A Special Ballet Workshop Taught Directly by Head Judge Kenichi SokiWork Shop
On Saturday, October 25th, the day before the competition, Mr. Kenichi Soki will offer direct guidance at the Kusatsu CREA Hall Rehearsal Room, providing precise advice to bring out the best in your dancing. The workshop is packed with invaluable tips for a final technique review, as well as for enhancing your musicality, expressiveness, and stage presence.
Workshop Instructor: Kenichi Soki
Kenichi Soki
Representative of Soki Ballet International
Born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.
He began studying ballet at the age of three under Mika Nemoto, Daniel Levans, Serge Stefanschi,Roy Tobias, Peter Breuer, David Howard, and others.
In 1985, at the age of 16, he became one of the youngest dancers to pass the audition for the Universal Ballet Company, officially joining after graduating from high school.
In 1990, he moved to the Hong Kong Ballet as a soloist.
From 1991, he danced as a soloist with the Salzburg State Theatre Ballet in Austria, performing across Europe in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, and Spain.
He returned to Japan in 1996.
From 1997, he was contracted as a soloist with The National Ballet of Japan,Tokyo. In the same year, he founded Soki Ballet International in Sendai.
In 1999, he opened a purpose-built ballet studio in Izumi Park Town, Sendai, and established his base there to begin full-scale teaching.
In 2007, he choreographed the set combinations (enchaînement) for the Junior and Senior Men’s divisions at the 18th All Japan Ballet Competition of the Japan Ballet Association.
He also served as a judge and choreographer for the enchaînement in the Women’s and Men’s divisions at the Japan Ballet Association Kyushu North Branch Ballet Competitions in 2010, 2011, 2016, and 2017.
In 2012, upon the recommendation of Mr. Kenji Usui, he served as a Japanese judge at the 25th Varna International Ballet Competition.
Since 2013, he has been a regular judge for the All Japan Ballet Union.
In 2016, he served as a judge at the Korea International Ballet Competition.
Since 2017, he has been a regular judge for the Canaan International Ballet Competition (Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan).
In 2018, he taught at the Dutch National Ballet Academy and choreographed Grande Défilé for Chula Vista Ballet (San Diego, USA). His work Romance won 1st place in the Contemporary Junior Division at the YAGP 2019 Japan Semi-Final.
Since 2019, he has been coordinating scholarships and teaching at the Kirov Academy of Ballet of Washington DC.
Since 2020, he has been serving as a judge and master class teacher at the Miami International Ballet Competition.
He currently teaches workshops and competition coaching both in Japan and internationally, offering “lessons that balance mind and body,” based on his Self-Acceptance Theory.
Honors and Positions
• Representative, Soki Ballet International
• Member, Miyagi Prefecture Western Dance Association
• Councilor, Asia Ballet Academy
• 16th Varna International Ballet Competition, Senior Division – Organizing Committee Award
• 6th Paris International Dance Competition, Classical Senior Division – Prize Recipient
• 60th Tokyo Shimbun National Dance Competition – Excellent Teacher Award
• 1st Sendai Ballet Competition for Youth – Excellent Teacher Award
• 2nd and 4th Japan Grand Prix – Teacher’s Award
• 1st Yokosuka International Ballet Competition – Excellent Teacher Award
• 16th Ballet Competition 21 – Excellent Teacher Award
• 11th, 12th, and 13th All Japan Ballet Union – Teacher’s Award
[Class A] For 2nd-5th Grade Students (Boys & Girls, 2+ yrs experience) Capacity: 25A Class
This class emphasizes fundamentals and teaches students how to apply them to competition variations. Participants will experience firsthand how strong basic skills directly translate into powerful dancing.
Check-in Time: 13:00–13:20
Class Time: 13:30–15:00
[Class B] For 6th Grade+ Students (Boys & Girls, 3+ yrs experience) Capacity: 25B Class
Building on a solid foundation, this class offers thorough instruction to stabilize and improve technical precision. Students will refine the technique and expressiveness required to succeed in competitions.
Check-in Time: 14:45–15:05
Class Time: 15:15–16:45
Other InformationOther Details
How to Apply
Please click the entry button above, fill in the required information, and submit your application.
The participation fee is to be paid in Japanese yen at the registration desk on the day of the event.
What to Bring
Practice wear (leotard, etc.)
Warm-up attire
Ballet shoes & Pointe shoes
Towel
Drinks, etc.
Cancellation Policy
8 to 14 days before the class date: 70% of the tuition fee will be charged.
7 days or less before the class date (including the day of): 100% of the tuition fee will be charged.
The above cancellation fees will apply.
Venue DetailsVenue Details
Kusatsu City CREA Hall [Workshop will be held in the Rehearsal Room]
Address: 6-15-11 Noji, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-0059, Japan | Phone: 077-564-5815
Please refrain from contacting Kusatsu CREA Hall directly with inquiries about this workshop.