From Student to Star : Shiori Kase

From Student to Star : Shiori Kase, Artist, English National Ballet

I am delighted to show another specially commissioned drawing by Sarah, a naturally talented artist, to introduce this latest interview series. Sarah’s brief was to depict the dancers’ progression from student to professional, and the resulting sketch perfectly represents that transition.

From Student to Star is a series of interviews featuring Graduates as they begin their professional careers, and will be following them regularly.

Kase has a contract with English National Ballet, after graduating from The Royal Ballet School this summer. I reviewed the end of year matinee performance of The Dream, where Kase danced the role of Cobweb.

What have you enjoyed most since joining English National Ballet ?

I’m really enjoying the Company life! We did Giselle in Manchester and I loved to do it!!  It was really good to dance on stage as a professional.


How does Company life differ from your student days ?

First of all, I really love that I can wear whatever I like for class and rehearsal, because when I was student I had to wear school uniform - so I bought lots of ballet clothes!! The main difference is working for myself. When I was student, my teacher always helped me, but now I have to push myself.

What are your best achievements as a student ?

As a student I got lots of chances to dance. For me the most challenging was to dance Le Corsaire pas de deux; however I have danced it many times which allowed me to improve on it for each performance. I think that was really good experience for me and I enjoyed dancing it every single time!

Which professional dancer/s do you most admire and why ?

I love Darcey Bussell and Alina Cojocaru! I watched Darcey as Manon in Japan when The Royal Ballet came to visit, and I thought she was AMAZING and I wanted to dance like her.  Also, that’s why I wanted to come here and study at the same school as her. I think Alina dances so politely and beautifully. I always try to get a ticket when she is dancing! I really enjoy watching her ALL THE TIME.

What do you think you bring to the Company ?

I will hopefully be able to show that I am eager to learn as much as possible and to prove myself as a dancer.


How was your first day ?

I was so nervous! I felt like everyone was watching me and thinking that I was bad!! But I really enjoyed the class.

Which role would you most like to dance ?

Manon!! When I watched Manon, I just fell in love with this ballet!! But now I want to dance Giselle as well.


What did you enjoy about touring to Barcelona ?

I loved Barcelona. I danced Sheharazade so I had lots of time to see the city!


What would you say to those students entering their Graduate year now ?

Enjoy your last year of school! I think the graduate year is the most important year and to take each day one at a time.

Where would you like to be this time next year ?

I want to dance more than now and I want to improve!