Tuesday 27th April 2010

The Japan Society was delighted to celebrate with Miyako Yoshida her final UK performances (17th & 23rd April, Royal Ballet). In conversation with Kevin O’Hare, Administrative Director of the Royal Ballet, Miyako reflected on an illustrious career during which she has worked with the Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, K-ballet among others.

Miyako Yoshida won the Prix de Lausanne, which led to a scholarship to the Royal Ballet. She joined Sadler’s Wells Royal Ballet (now Birmingham Royal Ballet) in 1984 and moved to The Royal Ballet in 1995. Since 2006 she has been a Principal Guest Artist.

She has danced the leading classical roles in The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, Swan Lake, Ondine, The Nutcracker, Coppelia and La Fille mal Gardee. With her mastery of many styles, from Petipa to Ashton and MacMillan to Balanchine, she has thrilled audiences everywhere. Miyako Yoshida’s final performance with The Royal Ballet will be Romeo and Juliet in Tokyo in June.

Miyako Yoshida is a UNESCO Ambassador for Peace, has been awarded an OBE for her services to dance, and in 2007 a Japan Society Award for her work in promoting Japan -UK relations.

This was a truly fascinating and rewarding evening, attracting just over 100 guests,  many of whom were Miyako Yoshida’s supporters, showing their enthusiasm towards her work and wishing her well in her future activity.

Following the conversation with Kevin O’Hare, there was an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

The evening concluded with an informal sushi and sake reception, which was thoroughly enjoyed by attendees.

The Japan Society was also pleased to welcome members of Otomodachi-kai and friends of Asia House to this special event, and was exceedingly grateful to Asia House for hosting it, and for their event support.