Sayaka Karasugi is originally from Japan.

 

She has performed professionally in many countries including Japan, Korea, Canada, and in the United States.

 

Sayaka graduated from Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) School Professional Division with distinction, and joined RWB Aspirant Program where she had performed and toured internationally with RWB Company. She then joined the Colorado Ballet, where she performed many leading/principal roles in both classical and non-classical ballet productions.

 

Sayaka retired from Colorado Ballet in 2011, and she received a full scholarship to enroll in the Dance Department of Colorado State University. Sayaka studied with Carol Roderick to obtain Bachelor of Arts, Magna Cum Laude in Dance in August 2013, and she became a faculty member of CSU Dance Department. 

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Sayaka also taught ballet technique, pointe, variation, and repertoire at Colorado Ballet Academy, and she also prepared students for local and regional competitions in the USA. Sayaka has guest taught in Zikr Dance Ensemble, Colorado State University Dance Teachers' Institute, International Association of Blacks in Dance, and many ballet schools in the USA and Japan. 

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Sayaka had an opportunity to work with and be featured in the Sound Venture Production's award-winning Canadian Television series "The Toy Castle." Sayaka was nominated for a best actress in the Canada's Gemini Awards in 2003.  Sayaka is also a owner/designer of  "Tutu by Sayaka" - she makes miniature ballet tutus that are sold everywhere in the USA and Japan, including at the Colorado Ballet's boutique.  

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