Wow. It didn't take long for Artistic Director Stanton Welch to recognize what a miracle he has in Yuriko Kajiya. After her performance last night during which she opened the run of Houston Ballet's The Nutcracker as the Sugar Plum Fairy opposite Charles-Louis Yoshiyama's Prince, Welch walked on stage and announced her promotion to principal dancer.
It restores one's faith in how America treats its authentic classical ballet stars and makes so many of us in New York so happy and proud.
This pic is from her and Jared's recent Detroit performance of Giselle. We can hardly wait for Houston to see them in this ballet.
Congratulations to Yuriko for a promotion that is long deserved. Here's hoping that Jared is next in line.
Posted by: angelica | November 29, 2014 at 08:46 AM
Yep, here's hoping....
Posted by: Haglund | November 29, 2014 at 12:39 PM
This is wonderful.
Posted by: J | December 01, 2014 at 12:27 AM
Hi. J. Yes, Yuriko is about to enter a ballerina league of her own. She's going to be one of those unusual "full service" ballerinas who can excel in the whole range of classics. Her Giselle was miraculous; her Coppelia and Nutcracker were stunning; and her Don Q was a revelation of pristine classicism and musicality employed to accomplish thrilling technical feats. I can only imagine the magic that will be her Odette/Odile, R&J, and all the greatest dramatic works.
Posted by: Haglund | December 01, 2014 at 08:47 AM
I am thrilled to hear this news.
Casting for this Friday's Jubilee of Dance lists Yuriko and Jared dancing Act II Pas de Deux from Giselle. Lucky Houstonians!
http://www.houstonballet.org/Ticketing-Schedule/Jubilee-of-Dance-Casting/
Posted by: Patricia | December 01, 2014 at 01:39 PM
Lucky they are! I still spend a lot of time thinking about their performance in Detroit last month.
Posted by: Haglund | December 01, 2014 at 05:04 PM
Congrats to Yuriko, Such a talent!
Posted by: Princessgrace | December 05, 2014 at 08:18 AM