Erina Tanaka is delighted to be dancing with Canada’s Ballet Jörgen. Originally from New York, Erina received her pre-professional training from the SLK Ballet School and supplementary training from various Summer Intensives with the English National Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre, Bolshoi Ballet, and Cincinnati Ballet. Erina comes to CBJ after a two-year apprenticeship with Eugene Ballet in Oregon. Get to know Erina in this interview about her career highlights and reflections on joining CBJ.
” I’m looking forward to connecting with more aspiring young dancers through CBJ performance tours and Ballet 101 programs.”
What have been some highlights of your dance career so far?
I was previously at Eugene Ballet, in Oregon, as an apprentice for two years. During my second year with Eugene Ballet, I was cast in a soloist role when Stephen Mills, the Artistic Director of Ballet Austin, came to set his incredible production of Hamlet on us. I also had the wonderful experience of performing Val Caniparoli’s Tutto Eccetto Il Lavandino my first season with Eugene Ballet. Tutto was an extremely challenging ballet, and it gave me the opportunity to perform next to two of the company’s principal female dancers. It was really inspiring to dance next to these two incredible artists. It brought my dancing to the next level.
What does it mean to you to be dancing with Canada’s Ballet Jörgen?
I am really excited for the touring aspect of CBJ. My previous company toured The Nutcracker, which gave me the opportunity to meet several aspiring young dancers who gave me a whole new perspective on being a ballet dancer. Before I joined my first professional company, I would easily get frustrated with myself, always wanting everything to be “perfect.” But the energetic young dancers I met on tour made me realize I just need to enjoy every moment and not get frustrated with myself. I’m looking forward to connecting with more aspiring young dancers through CBJ performance tours and Ballet 101 programs.
“I am also truly honored to be a part of Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet™.”
What are you looking forward to as you look ahead to this performance season?
I am looking forward to getting to know everyone in the company and travelling to all the beautiful places throughout Canada! I am also truly honored to be a part of Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet™. I am a dancer in a variety of scenes. So far, I’ve gotten to work on the Bird in the nature scene and be one of the schoolgirls. I am very excited to be bringing Anne of Green Gables to the stage!
You can see Erina onstage in CBJ’s newest production, Anne of Green Gables – The Ballet™. The show premieres September 28, 2019 in Halifax, Nova Scotia and will tour Canada and the United States. Click here for a list of tour dates.
Written by Victoria Campbell Windle, CBJ Communications Contributor.
Follow us on Facebook @balletjorgencanada to stay current on news, events and performances.