Frances Nakachi Sensei, born and raised in Okinawa, began her training in Ryukyuan dance under the tutelage of acclaimed sisters Yoshiko Tanita Sensei and Mieko Kinjo Sensei, co-directors of the Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai. With her mother's support, she embarked on her dance journey at the tender age of three, continuing through her high school years in Okinawa.

In 1986, Frances moved to Hawaii for college, marking the beginning of her dance career there. Her cousin, the late Kiyoshi Kinjo Sensei, an Okinawan sanshin player, invited Frances and her older sister Kathy to perform at various Okinawan events, opening doors to the vibrant Okinawan community in Hawaii. Frances was deeply moved by the community's warm, sincere, and friendly nature, as well as their strong sense of commitment to preserving their culture, making her feel instantly at home.

Throughout her studies, Frances traveled frequently between Japan and Hawaii to continue her training. She completed all three certification levels of the prestigious Geino Konkuru, Performing Arts Contest, administered by the Ryukyu Shimpo Newspaper Company in Okinawa. This annual contest, judged by distinguished artists, includes three levels: Shinjin-sho (Newcomer's Award), Yushusho (Award of Excellence), and Saikosho (Highest Award). Frances encourages her students to participate in these certification tests, believing the intensive training and valuable lessons are priceless opportunities that will leave lasting impressions.

With the support and blessings of the Founding Directors, Tanita Sensei and Kinjo Sensei, Frances began teaching Okinawan dance in Hawaii in 1997. On January 9, 1999, she passed her certification exam in Okinawa, earning her Kyoshi license in dance from her instructors. To commemorate this achievement and formally introduce the Tamagusuku Ryu Senju Kai Frances Nakachi Ryubu Dojo to the community, she held her first recital at the Hawaii Theatre during the centennial celebration of Okinawan immigration to Hawaii, entitled "Chu Hisa Na, Fulfilling Dreams, One Step at a Time."

On June 5, 2005, Frances attained the highest level of teaching certification in Okinawa, earning her Shihan license, the Master Instructor license in dance.

Earning these certifications deepened Frances' commitment to preserving Okinawan culture and reinforced her belief that learning is a lifelong journey. Her motto, "the dance is always evolving, and we must not stop learning," reflects this philosophy. Achieving these accolades also honored her mother, a former Okinawan dancer who dreamed of Frances and her sister Kathy becoming teachers like their sensei, Yoshiko Tanita and Mieko Kinjo.

In Okinawa, there is a phrase, “Yui Maaru,” meaning "to help one another." The spirit of Yui Maaru that Frances had experienced within the community shaped her into the teacher she is today. She now strives to give back to these beautiful and caring people through her dance.

Frances Nakachi achieves this by focusing on outreach programs that serve the local community. Both she and her academy volunteers perform at senior centers and hospitals, bringing joy and comfort to those in need. They also participate in various festivals, such as the Chinese Spring Festivals and Korean festivals, promoting cultural diversity and fostering a sense of unity among different communities.

Frances is deeply committed to supporting her local community while also traveling to neighboring islands to promote Okinawan culture and art. She has showcased her talent at the National Theatre of Japan in Okinawa and performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. Frances and her dance academy has participated in major events such as Japan Day and Cherry Blossom Festival in New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Driven by her passion, Frances dedicates herself to promoting and preserving Okinawan culture both in Hawaii and around the world.