We currently have two alums on the Company Roster for the 2015-2016 Season at Columbia Classical Ballet, directed by Radenko Pavlovich. Sakura Oka (pictured above), is our 2013 Senior ADC|IBC Grand Prix Winner. Originally from Japan, Ms. Oka trained under Maiko Uemura at the Ecole de Ballet MU, and saw her first opportunity to come to the States in the Summer of 2011. In Japan, Sakura auditioned for the Kirov Academy of Ballet DC Summer Program. She took the opportunity and was invited to stay for the year round program on scholarship. In 2013, Sakura graduated from the Kirov Academy and Joined the Columbia Classical Ballet. Most Recent Prize Accomplishments: August 2012 - Japan Grand Prix (2nd Place) March 2013 - ADC IBC SR Grand Prix July 2014 - Varna International Competition - Semi Finalist We asked Sakura, "What would you do if you were not a ballet dancer", she laughed, and said "If I didn't do ballet, I would like to be a fashion designer." Seems both her career choices are mere dreams for most girls! We are incredibly proud of your accomplishments!
Janis Liu Man Ting, a long time alum and award winner of ADC IBC, Joined Columbia Classical Ballet in 2014. A Native of Hong Kong, Janis began her training under Ivy Chung. In September 2012, Janis began full time pre-professional training in the USA with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. In 2013, Janis joined a pre-professional training company in Vancouver, Canada, Coastal City Ballet. After joining Columbia Classical Ballet in 2014, she has had the opportunity to perform many soloist roles such as: Snow Queen Pas de Deux & Lead in Waltz of the Flowers in The Nutcracker, as well as the Pas de Trois from Swan Lake. Also that same year, Janis Liu was invited to compete in the USA IBC held in Jackson Mississippi, and Varna IBC in Bulgaria. We wish both of you much success!