What is your most memorable performance in your life?
My most memorable performance would be Don Quixote, as it was the very first production I danced in with SDT. I joined the company at the start of the year, and was cast to dance as part of the Toreadors in Act 1 and Gypsy Boys in Act 2.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
Before every performance, I will always make sure I have ample amount of time to stretch while I am backstage as it helps me to relax my body and my mind before going on to stage.
How has dance changed your life?
Every choreography that I come across has allowed me to make many new discoveries about myself, so being able to dance every day has changed my life greatly. Other than that, dance is also really fun to me, and it brings me so much joy. Dance has also given me many opportunities to meet and work with dancers and choreographers from all around the world, and that has changed my perspective of dance and how I am as a dancer and a person.
Fill in the blank, “Dance is like ________.”
Dance is simply like daily life. To some, their daily living means going in to an office and working round the clock, but to me, dance is an integral part of my everyday life, it is what my days are spent on and who I identify myself to be.
What is your dream role in a classical ballet?
My dream role would be Basilio in Don Quixote. I remember watching Don Quixote when I was a child, and I was really inspired by the character of Basilio and the various technique and choreography of that role. I would love to be able to dance as Basilio in the future.
What are your top three qualities as a dancer?
I think my top three qualities are: I love learning, I do not give up easily, and I give my best in everything I do. These three qualities are definitive of who I am as I believe that as long as I persevere and desire to keep learning and growing, I will continue to develop not just as a dancer, but as an individual.
Who is your favourite choreographer?
My favourite choreographer is William Forsythe, as his works are so unique and breath-taking. I still remember the very first time I saw his choreography on stage, it left such a deep impression in me that I really wanted to dance one of his works one day.
To you, what is the difference between contemporary and classical works?
I’ve danced classical ballet for so many years, so I am used to the structure and movement of classical works. However, contemporary is quite new to me, so it is a bigger challenge to learn and personalise the style and choreography, but to me, that is the exciting and interesting part of dance.
What do you want to do after dancing?
I would like to teach ballet with my sister at the school she’s been teaching at in Hiroshima, Japan. The school is called International Ballet Academy, and it was where I first started learning ballet when I was 7 years old, and my sister was my first ballet teacher! So for me, being able to work with her in the ballet school where I grew up in would be really meaningful and significant.
Quote or motto to live by?
Never give up! Although it is a very common and simple quote, these three words hold so much power for me. It is because of this mentality that I’ve kept the perseverance within me to keep on going on, to never look back, never stop – never give up!
