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Entertainment & Event Experts

Kix Creative: Japan Dance Tours

International Dance Tours to Japan for Australian Dance Studios:

Kix Creative offers specialist dance tours to Japan. In conjunction with leading travel experts, we deliver a fully managed international touring experience designed specifically for studio owners who want high-quality outcomes without the stress of planning, logistics, or international. Each tour balances professional dance development with enriching cultural experiences, creating growth, inspiration, and unforgettable memories.

We don’t just organise travel — we produce the entire international dance tour experience, including:

  • Professional expert-led dance workshops in Japan

  • Exciting performance opportunities

  • Show production and choreography coordination pre-departure

  • Costume and compliance management

  • Cultural immersion experiences

  • Iconic sightseeing and leisure activities

  • Full travel logistics and tour leadership

Each tour is designed to create exceptional dancer development, cultural understanding, and unforgettable memories while removing the administrative burden from studio owners.

Why Japan is the Ultimate Destination for Dance Studio Tours:

Japan is one of the most untapped destinations for international dance tours, yet it is also one of the most difficult for studios to access independently.

Why Japan is underutilised for dance tours:

  • Many performance opportunities operate through application/invitation-only or lottery-based systems

  • Many performance opportunities require existing relationships or local introductions

  • Language barriers and cultural expectations create challenges, as communication, etiquette, and business processes differ significantly

  • Strict rules around music, costuming, and performance structure at venues and culturally

  • Logistics are complex without local knowledge.

Despite this, Japan is one of the most rewarding destinations for dancers because it offers:

  • A World-class performing arts culture combining traditional Japanese performance with modern and commercial styles

  • A safe, clean, and efficient travel environment, with reliable transport and smooth day-to-day organisation

  • A completely different cultural and artistic perspective to Australia, offering new inspiration and creative growth

  • Strong value for money compared to other international destinations.

Kix Creative bridges this gap through established relationships, production expertise, and on-the-ground coordination in Japan.

Tour Highlights

Professional Dance Training
Workshops at premier dance studios with leading instructors across a range of styles, allowing dancers to challenge themselves while experiencing Japan’s vibrant dance culture.

International Performance Opportunities
Major performance experiences, including appearances at venues such as Fuji-Q Highland and additional performance locations.

Immersive Cultural Performing Arts
Opportunities to experience traditional and contemporary Japanese performance firsthand through professional productions.

Cultural & Leisure Experiences

In addition to dance training and performance, travellers enjoy some of Japan’s most exciting attractions, including Tokyo DisneySea, Universal Studios (Osaka trip), with free time to explore destinations such as teamLab Planets, famous temples, shopping districts, and so much more.

 

Why Travel With Kix Creative?

Travelling internationally to perform requires careful planning due to cultural expectations, venue requirements, and language differences. This tour removes those complexities through established professional relationships, expert coordination, and extensive local knowledge.

Tour leadership is provided by experienced event specialist Kym Degenhart, who has been a passionate dance studio owner for over 10 years, dance teacher for almost 30 years, and specialises in event management. Kym recently ran this exact tour with 34 of her own dancers (64 travellers in total), giving her first-hand insight into what works best on the ground — and what needs careful planning to ensure a smooth experience.

She has also lived and danced professionally in Japan on multiple occasions and holds a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Japanese, allowing her to bring both cultural understanding and practical experience together in every tour.

The result is a seamless, enriching international dance experience supported by expert guidance at every stage — built from real experience, not theory.

Kym genuinely loves Japan, and that passion is reflected in every part of the journey.

What Makes Kix Creative Tours Special?

  • A 20-minute performance show (including music licensing) choreographed specifically for each group and compliant with Japanese venue guidelines, with flexible learning options. Dancers can learn via video under their studio’s guidance or have a Kix Creative choreographer visit to block the entire show in a weekend intensive (additional costs apply). Studios wishing to use their own routines may have items checked for approval.

  • Ability to combine with other studios if a studio group is not large enough, while still enjoying a full, high-quality experience. Dancers will rehearse on the first day in Tokyo to combine the show sections.

  • Quality Custom Costumes & Uniform fully organised (cost covered in tour fee) and compliant with strict venue requirements.

  • Studio owner or teacher chaperone travels free (minimum numbers apply)

  • All itinerary planning and bookings handled by professionals

  • Event Expert, Kym Degenhart provides overall tour direction and oversees show, technical, and performance delivery. Where possible, she travels with the group, supported by a professional Japanese tour guide who manages daily on-the-ground coordination.

  • A structured, professionally managed, stress-free experience for Studio owners and their dancers and families.

Additional Inclusions & Support

  • Pre-departure Zoom or in-person session (pending location) covering cultural etiquette, language basics, and safety procedures

  • Printable travel journal for dancers and comprehensive information booklet for all travellers

  • All main group gifts organised and managed for you (a valued cultural custom in Japan)

  • Ongoing email support for travel questions and free-time activity advice

  • Postage of items (including fitting leotards & costumes) to & from the studio

  • Dedicated communication groups before and during the tour (via BAND app & WhatsApp)

  • Organisational email templates to support studios and families in preparing for travel

 Flexible Japan Dance Tour Packages

Kix Creative Japan Tours may be offered in different formats depending, allowing studios and dancers to choose the experience that best suits their goals, timeframe, and budget.

Short Tour — Tokyo & Mount Fuji. Approx 8-9 days

A focused dance and cultural experience based primarily in Tokyo with performances, workshops, and sightseeing, plus time visiting Fuji Q Theme park at the base of iconic Mount Fuji region. This option delivers a rich and exciting introduction to performing, arts and culture in Japan within a shorter travel timeframe.

  • Dance workshops in one of Tokyo’s leading dance studios.

  • A visit to DisneySea

  • Tickets to view live performances & optional cultural activities such as Kimono rental and cultural workshop

  • Fuji Q Theme park admission and performance

  • At least 2 additional performances around Tokyo

  • Curated sightseeing excursions such as teamLab Planets or Chureito Pagoda at Mt Fuji.

Extended Tour — Tokyo, Mount Fuji & Osaka. Approx 10-12 days

An expanded experience that includes all Tokyo and Mount Fuji activities, plus travel to Osaka for additional cultural and entertainment experiences. Extended tours include:

  • A visit to Universal Studios Japan

  • Tickets to view a live performance by the world-famous, Takarazuka Revue (lottery application)

  • Additional dance workshop opportunities with local studios

  • Extra sightseeing and cultural immersion experiences

Participation & Age Guidelines

Dancers

  • Recommended for dancers turning 12–25 years.

  • Dancers should be taking at least three different style classes per week or be involved in performance/competition teams. Show styles currently included: Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Acro & Cabaret (this can be tailored to suit each travelling group). Tap can be added for an additional cost (due to tap board hire requirement).

  • Dance teachers are welcome to participate in all workshops and activities but are not required to perform.

Age Requirements for Supervision

  • Dancers under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult family member.

  • Dancers aged 16–17 years may be accompanied by a nominated adult chaperone - Studio owners must approve. Kix Creations are not responsible for any chaperoning while on tour.

Accommodation & Travel

  • The tour is based on twin-share accommodation. A ratio of one dancer and one parent travelling together is recommended. Triple- and quad-share rooms can be more difficult to obtain, and these, along with single rooms, incur different costs.

  • Studio Owners are recommended to use an ‘Expression of Interest’ or application process to help ensure compatible group dynamics among travelling dancers and families.

  • While the itinerary includes rest days, schedules are still full and can be overwhelming for very young children. Therefore, travelling siblings are generally recommended to be 6 years and older (at the Studio Owner’s discretion).

Additional Considerations

  • All tattoos on performers must not be visible during performances. Costuming accommodates this with long sleeves, high necklines, and tan stockings or socks. Any tattoos visible outside of costume must be fully covered with makeup or bandage patches.

  • Non-dancer attendees may have visible tattoos. Some venues in Japan may have restrictions; however, all activities included in the tour are accessible.

  • Some performance venues may request completion of a gang affiliation declaration, in accordance with local policies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Japan offers a rare combination of cultural depth, safety, affordability, and world-class performing arts experiences. It is also significantly less saturated than destinations like the USA or Europe for dance touring.

  • We are the only provider offering a fully produced Japan-specific dance touring experience that includes show creation, venue coordination, cultural integration, and performance delivery tailored specifically for Japanese requirements.

    • Many performance opportunities operate through application/invitation-only or lottery-based systems

    • Many performance opportunities require existing relationships or local introductions

    • Language barriers and cultural expectations create challenges, as communication, etiquette, and business processes differ significantly

    • Strict rules around music, costuming, and performance structure at venues and culturally

    • Logistics are complex without local knowledge.

  • No. We can manage all logistics, performance production, costuming, travel coordination, and scheduling.

  • Yes. Smaller studios can combine with others to form full touring groups, ensuring a high-quality performance and travel experience regardless of studio size.

  • Each studio group performs a professionally structured 20-minute show designed specifically for Japanese venues and audience expectations.

  • Yes. Studios can take full creative control while receiving guidance and final approval from Kix Creative.
    A final performance video is reviewed to ensure it meets venue requirements in Japan.
    Costume photos will need to be supplied well in advance to show venues & seek approval. Our costumes are already approved meaning we can speed up this process.

      • April School Holidays – A popular time in Japan, with higher hotel and travel costs.

      • June/July Holidays – Summer in Japan is extremely hot and coincides with the rainy season, making travel less ideal.

      • September/October School Holidays – Our recommended travel period, with pleasant weather and more affordable rates than April.

      • December School Holidays – Japan is cold during this period; travellers should be prepared for winter conditions.

  • The tour is recommended for dancers turning 12–25 years old who are actively training in multiple dance styles or participating in performance or competition teams. Dancers should ideally be taking at least three classes per week across different styles.

  • Tour group sizes vary depending on the studio, destination, and year of travel, as each tour is designed to ensure a high-quality, well-supported experience for all participants.

    We generally recommend a total tour group size of around 40 participants. This typically allows for approximately 15–20 dancers, with the remaining travellers made up of family members and supporters. This balance helps create a strong performance group while keeping the travel experience smooth and well-coordinated.

    The recommended minimum total group size is around 30 participants to ensure the tour runs efficiently and maintains the full structure of workshops, performances, and group logistics. There is no strict minimum number of dancers required; however, groups with fewer than 15 dancers may have less overall performance impact and group dynamic.

    Once a group exceeds 45 participants, the tour becomes more complex to organise. For example, additional transport (such as multiple buses) may be required, and scheduling and logistics naturally become slower and require more patience. While this is absolutely manageable, it does change the pace and coordination of the experience.

    Exact group sizing is confirmed during the expression of interest process, depending on the studio and tour year.

  • Current performance styles include Hip Hop, Contemporary, Jazz, Acro, and Cabaret. These can be tailored depending on the travelling studio group. Tap may also be included at an additional cost due to tap flooring or board hire requirements.

    Popular Workshop styles include Contemporary, Jazz, Hip Hop & JPop.

  • Yes. Dance teachers are welcome to participate in all workshops and cultural activities. However, they are not required to perform in the touring show unless they choose to be involved.

  • Dancers under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult family member. Dancers aged 16–17 years may travel with a nominated adult chaperone, subject to approval by the studio owner. Kix Creative does not provide individual chaperoning responsibilities during the tour.

  • Accommodation is based on twin-share rooms. It is recommended that one dancer travels with one parent or guardian. Triple and quad-share rooms may be available but are more limited, and single rooms incur different pricing.

  • While the itinerary includes rest days, the tour is a full and active experience. It is generally best suited to school-aged children, with siblings recommended to be 6 years and older (at the studio owner’s discretion).

  • For performers - All visible tattoos must be covered during performances. Costuming is designed to accommodate this, including long sleeves, high necklines, and appropriate coverage such as tan stockings or socks. Any tattoos outside of costume areas must be fully covered with makeup or approved patches.

    Non-dancer attendees may have visible tattoos. While some public venues in Japan (such as onsens) may have their own policies, all activities included in the tour are accessible for participants.

  • Both Tokyo DisneySea and Universal Studios Japan have formal application processes for performance opportunities, which are followed by a lottery-style selection system. As a result, securing a performance at these venues is very difficult and cannot be guaranteed.

    If a studio would like to apply, Kix Creative is happy to submit the required applications on their behalf. However, outcomes are not confirmed until approximately three months prior to travel, when lottery results are released. This timing can also impact final itinerary confirmation.

    Through experience, we’ve found that dancers often have a more enjoyable and stress-free experience visiting these theme parks as guests rather than performing. This allows them to better manage the crowds using fast pass systems and fully enjoy the rides, attractions, and atmosphere without the pressure of performance schedules or logistics in such high-traffic environments.

    For this reason, DisneySea and Universal Studios are typically included as recreational highlights within the tour rather than performance venues.

Contact Us

To express interest, request further information, or begin the booking process, please get in touch. Our team is happy to assist with enquiries and provide guidance on preparing for this incredible international dance experience.

Tours are limited each year, so we encourage you to reserve your dates early.

Kix Creative

Bom Funk Dance Studio, Queanbeyan NSW

productions@kixarts.com.au