Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2010

Courtesy of Fab Academy

Healthy and happy are fine, but maybe you’d like to be a little more fabulous? That’s where long-time Tokyo residents Kike Yamakawa and Brad Hays, the duo behind Roppongi’s Fab Academy, come in. Just opened in November, this boutique dance studio offers bilingual lessons from a bevy of charismatic international instructors. Fancy honing your catwalk strut, picking up some reggaeton moves, or learning to hoop with the best of them? If the answer’s yes, then this is the place for you. Not just any place, mind you: Hays promises “one that is gorgeous and fabulous but at the same time comfortable, positive and inviting, so people can feel at home, meet new people and be inspired.”

A model turned interior designer, the US-born Hays created the concept and stylish decor. Meanwhile, the half-Peruvian, half-Okinawan Yamakawa, who has worked as an Avex Trax dancer, choreographer for Miss Universe Japan, and talent developer in Las Vegas, leads classes in modeling and street jazz. In addition to the regular schedule, which includes a number of teen-oriented lessons, Fab Academy plans to offer workshops with visiting industry professionals.

“Being fabulous, we feel, is [about] confidence, positive thinking, self-expression and an open mind,” Hays explains. “Of course, one can be fabulous by dressing and looking amazing, but more importantly one has to have the confidence and inner beauty along with it. It’s a total package.”

B1, 3-1-2 Azabudai, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-6459-1739. Nearest stn: Roppongi. www.fabacademytokyo.jp