Miyako Yoshida, a former principal dancer at Britain's Royal Ballet, assumed the role of artistic director for ballet and dance at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, on Sept. 1, a little more than a year after her retirement as a professional ballet dancer.
Yoshida recently spoke to The Yomiuri Shimbun on how she plans to steer the National Ballet of Japan, the company affiliated with the theater, in this difficult time with the COVID-19 threat.
"It feels like a long time ago when I was standing on stage," Yoshida said. "I still practice ballet for myself though. Fortunately, I've been offered a job that I can pour my passion into, even more than dancing. Now I'm focusing on the artistic director's job and forging ahead without thinking about dancing."
One year feels like such a long time because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Noriko Ohara, her predecessor as the NNTT's artistic director for ballet and dance, lives in Scotland and became unable to travel to Japan due to the virus. Therefore, Yoshida started giving instructions to dancers on Ohara's behalf from March, although the company had to cancel all performances from late February.
Following the self-imposed stay-home period in Japan, the company resumed performances in July with the world premiere of "Ryugu" (Ryugu -- The Turtle Princess), only to cancel the show after just two performances because one person involved in the production became infected with the virus.
"Such cases may happen again from now on, too. It's a difficult start indeed," Yoshida said.
The company's 2020-21 season kicks off on Oct. 23 with "Don Quixote," which was originally scheduled for May.
"The casting for this production reflects the kindhearted feeling of Noriko-sensei [Ohara] to give everyone a chance [to shine]. Noriko-sensei was telling everyone to understand the work and acquire the skills to perform it. I'd like to carry on from her in that respect," Yoshida said.
To promote the production, Yoshida has appeared in livestreamed videos. In one of the videos, which will be streamed from Nov. 5, she will introduce "Don Quixote" with Chiko-chan, a popular character on an NHK variety show "Chiko-chan ni Shikarareru!" (Don't sleep through life). Other videos show dancers rehearsing for the production and Yoshida answering questions from viewers. The videos are available online for a fee until Nov. 30.
In January and February next year, the company is planning to put on three new productions, all short pieces, in two triple bills. However, the outlook is bleak for visits by overseas guest repetiteurs who are set to dance the works so the company's dancers can learn the choreography.
"We could do without them if it's a revival production. But it would be difficult to remotely learn and fine-tune the choreography of a new production. It is impossible to convey the subtle nuances of movement unless you move together [with someone who knows the choreography]. We have to make a decision soon [on what to do with the production]," Yoshida said with a sigh.
Yoshida, who was a principal with the Royal Ballet and other companies for 22 years, emphasizes to dancers the importance of the basics. She is also concerned about the environment surrounding ballet dancers in Japan as well as how they are treated.
"I was very impressed when the New National Theatre opened. However, 23 years have passed since then, and I can't say the environment surrounding Japanese dancers has become good enough. I hope I can help make it better during my tenure, even just a little," she said.
As if to prove she means what she says, Yoshida installed rooms for exercise and rest as soon as she started her reign as artistic director.
Some of Yoshida's former dance partners and colleagues have also become artistic directors of reputed ballet companies, such as Kevin O'Hare at the Royal Ballet, Carlos Acosta at the Birmingham Royal Ballet and Tamara Rojo at the English National Ballet. No doubt those former colleagues will be her strength in the coming years.
"It will be great if we can have an exchange training program," she said. "It's my dream that people in Japan will be proud of this company at the New National Theatre as 'our own ballet company.'"
The National Ballet of Japan will perform "Don Quixote" in a production by Alexei Fadeyechev at New National Theatre, Tokyo, in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, on Oct. 23-25. 31, Nov. 1. Visit www.nntt.jac.go.jp/english/ballet/ for more information.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
