence certainly paid off, and we were able to do numerous separate gigs in Seattle, New York, and Cleveland in the lead-up and celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. While I am completing a business degree at the University of Arizona, there is absolutely no better teacher than experience in developing good business strategies and habits. I am thankful to have my friend on this journey as we learn together.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
One of our most significant advantages as creative minds is our experience and expertise in understanding what top-tier Irish dance entertainment should look and feel like. With years on the road with Riverdance, the most significant Irish dance show in the world, we have been able to choreograph and dance for some of the most important events in the world. Both of us have danced on nationally televised programs such as Got to Dance, America’s Got Talent, and the Today Show. Andrew also recently received his Masters in Theatre Directing and has choreographed for Dancing with the Stars and more. With more than 30 years of combined professional experience, we know exactly what makes an excellent Irish dance performance. We take pride in making sure every night is unforgettable.
Can you talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy?
It makes me happy to see young dancers get the chance to be celebrated for their years of dedication. People don’t need to truly understand the commitment required of dancers as high-level athletes from young ages to adulthood. I have never met more disciplined people than Irish dancers, so seeing them get cheered for sharing their passion makes me most proud. Beyond that, nothing compares to the euphoric feeling of dancing on stage. Any performer understands that performing for a packed crowd is the most incredible feeling in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jiggigdance.com
- Instagram: @jiggig_dance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jiggigdance?mibextid=LQQJ4d
