ABOUT KINO...
Yukino McHugh, also known as Kino, is an award-winning choreographer and movement artist with an impressive career that spans across the globe. Born and raised in Japan, Kino moved to Australia at a young age and has since worked internationally in the U.K., Europe, Japan, and Australia.
One of Kino's career highlights was winning first place at the internationally recognised dance battle, Juste Debout, at the Battle Opera in London. This victory led to her representing the U.K. in the World Finals at Palais Garnier in Paris, showcasing her exceptional talent on a global stage.
​Kino has worked on various productions in the West End, including lead roles in "Some Like It Hip Hop" and "Message In A Bottle" by Zoo Nation, Universal Music, and Sadler's Wells. She also worked as an assistant choreographer for Kate Prince on the film "Everybody's Talking About Jamie" in the U.K. and performed in the Grand Finale of X-Factor U.K. for artist Ellie Goulding at the O2 Arena.
Kino has also had the privilege of working with numerous artists, including Paula Abdul, Robbie Williams, Sting, Aston Merrygold, Jason Derulo, Ellie Goulding, Robyn, Ru Paul, 360, and Horrorshow.
In Australia, Kino was a Top 20 finalist on the popular TV show "So You Think You Can Dance" and finished as one of the top 14 contestants. Her passion for working overseas led her to work in Belgium with Frank Dragone on his production of "Casse Noisette," choreographed by Giuliano Peparini.
Kino's diverse range of experience also includes working with a First Nations company, Karul Projects, on the Commonwealth Games and "[MIS] Conceive" in Canada. Her list of previous clients for choreography and performance include Sony Music, Adidas, Red Bull,Uniqlo, K-Mart, Kanebo, ZOZO Town, X-Factor (U.K. & Aus).
Kino's innovative choreography has been recognised with several awards and nominations, including the San Francisco Dance Film Festival (USA), Homescreen Movement Festival (USA), Anim!Arte Festival (Trinidad & Tobago), and BIFA, Bolton International Film Festival (U.K.). With such an impressive body of work, it is no wonder that Kino is considered one of the most sought-after choreographers in the industry today.
Kino's style evolved over time and became well identified by the unique fusion of Contemporary, Hip Hop and her traditional Japanese dance "Nihon buyo."
Kino has created her own movement genre and she is ambitious to keep sharing her visions through performances and collaborations.
Both of her Big projects - " Carry" By sietta and her latest work - "Ocean" by Wallis Bird which she choreographed and featured as the main character for have won and received nominations for numerous awards in film festivals globally.
She was invited to attend the showings at the Chinese Theatre in - Hollywood U.S.A and London, U.K. for ”Best Film" and "Best Music Video"
