Guest Teacher Yoshito Sakuraba will be teaching on Thursday, March 28th from 10-11:30AM. Read more about him below.
Yoshito Sakuraba is a visionary force in the world of contemporary dance, celebrated as both the founding artistic director of Abarukas and an acclaimed award-winning choreographer. Hailing originally from Japan, Yoshito embarked on his artistic journey in the heart of New York City, igniting a career that has since spanned the globe, captivating audiences in Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, Israel, Mexico, and the United States.
Yoshito's exceptional talent has graced prestigious stages worldwide, including the illustrious Joyce Theater, BAM Fisher, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jacob's Pillow, Kaatsbaan, and the McCallum Theater, where he dazzled audiences at the Palm Desert Choreography Festival. His creative prowess has garnered him numerous accolades, including the coveted Best Choreography Award at the FINI Dance Festival in Italy and the Audience Award at the Masdanza International Contemporary Dance Festival in Spain. Notably, he has triumphed as a winner of NW Dance Project's Pretty Creatives and Whim W'Him's Shindig competitions.
Beyond his own company's repertoire, Yoshito has been entrusted with commissions from esteemed institutions and companies around the world. His innovative choreography has graced the stages of renowned organizations such as the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich, DAF in Rome, Lamondance in Vancouver, Louisville Ballet, Ballet Arkansas, Ballet Des Moines II, Newport Contemporary Ballet, Litvak Dance, Levy Dance, Pony Box Dance Theater, Modas Dance, Kit Modus, Nimbus Dance, Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, and Graham II.
Yoshito's passion extends to nurturing the artistic expressions of emerging talents, and he has been invited to inspire and instruct at esteemed institutions such as the Joffrey Ballet School, Alvin Ailey/Fordham University, University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Peabody at Johns Hopkins University, Marymount Manhattan College, Barnard College, Vassar College, Reed College, DLNY, MOVE l NYC, and Steps on Broadway Conservatory.
His dedication to the craft recently led to a prestigious commission from the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in Michigan, reaffirming his status as a trailblazer in the world of contemporary dance. Yoshito's artistry has not gone unnoticed by the media, with features on NY1 News and Bric TV on Spectrum Cable Channel showcasing his exceptional talent.
Currently, Yoshito Sakuraba imparts his wisdom and artistry as an esteemed educator at both the Martha Graham School and the Joffrey Ballet School. His enduring impact on the world of dance and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists serve as a testament to his enduring legacy in the realm of contemporary dance.