KINAJ, founded in 2020 by choreographers and dancers Kin Nguien and AJ Velasco, is a cross-genre dance company redefining storytelling through movement. Their innovative works seamlessly blend street dance styles such as hip-hop, popping, and house with the elegance and fluidity of contemporary dance. By incorporating elements of improvisation, freestyle, and partnering techniques, KINAJ creates dynamic performances that push artistic boundaries.

Collaboration is the heart of KINAJ’s creative process. They draw from a variety of art disciplines—including film, poetry, writing, and visual arts—and work closely with dancers, choreographers, and other creatives to infuse their pieces with fresh perspectives and multidimensional depth. This approach results in constantly evolving works that engage audiences on both intellectual and emotional levels.

Storytelling is central to KINAJ’s artistry. Their choreography tackles significant societal issues, including mental health, gender inequality, and climate change, using intentional movements to provoke thought and inspire change. During the pandemic, they adapted their storytelling to the digital medium, producing emotionally resonant dance films. With live performances resuming, they remain committed to crafting experiences that captivate and connect.

KINAJ has received international acclaim for their work, including ALIENS, a sci-fi-inspired mainstage piece commissioned by Toronto Dance Theatre that garnered critical praise and sold-out audiences for its cross-genre choreography and bold aesthetics. The company is now entering an exciting new phase with SYNC&FLOW, a community engagement project designed to provide non-professional and pre-professional dancers with resources and opportunities to explore the arts at a professional level, fostering growth and connection within their communities through competitive excellence.

Looking ahead, KINAJ aspires to be a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the next generation of artists. Through platforms for skill-sharing, public engagement, and multidisciplinary collaboration, they aim to contribute meaningfully to their community while continuing to innovate in the world of dance.