Aya is a soloist with The Australian Ballet. Aya was born in Saitama, Japan and started dancing at the age of four after seeing her very first ballet performance. She began her training at the Reiko Yamamoto Ballet School in Japan, before moving to Australia to take up a scholarship with The Australian Ballet School. Aya performed with The Dancers Company in 2015 and joined The Australian Ballet in 2016. Aya was promoted to the rank of soloist in 2023.

1. In 3 words what does ballet mean to you?

life, passion and language

2. What would be your favourite ballet to dance?

I have long list of this but Juliet in Romeo and Juliet would be my top of the list.

3. Do you believe that ballet is a readily accessible art-form?

I believe so. Ballet should be accessible for everyone.

4. What do you believe is a typical misconception about ballet that you would like to set

straight?

Ballet dancer isn’t actually the job or ballet dancers are on the strict diet. I get paid to be a dancer and we all eat anything.

5. What are you reading right now?

Power of now by Eckhart Tolle

6. One thing that most people don’t know about you?

I’m a huge fan of AFL. My team is Hawthorn. You will see me at the MCG or pub every weekend.

7. Why is the work BWB do so important?

Giving the first chance for anyone is very important for the future of ballet world. I want everyone to experience the beauty of ballet so thank you for doing this.

8. Favourite ballet to watch?

I love watching any story ballet but we are currently performing Johan Inger’s Carmen and I love watching it and also love performing this ballet.

9. If you could go back to a point in time in your life, what advice would you give yourself?

Just keep going and you will get there.

10. You have been given an elephant! You cannot sell it or give it away, what do you do?

Keep it as a pet and hopefully I know how to look after an elephant!