Join us backstage for a VIP interview with Ballet Beautiful Master Trainer, Yukiko Kashiki. Get to know the bright and joyful dancer behind our new Subscriber Exclusive Choreography Workshop Livestreams.
1. When and how did you start dancing? I started ballet at age three. My mom took me to see Swan Lake by the Bolshoi Ballet. I was truly mesmerized by their performance, and I convinced my parents to put me in a ballet studio
2. What made you fall in love with dance?
Once I became enchanted by ballet, there was no looking back. I fell deeper and deeper in love with the beauty, grace, and charm that ballet brings to your life. It's not easy, but ballet was my hearts desire and all the hard work and challenges that I experienced was worth it.
3. What is your greatest strength as a dancer?
There are many elements in training to be a dancer that teach you great life lessons. I learned how to dedicate myself to daily practice, be patient, understand my strengths and weakness, so awareness of the body is my greatest strength.
4. Can you describe a core memory of you dancing? Set the stage for us!
I've had great opportunities to work with and be coached by some acclaimed choreographers and teachers. Every time I worked with them, something incredible happened like it unlocked more joy in my heart. Through coaching, their voices and their corrections, it fine tunes your dancing, like the final seasoning or garnish on a delicate dish. It is magical when it happens, it feels so complete. When you finally perform onstage, you experience this connection with the audience where everyone's energy meets yours. Live theater is enchanting!
5. What inspired you to begin teaching our Subscriber Exclusive Choreography Livestreams?
The professional level of ballet requires intensive training, but there is room for everyone to feel pure joy. I was wanting to give everyone the opportunity to experience the belle of dance. Dance is another language we can use to have fun and express pleasure!
6. In which ballets have you performed? What was your favorite role?
I believe I performed in The Nutcracker the most. I played many different roles in several productions; Clara, the Colombine (doll), the Mirlitons, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. In Sleeping Beauty, I've mostly played fairies, such as Diamond Fairy, and the Fairy of Courage. My top three favorite variations to dance were Giselle, Le Corsaire, and Paquita.
7. What is the best motivation for you to work out when you're having an "off" day?
My best motivation for an "off" day workout is choosing to dance or move in a way that I most enjoy. The choice could be the exercise, the targeted area, or just doing it together with friends. If you can think of exercising as a fun activity, it'll make your "off" day joyful!
8. What is your favorite BB Kitchen Recipe?
9. What is your favorite BB Challenge?
10-Day Bikini Challenge is my favorite. I'm a big fan of the Bikini workout series! I love the way the workouts tone my body! They're so targeted!
10. What is your MUST HAVE or Favorite BB Activewear or accessory?
I love and daily wear all the
Ballet Beautiful activewear, but my absolute go-to item is the
legwarmers! It's perfect for the cold weather, or when the AC is blasting indoors, or on a freezing airplane. I bring my
legwarmers everywhere I go!
We love sharing our brilliant BB Team! Get to know more about Yuki through her Meet the Trainer blog.
Join Yuki for 2 Thursday's each month at 11a for a Subscriber Exclusive Choreography Workshop! + Don't worry, if you missed a workshop, you can catch up with her in the Custom Workout Streaming Library.
If you haven't subscribed to the Ballet Beautiful Custom Workout yet, we invite you to dance with us to make 2022 your strongest year yet!
Join an Online Live Group Class with Yuki or one of our Master Trainers, today!
+ if you're interested in training privately with Yuki, email us at [email protected]
Tell us what you LOVE about the Subscriber Exclusive Choreography Workshop Livestreams below & drop a ballet you'd love to see featured as the choreography!
Have a beautiful workout!
Sincerely,
The Ballet Beautiful Team
I started Ballet Beautiful for weight loss and toning, but the choreography workshops are so much fun! They remind me of how much I loved classical ballet training when I was younger and they keep me motivated to continue working out for the joy and the artistry of dance, even when I feel discouraged about the weight loss.
Hi Kristina! We absolutely love hearing this!! Thank you so much for sharing!