Ballet in Japan is now more than ever before making a major contribution to the dance world on a truly international scale. Recent generations of Japanese dancers have produced many exquisite and talented individuals whose achievements have no doubt been a result of the hard work and dedication – a work ethic and philosophy that have come to be associated with Japanese culture and lifestyle for hundreds of years. The rigours of study in Japan, coupled with the traditional teaching of dance, makes for an extraordinary opportunity for young students to pursue a career in the international World of Ballet.
The opportunities are truly endless!
We are committed to promoting the appreciation for and an understanding of performing arts to people within our community with a special focus on youth. We are committed to the development of intercultural awareness as well as intercultural communication that will facilitate and enhance our student’s learning experiences.
International students of AIS Ballet Japan have the unique opportunity to experience an outstanding level of ballet education in a new cultural setting. Students take part in intensive dance training in small classes which focus on technique and close attention to detail.
The school extends to three dance studios, one of which is amongst the largest in Japan. AIS also has several academic classrooms and the School Dormitories. Students are transported between venues by the AIS School Bus.
AIS Ballet Japan boasts a highly professional Faculty of Teachers with years of dancing and teaching experience who have been carefully selected from around the globe. Students also have opportunities to meet some of the figureheads of the international dance world through Workshops and Guest Performances held frequently throughout the year.
The structure of AIS is well balanced and has been tailored to suit the demands of professional ballet students to ensure that all high school educational requirements are met. AIS students take up the following compulsory subjects
Japanese Language & Literature
English
Mathematics
Anatomy
Social Studies
Science
- Class times
- Orientation
- Culture shock and adjusting to a new cultural setting
- Japanese language difficulties
AIS students partake in open type school examinations, evaluations and demonstrations throughout the year.
A large emphasis is placed on annual competitions as this is just one of the ways in which students can acquire that level of confidence to further progress toward the world stage. Ballet competitions held both within Japan and overseas such as the Prix de Lausanne and Youth America Grand Prix are regularly attended by our senior students.
Just as competitions aid students both mentally and physically, workshops performed by Guest Teachers from around the globe with expertise in various styles of dance have also proved to further development by creating an awareness and understanding of a diverse range of dance styles. AIS organises workshops at least twice a year during the Spring/Summer seasons and have recently hosted Julie Kent, a Principal Dancer at the American Ballet Theater. In addition, students also attend ballet workshops held overseas.
All dancers yearn for the opportunity to hone their skills and showcase their talent culminating in a public performance. What better chance is there for students to master all the necessary elements of presentation whilst learning diverse classical repertoire and performing regularly during the school year. At AIS there are two major annual concerts held during the school year; one showcasing all of the talented young boys and girls of our Lower School and another with a focus on the Middle School and Professional Division.
From long ago ballet was enjoyed only by the powerful and political elite. Today, it is also thought to be an art enjoyed only by a selected group of people, however at AIS, we believe that ballet should be experience by all in the community. It is for this reason that AIS feels the need to work with the community and introduce ballet to those who may have never had the chance to enter a theatre.
AIS Ballet Japan is one of the rare Japanese ballet institutions to incorporate both dance studies with academic studies in order for young aspirant dancers to maintain academic excellence yet keep dance studies as a primary focus.
International students of the Professional Division are provided with accommodation in a home stay house and can travel to and from the studio and classrooms by AIS School Bus. Breakfast and dinner are provided. The native English speaking staff is also available for counseling and cultural support.
Professional Division students spend the afternoons and evenings partaking in their selected dance practice and academic classes. International students are also given the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and participate in language studies.
Upon successfully completing the Professional Division course, graduates are prepared for auditions at well-known Ballet Companies abroad as well as for ballet and choreography teaching.
AIS not only endeavors to provide a very high quality ballet program to cater to the needs of aspiring dancers and professionals, but also provides the Master Program for those opting for a career in dance coaching and choreography.
- Ballet Techniques
- Dance Composition
- Pilates
- Modern Techniques
- Historical Dance
- Pedagogy
- Contemporary Dance
- Contemporary Techniques
- Anatomy and Health Education
Students with a wish to audition for AIS are welcome anytime. As part of the application we require:
- Any stage performances
- Barre and centre work
- All relevant information about the applicant’s physique, such as height and weight etc.
- Other personal information such as age, nationality etc.
- A statement of purpose no less then 300 words
- 2 photographs of the applicant; one head shot and one full body photo in a position depicting feet, legs, line and figure.
- Employment/Education history
- Any achievements or prizes awarded
- All contact information
We ask that the applicant wears normal dance clothing in all parts of the DVD recording and (for ladies, pointe shoes for centre work) nothing loose or baggy.