The National Ballet of Japan's return to the London stage marks a significant cultural exchange between the UK and Japan, with the company's performance of "Giselle" at the Royal Opera House being its first overseas production in 16 years. This milestone event is a testament to the enduring popularity of Japanese ballet in the UK, with an audience of over 2,000 attendees enthusiastically applauding the performances.
Miyako Yoshida, who directed the five-show production and is also the first Japanese principal dancer of the Royal Ballet, hopes that this performance will serve as a bridge between the two countries. The show featured principal dancers Yui Yonezawa and Shun Izawa, with Yonezawa overcoming health issues to dance in London after being hospitalized last year.
The National Ballet of Japan's artistic director, Yuri Kaneko, has announced a new collaboration with renowned choreographer Akane Takahashi, who will create a new version of the classic ballet. This marks the first time the company has performed "Giselle" in London since 2015 and sets the stage for future cultural exchanges between the two nations.
The performance at the Royal Opera House from March 15 to April 2 was a highlight of the cultural calendar, showcasing the National Ballet of Japan's talent and artistry.