Ballet
Contemporary Pilates, Character Dance, Pas de Deux
Our balanced instruction combines the Vaganova method, taught from the ground up by instructors holding Russian Federation ballet artist and teacher qualifications (national qualifications) , with performance and technique enhancement provided by instructors with outstanding skills as active dancers.
Our classes range from preschoolers to those aiming to become professionals , and from beginner classes to advanced variation classes for adults, with students from age 3 to their 70s.
What is the method explained in the video?
In ballet, "method" refers to teaching methods or instructional approaches.
The Cecchetti Method and the Vaganova Method are among the most widely known and taught in ballet schools worldwide. Many people may have heard the names but don't know much about them specifically.
So this time, we've asked two teachers who are certified instructors of the Cecchetti Method and the Vaganova Method, respectively.
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Who were Cecchetti and Vaganova?
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What are the characteristics of each method?
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What kind of skills is it suitable for?
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What kind of practice do you do in actual lessons?
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What are the benefits and significance of learning this method?
...and so on, which I learned from videos!
The instructors were Miho Tsurutani , who studied the Cecchetti method in the UK (holding the highest level of ISTD Cecchetti teaching qualification in the UK), and Sakura Narikawa , who studied the Vaganova method in Russia (holding a Russian Federation certified ballet dancer and instructor diploma).
Part 1 video
https://balletchannel.jp/44963
① What is the Cecchetti Method? What is the Vaganova Method?
② Basic positions, movements, and poses that reveal the characteristics of the method.
③ A lesson using the Cecchetti method.
Part 2 video
https://balletchannel.jp/45002
④ Scenes from a lesson using the Vaganova method (a lesson scene of students at our studio)
⑤ Q&A: Is Cecchetti a way to acquire the British ballet style? Is it wrong to learn multiple methods at the same time? etc.
*The above is an excerpt from the introductory article.
Teacher Introduction
Director of Shibuya Art Institute
Classical ballet instructor
Sakura Narikawa Hollinsworth
In 2009, she dropped out of the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Letters, Chuo University , and at the age of 18, she became a full-time student at the Russian State Bolshoi Ballet Academy. She completed a three-year professional course and obtained a diploma as a ballet dancer certified by the Russian Federation.
After graduation, she worked as a professional dancer for five years with companies such as the Russian State Astrakhan Opera and Ballet and the Moscow City Ballet. She performed a wide range of roles, from corps de ballet to soloist, and appeared in over 400 performances in approximately 15 countries, including the United States, Europe, the United Arab Emirates, and Taiwan.
While working as a dancer based in Russia, she enrolled in the Bolshoi Ballet Academy University, where she systematically studied teaching methods in the teacher training course. After completing the five-year program, she obtained a diploma as a ballet teacher certified by the Russian Federation.
After returning to Japan, she worked as a full-time employee at a general company for three years while simultaneously teaching classical ballet. She handled a wide range of tasks, including coordinating overseas study programs and managing events.
In 2019, she established "Shibuya Arts Planning," a comprehensive educational institution focusing on classical ballet. She began running workshops and supporting students studying abroad. Simultaneously, she took a job at a private educational institution, where she served as head of the English department for three years, contributing to the development of the institution's English education environment.
In 2021, Shibuya Art Planning was incorporated, and since then, it has organized educational events for young people, including the Bolshoi Ballet Academy Tokyo Summer Intensive. In 2022, it established the "Shibuya Art Institute," and is now focusing on nurturing the next generation of talent and creating a platform for international educational exchange.
- Holds a State Qualification Diploma as a Ballet Artist and Teacher from the Russian Federation
Representative Director, Shibuya Art Planning LLC
- Bolshoi Grand Prix Judge
Co-organizer of the Cecchetti-Vaganova Study Instructor Seminar
SAFE DANCE ASSOCIATION Ballet Safety Instructor
- Grape SEED certified instructor for bilingual English education
HEALMO Certified Trainer
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Deputy Director, Shibuya Art Institute Ballet Studio
Classical Ballet Instructor
Miho Tsukahara
She began studying ballet at the age of three at Ochi International Ballet, and later joined Petit Tomato Ballet, where she studied under Kazuko Aizawa.
In 2009, she began her studies at Oregon Ballet Theatre School.
In 2010, she entered K-BALLET SCHOOL, where she performed leading roles in school performances and graduated as the top student in 2012. That same year, she joined K-BALLET COMPANY. She participated in nationwide tours and performed as a soloist from the beginning of her professional career in productions such as Don Quixote and The Nutcracker.
After leaving the company, she performed as a soloist in full-length productions by Iwaki Ballet Company, the 20th Anniversary Gala of Atelier Yoshino, and the International Ballet Academia.
In 2016, she founded Kids & Junior Ballet CUORE Horinouchi.
She currently works as a freelance dancer and ballet instructor.
Major Competition Awards
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2nd Prize, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP)
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3rd Prize, Saitama National Dance Competition
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1st Prize, Machida National Ballet Competition
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6th Prize, NBA National Ballet Competition
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Numerous other awards
Junior/Adult Classical Ballet Pas de Deux Instruction
Batmunkh Chinzorig
She started ballet at the age of 10 and enrolled in the Mongolian National School of Music and Dance Arts.
In 2006, she joined the Mongolian National Ballet. The following year, she was promoted to soloist and has danced leading roles in numerous productions.
She came to Japan in 2008. After working with the NBA Ballet Company, Tokyo City Ballet, and as a freelancer, she is currently a member of Ballet Chambre West. She performs as a soloist in all of their performances. She has also appeared as a guest performer in performances by the Maki Asami Ballet Company, the Okinawa branch of the Japan Ballet Association, and the International Ballet Academy, among others.
Junior classical ballet instruction and adult Pilates classes.
Akane Koizumi
She started ballet at the age of 6.
In 2013, she appeared in Iwaki Ballet Company's productions of "Giselle" as a peasant and "Don Quixote" as Cupid, among other roles.
She studied in New York in 2014. After graduating from Peridance Capezio Center, she has been active as a company/project member in various groups such as iKADA contemporary dance company, The Next Stage Project, and LaneCoArts.
She also actively engages in choreography, building her career as a dancer.
After returning to Japan in 2020, she appeared in Dance Marche's "Phantom," Canal Art Moment Shinagawa's "The Wizard of Oz," and "The Little Prince."
In 2022, I participated in Ayalis In Motion's "Pythagorean Peas" concert in Türkiye.
I obtained my BESJ Mat Pilates certification in December 2021.
Currently, she works independently, active in a wide range of fields as a dancer and instructor.
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Junior classical ballet instruction
Aoi Tashiro
She started ballet at the age of 3.
She studied under Yui Fukui and Kazuo Goto at Ballet Studio Lien.
In 2017, I studied abroad at The Washington School of Ballet.
Joined American Repertory Ballet's Second Company in 2020.
Joined First State Ballet Theatre in 2021.
Clara/Sugar Plum Fairy from "The Nutcracker"
Cupid from "Don Quixote"
Left the team in 2026.
She currently works as a freelance instructor and guest dancer.
Adult classical ballet instruction
Takada Mami
She studied under Kuwahara Kimiaki and Ishizuka Chikako at Kuwahara Ballet Academy.
In 2009, she studied abroad at the Russian State Perm Ballet School.
First place in the 2012 Perm Ballet School internal competition.
Participated in the Arabesque International Competition in 2012.
Graduated from Perm Ballet School in 2013, receiving a diploma.
Since 2013, she has been active as a dancer with the Karelia State Musical Theatre Ballet Company in Russia.
After returning to Japan, I began working as an instructor, utilizing the skills I had cultivated.
Adult classical ballet instruction
Naoko Tajika
She began ballet at the age of four at the Moriya Midori Ballet Studio.
Graduated from Japan Women's College of Physical Education with a major in Dance. Experienced various genres of dance during university.
2013-2015 Iwaki Ballet Company
Cupid/Kitri's friend in "Don Quixote"; Gold and Silver fairies in "Sleeping Beauty"
2016-2021 Ballet Chambre West: "The Nutcracker" (Moore Doll/Trepak/China), "Sleeping Beauty" (Little Red Riding Hood), "Swan Lake" (Four Little Swans)
She currently works as a freelance ballet instructor at ballet studios and sports gyms.
Obtained GYROKINESIS® Certified Trainer qualification in 2023.
Master Stretch® certification obtained in 2024.
Adult classical ballet instruction
Mayuri Hashimoto
She studied under Seiko Kuramoto at the Seiko Kuramoto Ballet School in Hyogo Prefecture.
2011-2012 Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington DC Study Abroad
2013: Studied at the Royal Ballet School in the UK on a short-term scholarship.
Participated in the 2014 Youth America Grand Prix New York Finals.
2014 Princess Grace Academy Monaco Summer Intensive Study Abroad Program
2015-2016 New Zealand School of Dance Study Abroad
2017-2023: Member of Star Dancers Ballet
After leaving the ballet company, she gained experience as a ballet instructor in Cebu, Philippines, and lived abroad.
I am currently working as an instructor.
- Obtained certification as a Mat Pilates Instructor from BESJ (Body Element System Japan).
Contemporary Pilates
Yu Suzuki
Originally from Chiba Prefecture. Studied classical ballet under Mikiko Tani from 2008.
She studied at Arts Umbrella in Canada from 2014, and later joined Coastal City Ballet in Canada. Her main repertoire includes Giselle and the Four Little Swans from Swan Lake.
From 2017 to 2019, she was a member of Noism2, the resident dance company of the Niigata City Theatre.
Currently based in Tokyo, she works as a freelance dancer and Pilates instructor.
Recently, she has appeared in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, as well as in works and performances by Shintaro Hirahara, Saori Hara, Keigo Fukuda, Hiroaki Umeda, Takuya Sato, and others.
In terms of choreography, she presented a collaborative duo piece with Kana Mori at the SAI Dance Festival 2022, which led to an invitation to perform at the City Dance Festival in Washington D.C., USA.
She also provides choreography instruction for contemporary dance competitions and has been selected as one of the YGP Japan Top 12.
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Medical Pilates
Sakura Ito
I graduated from a university specializing in physical therapy and obtained my physical therapist license. I worked at a hospital for over five years, focusing on orthopedic and musculoskeletal disorders, and engaged in physical function assessment and rehabilitation. I specialize in physical assessment and movement analysis based on anatomy and kinesiology.
Having continued classical ballet from the age of six to the present, I began studying Pilates for my own conditioning and obtained a certification from Phi Pilates.
Currently, I utilize my knowledge and clinical experience as a physical therapist to provide Pilates instruction.
We will support safe and effective physical development tailored to each individual's physical condition.
Main qualifications
- Obtained a physical therapist license
・phi pilates Mat Level Ⅰ.Ⅱ
・phi pilates Reformer Level I
HEALMO Certified Trainer
Character Dance
Byambaa Batbold
Born in Mongolia, she began ballet at the age of 11. After graduating from the Mongolian National Music and Dance Arts School, she joined the Mongolian National Ballet in 2000. In 2002, she was promoted to principal dancer. In the same year, she received the Best Dancer Award from the Mongolian Opera House and the Gold Prize for Best Leading Actor from the Mongolian Youth Union.
In 2003, she received the theater's Best Artist Award. She has also won numerous other awards, including second place in the senior division of the 10th Asia Pacific International Ballet Competition.
In March 2007, she joined K Ballet Company as a soloist.
In October 2012, she was promoted to First Soloist. She completed the K Ballet School Teachers Training Course.
In 2022, I served as a teaching class instructor at the Superstar Gala, giving lessons to the performers.
In March 2023, she was awarded the Order of the Polar Star by Mongolia. Also in 2023, she taught lessons to performers as a teaching class instructor at the Luglan Gala.
Class Introduction
Junior Standard Course
Foundation for preschool children
We offer fun lessons that incorporate eurhythmics, cherishing the feeling of "I love ballet!" while getting along well with teachers and friends.
Elementary School Grades 1-4
Students will develop an understanding of fundamental movements, rhythm, flexibility, and posture. They will also work on group pieces, learning teamwork while having fun dancing.
Basic 5th grade to junior high school student
We will continue ballet at a comfortable pace while building a solid foundation. Each student will choose the piece they want to dance and practice accordingly.
Seniors (high school students to adults with experience)
This class is for those who want to seriously pursue ballet as a hobby. We will support you so that you can confidently perform on stage in pointe shoes.
Junior Artist Course
Admission is possible with a teacher's recommendation.
Intermediate Grades 1-4
Recommended to attend at least 3 times a week. This course aims to complete the fundamentals and acquire basic techniques. Students will begin working on solo pieces and aim to participate in preliminary competitions.
Advanced (Elementary School Grades 4-5)
Attendance is required at least three times a week. The goal is to stabilize technique, study expression, and master the fundamentals of pointe work. Regular participation in competitions will help students become accustomed to performing on stage.
Pre-Professional (Elementary School 5th Grade to High School)
This advanced class is for students who aspire to a serious ballet career. We provide support to help each student find a suitable ballet study abroad program or employment opportunity.
Special Class
contemporary
When you study contemporary dance,
You can expand your way of thinking, methods of expression, and the possibilities of dance. The careful instruction by professional contemporary dancers is highly praised.
You can discover new possibilities for self-expression without being bound by rules.
HEALMO
This training equipment was developed by doctors with the aim of safely developing the bodies of growing children. It is a groundbreaking device that incorporates not only anatomical but also neuroscience perspectives. Instruction is provided by official instructors.
Pilates
Core training performed on a mat. Learn how to use your body effectively and apply it to ballet and various other dance forms.
By performing simple movements while being mindful of correct posture and focusing on your breathing, you can build strong, flexible muscles without putting strain on your body.
Character Dance
Character dance uses a different approach to movement than classical ballet. Instructors who teach professional dancers at renowned ballet companies will guide you through everything from basic barre exercises to dances from various countries.
Developing a wide range of expressive abilities will also lead to improvement in classical ballet.
Pas de deux
Dancing with a male partner allows you to reaffirm the importance of daily basic lessons, such as how to use your body, your core, and your positions.
Our male instructors, who are active dancers, will provide instruction tailored to each student's level, from juniors to adults, so even beginners are welcome to give it a try.
Adult Elegance Class
Our adult classes are incredibly popular! We have students ranging from their 20s to their 70s. It's a completely members-only system for your peace of mind. We offer classes at various levels, from beginner to advanced, every day from Monday to Saturday!
Stretching + Introduction *Currently suspended
This is a beginner-friendly class for complete novices. Even those who have hardly exercised before can participate without any worries. We will spend ample time on stretching before slowly and steadily working through the basics of ballet: barre work and center work.
Intermediate+Va
In the Intermediate + Varia class, everyone works together on the same Varia piece for 2-3 months with the goal of completing it.
This is perfect for those who have never played VA before and want to give it a try.
Beginner
This class is perfect for beginners, those returning after a break, or those who prefer a more relaxed lesson. We'll start with some stretching with the instructor before moving on to barre and center work. Like our regular 90-minute classes, we'll cover basic turns and even try some jumps.
Pilates
Core training performed on a mat. Pilates is a method originally devised as a rehabilitation method that could be done in bed. This class is recommended for people who don't usually exercise, those who find ballet a bit too challenging, and those who want to improve their ballet performance.
Beginner/Pointe
This 90-minute class consists of simple movements from barre to center work, but it thoroughly covers basic turns and allegro.
In the additional 30-minute pointe class, we will first repeat basic exercises using the barre to ensure you can stand correctly.
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Medical Pilates
This Pilates class, led by a physical therapist, combines knowledge and practice. Each session features a 10-15 minute mini-lecture and exercise focusing on a specific theme such as "shoulder blades," "breathing," "pelvis," or "posture." You'll learn how to efficiently improve your body's mechanics.
Beginner to Intermediate + Pointe
Overall, this 90-minute class features more difficult movements than the beginner level, and the center work covers all elements of a ballet lesson, from turns to grand waltzes.
In the additional 30-minute pointe class, after basic training at the barre, you will also try turns in the center.
Schedule
*Lessons are generally held four times a month on each day of the week, but some months may have three or five lessons. The schedule is designed to maintain four lessons per month (48 lessons per year) throughout the year. Please check the annual schedule for details.
*We accept private lessons from both members and non-members. Please contact us for details.
Access
2nd Floor, Tajima Daiichi Building, 1-6-23 Haramachida, Machida City, Tokyo 194-0013
2-minute walk from JR Machida Station South Exit/Terminal Exit
Fee
*1 With the unlimited access plan, there are no additional charges for any class. However, there is a 3000 yen fee per session for Character Dance (90 minutes) and Pas de Deux Introduction (90 minutes). Tea Ceremony and English classes are handled by a different organization and therefore incur separate fees.
*2 For users on a monthly fee plan, HEALMO (15 minutes), floor training (15 minutes), pointe work (30 minutes), and Praktika (60 minutes) are included in the monthly fee, and there are no additional charges.
*3 For monthly membership users, an additional fee of 1,000 yen will be charged for taking an additional Pilates (60-minute) class, and an additional fee of 1,500 yen for taking a Contemporary (90-minute) class.
*4 Participation in ballet competitions is generally only permitted for students in the Artist Course.
The membership fee is 10,000 yen for all classes.
Ballet observation and trial lesson
We offer tours and trial sessions at any time. Please feel free to try it out and consider joining us.
<Items to bring to the trial lesson>
Tour/Experience: 1,000 yen (tax included)
Please come in comfortable clothing such as a T-shirt, trousers, sweatpants, and socks. You can purchase ballet supplies after you join the class.
Please apply using the form below.