Born: 1982 or 1983
Misa Kuranaga is a Japanese ballerina who has made a significant impact in the world of dance. Born in 1982 or 1983, Kuranaga began her training at the Jinushi Kaoru Ballet School in Japan before continuing her studies at the prestigious School of American Ballet in New York City. Her talent and dedication led her to join the San Francisco Ballet, where she started her professional career. Later, she became a principal dancer at the renowned Boston Ballet, making history as the first Asian person to achieve this position.
Kuranaga’s journey in the world of ballet has been marked by numerous accomplishments and accolades. She started her competition career at the Chubu National Ballet Competition, where she became the youngest participant to win the gold medal in the pre-junior division. At just ten years old, she caught the attention of Yuri Grigorovich, the director of the Bolshoi Ballet, who invited her to participate in the Moscow International Ballet Competition Gala. Her exceptional talent was further recognized when she received a scholarship award at the Prix de Lausanne competition in 2001 and won a gold medal as a Junior in the Moscow International Ballet Competition that same year.
In 2006, Kuranaga’s excellence led her to win the senior gold medal at the USA International Ballet Competition, solidifying her status as a premier dancer. Her remarkable achievements and undeniable artistry earned her a spot on Dance Magazine’s prestigious 25 to Watch list in the same year. Throughout her career, Kuranaga has not only showcased her skills with renowned ballet companies but has also been a guest performer with the New York City Ballet and the Vail International Dance Festival.
Kuranaga’s expansive repertoire displays her versatility and proficiency in various ballet productions. She has portrayed iconic roles such as the title character in George Balanchine’s Coppelia, Nikiya in Florence Clerc’s La Bayadere, and Lise in Sir Frederick Ashton’s La Fille Mal Gardée. Additionally, Kuranaga has graced the stage as Princess Aurora, Songbird Fairy, Princess Florine, and Jewels in Marius Petipa’s The Sleeping Beauty, among other notable performances.
Throughout her career, Kuranaga has mesmerized audiences with her stunning interpretations of classic ballets while also showcasing her talent in contemporary works. She has excelled in pieces such as John Cranko’s The Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet, George Balanchine’s Serenade and Jewels, and Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room. Her dedication and commitment to her craft have allowed her to work with esteemed choreographers such as Jiri Kylian and Jorma Elo.
In 2019, Kuranaga returned to the San Francisco Ballet as a principal dancer, further cementing her status as one of the most respected figures in the ballet world.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, Chubu National Ballet Competition (pre-junior division)
– Gold Medal, Moscow International Ballet Competition (Junior division)
– Scholarship Award, Prix de Lausanne competition
– Gold Medal, Moscow International Ballet Competition (Junior division)
– Gold Medal, USA International Ballet Competition
Misa Kuranaga’s extraordinary journey in the world of ballet has not only showcased her incredible talent but also represented a significant milestone in women’s history. As the first Asian person to be promoted to principal dancer at the Boston Ballet, she has broken barriers and shattered stereotypes. Kuranaga’s dedication, resilience, and passion for her art have made a lasting impact on the field of dance, inspiring future generations of ballerinas to pursue their dreams and achieve greatness.