Dancer

Nae Nishimura was born in 1994 in Osaka, Japan and started her dance training as a toddler at Soda Ballet School in Osaka. When she was 15 years old, she won a scholarship at the Young American Grand Prix to attend The Australian Ballet School in Melbourne, where she graduated in dance. During her studies there, she went on tour with The Australian Ballet in Melbourne.

Where are you from?
I’m from Osaka, the second biggest city in Japan. I have a younger sister and brother. When we’re together, we have an amazing and funny time. When I am at home, I love to go to the cinema with them on the weekend. My family is always supporting me and makes me happy.

When did you start to train ballet and what was your motivation?
When I was 3 years old, my mother took me to a ballet school in Japan. After 5 years I realized “THIS IS WHAT I REALLY WANT TO DO,” and I started to think about leaving Japan to study ballet at a professional international ballet school.

What has been the most special moment of your dance career so far?
When I was 15, I got a scholarship from The Australian Ballet School – that was my most special moment of my dance career. I was very close to giving up my dream, because I didn’t get an opportunity to study ballet outside of Japan.

How would you describe yourself?
I’d rather leave it to others to describe me.

What were your first experiences in Dortmund?
My first experience in Dortmund was the night after an important football game, at Dortmund Central Station. There were so many people dressed in yellow t-shirts everywhere. People were singing and jumping. It was very fun to see them and I could see how people in Dortmund love to watch football games.

What dreams do you have?
I have lots of dream ballet pieces… But I love to dance contemporary and neo-classical pieces. So, I am really happy to be at Ballet Dortmund. Because I think this company will give me the opportunity to dance amazing ballet pieces during this season.

What are your interests besides dancing?
On the weekend, I love to go out and take nice pictures at the park or the city. Now that I am in Europe, I am thinking of going to other cities or countries to take photographs during the holidays. Also, I am very interested in fashion. If I have the time I always go downtown to look at the new collections in ZARA, MANGO, H&M, and all other amazing stores.