JustIndieCisive Interview: Dream Con 2025

JustIndieCisive, Dancer & Creator

Justin talks about the intersection of movement, video games, and anime. From Sonic Adventure 2 to community dance circles, He shares how childhood passions continue to shape his work—and why honoring your younger self might be the key.

Photographs & Interview by Asa Featherstone, IV

How did you first get into dance?

My younger sister started first. We went to her recital, and I saw a tap and jazz routine and wanted to try it. That was 17 years ago—and here we are.

How did you start blending anime and gaming into your dance?

I’ve been into games and animation longer than I’ve been dancing. From the time I was born, there’s been a console in the house. My dad had the original PlayStation, but Sonic Adventure 2 was the first game that really hit me. I feel like the music and the characters gave me a creative awakening.

Sonic Adventure 2 is a classic! Are there any other game soundtracks you love dancing to?

Of Course! Kingdom Hearts, Super Mario Galaxy, Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom—those soundtracks are incredible. I love Jet Set Radio, Persona, and a lot of fighting games have great tracks for street dance.

How many years have you been coming to Dream Con?

This is my fourth year.

What keeps you coming back?

I feel like I’m building a community—bringing people from home, as well as meeting new folks. Dream Con is also a rare space where so many of us love anime and games deeply, but don’t always find others like us where we live. Outside of the community, the Artist Alley, industry panels, and just learning new skills all feed into my creative toolbox.

You’re leading a dance workshop this year—what can people expect?

I’m packing in music from Persona, Sonic, maybe some techno. I’ve only got an hour, so I want to make the most of it and make sure everyone has fun.

I feel like Dream Con is known to bring a strong dance community. Did you expect to see so many dancers the first time you went?

Not at all! My first time, I stumbled on a group dancing near Artist Alley—people had a boombox and everything. There were dance circles all over. It was beautiful.

What would a dream project look like for you?

I’d love to combine all my talents—dance, visual art, character design—maybe in a game or animated series where I help design and choreograph. I want to create a dance company that performs work based on anime and games. I’d also love to collaborate with musicians who remix game soundtracks, like the 8-Bit Big Band. But really, the dream is to keep making the art I love and be able to support myself doing it.

That’s real. It’s just a continuation of what you’re already doing. What advice would you give to someone just starting their creative journey?

Think back to what excited you in middle or high school. That’s where it all starts. When you tap into what your younger self loved—drawing, dancing, games—it becomes easier to chase those dreams. I almost let “growing up” take that from me, but I realized I can evolve without letting go of those core parts of me.

That’s a perfect note to end on. Thanks for that.

Appreciate it.