Mari Koda is best known as Jenny Kido from the Step Up films—but her journey runs much deeper.
Born in Japan and orphaned at 11, Mari came to New York at 17 with nothing but a backpack and a dream. What she built is extraordinary: a career as a dancer, actress, and now global educator who's inspiring the next generation across 20+ countries.
Her story is one of resilience, courage, and creativity—a reminder that breakthroughs happen when you refuse to give up, even when the odds are stacked against you.
In this episode of The Breakthrough Collective, Mari opens up about:
✨ How Madonna's "Express Yourself" sparked her love of dance as a child in Japan
✨ Surviving alone and finding family in Tokyo nightclubs at age 12
✨ Moving to NYC without speaking English and navigating a new world solo
✨ Creating the iconic Jenny Kido character and what it meant to represent Asian performers in the Step Up franchise
✨ Why she now dedicates her life to teaching orphaned and at-risk youth worldwide
✨ The powerful lesson Jamie Foxx taught her about making people feel seen
Whether you're an artist, dreamer, or someone searching for your next breakthrough, Mari's journey will remind you that your past doesn't define your future—and that you don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep moving forward.
Connect & Subscribe
🔗 Connect with Mari Koda:
Instagram & TikTok: @Mari_Koda
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kodance1
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