Yuriko Kajiya, Soloist with American Ballet Theatre
What career would you choose if you could not be a dancer? YK: I wanted to become a doctor when I was young, but now I am a ballerina and as I love being someone else on stage, I would love to be an actress. What is your worst fear (professionally or personally)? YK: To lose someone I love... I know it is part of life, but I think it is one of the most difficult things you have to face. Which person (dead or alive) would you most want to dance with if you could? YK: Not to dance with, but I would love to go back in time, when Misha, Natasha, Irina, Gelsey Anthony and so many other amazing dancers were dancing and learn from them. If a child told you they wanted to be a dancer, what would your advice be? YK: It depends on how serious they are. I will tell them how much I love being a dancer. It's a wonderful career, but it comes with a lot of hard work and dedication. If you could be an animal, which one would you choose and why? YK: I want to be able to swim freely like fish. I want to fly in the beautiful sky like birds. But my favorite animal is a cat! What is your greatest indulgence? YK: Ice Cream! I have ice cream every night before I go to bed. What 3 items do you always have in your bag with you? YK: Besides my pointe shoes, I always have my cell phone, snacks and mints or gum. I am always snacking on food and then I need mints or gum after to be nice to my partners! What career would your family have chosen for you? YK: I think they would be happy with any career I chose, as long as I made the decision and am happy. What is your idea of perfect happiness? YK: I don't think there is "perfect" happiness. But it makes me very happy knowing that everyone who I love is healthy, happy and loved. Who would you like most to have a coffee with (could be dead or alive)? YK: My family in Japan. I have been away from my family since I was ten and I want to spend as much time as possible with them. What is your favorite city to tour to and why? YK: Japan! You might think "but that's where you are from", but since I left home at a very young age, I didn't get to spend lots of time there. Now that I'm older, I am discovering and appreciating a lot about my own country. What was your biggest mishap in a performance? YK: I almost missed the performance! It was my first year in the company with ABT and they are calling "On Stage"! It was not a very big part, but I had never rehearsed it and I didn't even know I learned it!!! Senior members of the Corps de Ballet were teaching me the steps up right until I went on stage!!! Crazy memory. Is there a special meal you have before performances? YK: Rice and sweets.
Damian Monzillo - Hair, Juliet Jane - makeup, Red dress by Kim Hicks
Costumes courtesy of American Ballet Theatre, Shoes by Capezio