‘Queen of Swag’ Riehata to hold auditions, workshops in PH for dance showcase

It’s time for Filipino dancers to take center stage as renowned choreographer Riehata, known as the “Queen of Swag,” brings her highly anticipated auditions and workshops to the Philippines.

According to Athena Imperial’s report on “24 Oras” on Friday, the Filipina-Japanese dance icon is in the country to discover and train local talent through auditions and dance workshops leading up to a two-day dynamic performance slated for June.

Auditions kick off on Saturday in Davao City, followed by sessions in Manila on Sunday.

“I’m sure there are so many talented dancers or kids everywhere in the Philippines, but maybe they still don’t believe in their dreams. I want to give them dreams,” Riehata said.

Successful applicants will join Japanese dancers in the upcoming Stella Dance Jam 2026, part of the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Japan-Philippines friendship.

Riehata, whose mother is Filipino and father is Japanese, highlighted the unique blend of both cultures. 

“We’re very unique because we think everyone is family like Ate, Kuya, Tito. That's our culture, right?" she said. 

As to what Filipinos can learn from Japanese traditions and culture, she shared, "We’re very strict and we’re hardworking people, and we’re organized." 

Special performances are also lined up for Stella Dance Jam 2026, with SB19 set to appear on the first day and P-pop group XONARA taking the stage on the second day.

Riehata also praised Filipino talent on the global stage, noting that many top dancers in major cities like Los Angeles and New York are of Filipino descent.

“Everyone knows that Filipinos are the best. I wanna say yeah like one of the best talents. Talented dancers 'cause even in LA or New York, there are so many top dancers, but their nationality is Filipino,” she said.

Riehata is behind some of the biggest choreography in the global music scene, having worked with K-pop superstars BTS, Twice, and G-Dragon, as well as P-pop group SB19.

—Jade Veronique Yap/CDC, GMA News