Sayo

Sayo began her dance journey at university in Japan, where she joined a university dance crew and started taking lessons in Osaka. Over the past 12 years, she has built a rich foundation in Hip Hop and found her true calling in Locking, a style that continues to fuel her passion and performance.

Sayo has performed extensively in Japan through showcase competitions, battles, and events, and after relocating to Melbourne, she has continued to hone her craft—now focusing primarily on battles across Australia and internationally. Her achievements include judging The Art of War in New Zealand (2025), making Top 8 at Destructive Steps (2023 & 2024), and winning Popping Nation’s Team League in 2023. She’s also co-organized major events like Funk Station and INDIGO BLUE, and performed at festivals including Moomba and Craft Beer Fest.

In Sayo’s Locking class at Passion, students can expect to build their fundamentals while exploring musicality, texture, and variation. Lessons often shift between foundational drills, choreography, and freestyle training—designed to give students the tools to confidently express themselves through movement.

Classes are high-energy and upbeat, set to classic and contemporary funk music—from legends like James Brown and Tower of Power to modern remixes that keep the groove alive. With students ranging from beginners to more experienced dancers, Sayo structures each session to support individual growth at any level.

Her goal is to help students discover the freedom and joy of locking—to move beyond imitation and develop their own unique voice and flair within the style.

Her motto:"Continuity is the key to success."