Biography:
Yumiko Takeshima (, Takeshima Yumiko, born 1970) is a Japanese designer and former Principal dancer with Semperoper Ballett, Universal Ballet, the Alberta Ballet Company, Feld Ballet, and the Dutch National Ballet. She was born in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, and began dancing at the age of four in Sapporo. Takeshima’s passion and talent for ballet led her to study at the San Francisco Ballet School in the United States at the age of thirteen. Throughout her career, Takeshima danced with various prestigious ballet companies and established herself as a renowned dancer and designer.
Takeshima’s ballet journey started with her training at the Miharu Ishikawa Ballet School when she was just a young girl. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she was accepted into the San Francisco Ballet School, where she further honed her skills and refined her technique. Takeshima’s commitment to ballet was unwavering, and she continued to pursue her passion throughout the 90s and early 2000s.
Takeshima’s talents as a dancer gained international recognition, and she had the opportunity to dance with renowned ballet companies around the world. She performed with Universal Ballet in Korea, the Alberta Ballet Company in Canada, and the Feld Ballet in the United States. In 1993, Takeshima moved to Holland and joined the Dutch National Ballet, further expanding her artistic repertoire.
In 2006, Takeshima received an invitation that would shape her future in both dance and design. Aaron Watkin, the director of the Semperoper Ballett, asked Takeshima to join the company as a Principal dancer. Takeshima, who had danced alongside Watkin for many years, accepted the offer and became an integral part of the newly revised company. Her grace, technique, and artistic expression captivated audiences and solidified her position as a respected dancer.
Takeshima’s talents extended beyond the stage. During her time as a dancer, she began sketching designs for leotards and experimenting with various fabrics. What started as a hobby soon gained recognition from her fellow dancers, who started requesting custom body suits of their own. In 2002, Takeshima founded her dancewear brand, YUMIKO, which quickly gained popularity among the ballet community. YUMIKO now has stores in New York, Spain, Germany, and Japan, and the brand’s workshops and clothing production are based in Cazalla de la Sierra, Spain.
As a costume designer, Takeshima has collaborated with renowned choreographers and designed costumes for prestigious ballet companies, including The Royal Ballet, Finnish National Ballet, Scottish Ballet, Boston Ballet, Vienna State Ballet, Polish National Ballet, Norwegian National Ballet, Royal Ballet of Flanders, and Mariinsky Ballet. Her designs have adorned the dancers of these companies, enhancing their performances and contributing to the overall visual aesthetics of the productions.
Throughout her career, Takeshima has received recognition for her exceptional contributions to the world of dance. In 1996, she won a gold medal at the Serge Lifar International Ballet Competition in Kyiv. She was also awarded the ‘Best Female Dancer Award’ by Dance Europe Magazine in 2003 and 2005, a testament to her talent and dedication.
Yumiko Takeshima’s passion for ballet, combined with her creative flair as a designer, has left an indelible mark on the dance world. Her contributions to both the art of dance and the world of fashion are an inspiration to aspiring dancers and designers alike. Through her dancewear brand YUMIKO, she continues to support and empower dancers worldwide, ensuring they feel confident and comfortable in their performance attire. Takeshima’s legacy as a dancer, designer, and innovator will forever be part of women’s history in the realm of ballet.
Awards:
– Gold Medal, Serge Lifar International Ballet Competition (1996)
– Best Female Dancer Award, Dance Europe Magazine (2003, 2005)