Before Becoming “Usagi of Borderland”, Tao Tsuchiya Was a Dancer for… Sia!
Before making global audiences hold their breath with her survival climbing scenes in Alice in Borderland, Tao Tsuchiya appeared with an entirely different look as the mysterious dancer in Sia’s 2015 music video “Alive.”
No longer the vigilant-eyed Usagi with extraordinary agility, Tao at that time showcased an emotional dance performance combining modern ballet and freestyle hip-hop in a minimalist space where light, movement, and the body told the entire story.
Few people know that beyond acting and sports, Tao Tsuchiya was trained in dance from a young age. She uses her physicality and emotional expressiveness to convey inner transformation, which also explains why she brought such a balanced “soft yet strong” Usagi to the screen later on.
Perhaps it’s this dance background that allowed Tao to portray Usagi not just through her lines but through every step, every turn—something that made her stand out even when the film was silent.
How many of you have listened to this song before? Did you ever realize that Usagi is the dancer in Sia’s “Alive” music video?
The Dance Background That Shaped Usagi
Few know that before becoming an icon in Alice in Borderland, Tao Tsuchiya was a trained dancer, and her dance background heavily influences her acting. The transition between her dance work and the role of Usagi is not just seamless, but also gives her character more depth. It’s not just about running or fighting; it’s about conveying emotions through every physical movement. This explains why Usagi feels “both soft and steel,” instinctive yet sensitive—a balance that Tao manages to express through the way she moves and reacts to the world around her.
Tao Tsuchiya: More Than an Actress
With her rich background in dance, Tao brings a unique, physical storytelling element to Usagi that allows the audience to feel what she’s going through without relying solely on words. This is what makes her portrayal so compelling—Usagi is more than just a survivor; she’s a character filled with raw, unspoken emotions that are beautifully conveyed through Tao’s movements. Every turn, every leap, every stance in Alice in Borderland speaks volumes.
From “Alive” to Usagi: Tao Tsuchiya’s Journey
From her mysterious dance performances to her powerful portrayal of Usagi, Tao’s evolution is a testament to her versatility as an artist. Her background in dance has given her the tools to express emotions physically, which helps her navigate the complexity of Usagi’s character. Alice in Borderland is a brutal survival drama, but Tao’s portrayal of Usagi transcends the physical realm—it reaches deep into her character’s psyche, making every decision, every action, and every interaction feel personal.
Conclusion: A Performer Who Brings Usagi to Life
Tao Tsuchiya is not just another actress. She’s a multi-talented performer who blends dance, acting, and athleticism to create a character that is both fierce and emotionally resonant. Her dance background shines through in every moment of Usagi’s journey, creating a layered and nuanced character that resonates with fans worldwide. It’s no wonder Usagi has become one of the standout characters of Alice in Borderland. What’s next for Tao Tsuchiya? We can only imagine, but we’re sure it will be just as captivating as her portrayal of Usagi.
