Company, Upper Division Faculty
Ayano Kimura of Japan, is in 13th season with The Washington Ballet and sixth year teaching at The Washington School of Ballet.
Kimura, born in Germany, went on a short-term study abroad to Russia (Vaganova Ballet Academy) and England (Royal Ballet School) in 2005. In 2006, she won first place at the Youth America Grand Prix semi-final competition in Japan and placed in the top 12 at the finals in New York City. She was awarded a scholarship to La Scala Theatre Ballet School in Milan for two years where she graduated at the top of the class. She also performed with the former director of Dresden ballet in Germany, Vladimir Derevyanko when she was in school and was the distinguished recipient of the ‘best dancer’ award. She also performed with Roberto Bolle in the Opening Ceremonies for the Torino Olympic Games.
She was invited to the White House in 2022 and performed Pas de deux from Giselle for First Lady and Second Gentleman.
She has performed principal roles in Julie Kent and Victor Barbee’s The Sleeping Beauty, John Cranko’s Romeo and Juliet, Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker, Giselle, Kirk Peterson’s Swan Lake, and many other soloist roles.
Kimura has also performed contemporary works by Jiří Kylián, William Forsythe, Christopher Wheeldon, Hans van Manen, Christopher Bruce, Trey Mclntyre, Edwaard Liang, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Jessica Lang, Amy Seiwert, Twyla Tharp, Justin Peck and George Balanchine.
Learn more about Ayano!
Who inspired you to dance?
Sylvie Guillem
What activities or hobbies do you do outside of dancing?
Watch a game in person at the stadium. (Since I got married to my husband who works as Athletic Trainer)
Photo by XMB Photography.