Dancer

Haruka Sassa was born in Toyama, Japan, in 1993. She received her dance education among others at the Tokyo City Ballet’s Academy and the Houston Ballet’s Ben Stevenson Academy. After finishing her studies she worked at the Tokyo City Ballet for two years before Xin Peng Wang engaged her for the NRW Junior Ballet for the season 2015/2016.

Where are you from?
I am from Chiba, Japan. I have a younger sister and I love spending my time with my family.

When did you start to train ballet and what was your motivation?
I started ballet when I was 5 or 6. I love taking classes, learning new steps, learning new choreographies, being able to do whatever teachers want me to do, and being on stage… I love every part of ballet and I just never stopped.

What has been the most special moment of your dance career so far?
Working with Leo Mujic and his assistant Ilja Lowen for his new creation for Tokyo City Ballet. They inspired me a lot. I learned so much from them. They’ve changed the way I work at the ballet. And it was my first time doing neo-classical ballet and it made me interested in ballet companies in Europe. This experience is definitely one of the reason why I am here now in Ballet Dortmund.

How would you describe yourself?
In private, I am an easy-going person. I do whatever I want to do. I love being with my friends and family, but I also like to be alone. As an artist, I am strict with myself.

What were your first experiences in Dortmund?
My first experience in Dortmund was an audition. I actually enjoyed the audition. I chose to come to Germany because I was looking for a change.

What dreams do you have?
Becoming a professional ballet dancer was my dream when I was little and I am very lucky to be able to do what I love to do everyday and doing it as a work. Living my dream! I am very thankful to everyone who’s supporting me.

What are your interests besides dancing?
I love listening to the music. And I also like to go outside and just walk around the city on a sunny day.