Welcome to IPA Youth's 20 Questions, Toshiro!
What is your hometown? Los Angles, California. I now live in Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
Current occupation? Professional Ballet Dancer with Het-National Ballet/Dutch National Ballet.
What age did you start dancing? I was six years old with tap and 13 with ballet.
What was the last dance or roll you performed? The last dance I performed was "In The Upper Room" by Twyla Tharp with "Miami City Ballet".
What types of dance classes do you take? I take mostly ballet classes, but, when I find time and a studio, I like to take other forms of dance like Hip-Hop, Modern, Tap, Jazz.
What disciplines of dance do you teach? Classical Ballet.
What is your favorite dance class to take or teach? I'll take any type of dance class, but teaching ballet is where I'm most comfortable.
What is your best dance skill? I'm a great mover. I love to use the stage. The bigger the better.
Any skills you are trying to master? Not really, I'm not big on tricks. I have the standard male ballet tricks down. Anything extra I feel I don't need unless I'm called to do it. Then it's just a matter of practice.
Describe your favorite costume ever. Um, I can't say I have one. My mom made all of my costumes when I was in school, and they fit perfect to my body. So anything she made for me is my favorite. Plus she added a little tag inside of it that said "Made With Love".
What is your favorite song to dance to? I don't have one.
Who is your favorite dancer of all time? I don't have one. I like to watch great ballet dancers all the time live or on videos/YouTube, but I don't want to emulate what I see. I want my dancing to be organic and from my heart, not what I saw on a screen or other dancers. I think that is what makes a dancer great. Their dancing is a reflection of themselves.
What is your favorite musical or dance show? Musical....It would have to be Wicked. I love the music to that show. Dance show...can't say I have one for TV or the stage. I don't watch much TV and, on stage, I'd rather be up there with them. So, I have a hard time watching. Seeing the joy on other peoples faces when they dance makes me want to get up there with them.
What is your favorite place in the theater? Backstage. I'm on the stage now, and I'm loving every moment of it. But it won't last forever, and I don't want it to. I want to be a director/choreographer of a company someday. So, watching back stage, I put my glasses on, and watch as if I was the director. It helps me grow as a dancer and a teacher. To learn other peoples ideas on how a ballet or other form of dance should look and be presented. I find it very interesting to find ways, by watching and learning, to make a staged show look like its happening for the first time in real life.
What is the worst dance mistake you ever made? Like all dancers, I've made a lot. But, you move on, and act like it's the choreography, and remember not to do it next time. The audience doesn't know.
What's in your dance bag right now? Extra tights, dance belt, water, mints, body spray, a picture of my family, anti-inflammatory cream, a book, sweat pants, about 5 pairs of ballet shoes. Typical dancer stuff. Nothing special.
If you could take class from anyone in the world, who would it be? Rudolf Nureyev.
What is your dream dance job? I'm living my dream job now. Getting paid to do what I love and dance all over the world. Who could ask for more?
Any words of wisdom for your young fans or aspiring dancers? Never give up! No matter what anyone tells you can't do. Don't quit and prove them wrong! Just work hard, love a challenge and always put out a positive energy. Every great dancer started in the same place. It's up to you to take it where you want it.
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