Osaka Ballerina to Study with the San Francisco Ballet

In September, 2001, Ms. Misa Kuranaga came to San Francisco to train and study with the San Francisco Ballet for one year.

"Her affiliated school and ballet troupe, the Jinushi Kaoru Ballet Troup, has enjoyed a long and deep relationship with the City of Osaka since itsestablishment in 1988. With most performances centered in Osaka, the nationally recognized Troupe receives official support and subsidies from Osaka City.

By demonstrating a commitment to educate its students in both the technical strictures of authentic classical ballet and in the larger context of community involvement, the City is deservedly proud of their prodigious history. Exemplifying such high standards is the young woman coming to your shores, Ms. Misa Kuranaga." _Office of the Mayor, Osaka

Her accolades are many...

1983 Born on north side of Osaka City

1993 1st Place at 3rd Japan Ballet Nationals in Nagoya, garnering theattention of the coach of the prestigious Bolshoi Troupe in Russia and invited to make guest performance at gala concert for the 7th Moscow Ballet Internationals.

1997 1st Place at 54th Japan Dance Nationals in Tokyo 1st Place at 7th Japan Ballet Nationals in Nagoya.

2001 Jan Awarded professional scholarship at 29th Lausanne Ballet Internationals, and subsequently decides to make use of it by pursuing one-year training/study with SF Ballet Troupe from September 2001.

2001 June 1st Place (Gold Medal) at 9th Moscow Ballet Internationals, making the Senior High School student the first Japanese ever to take first prize in the junior division of this meet, widely considered as the proving ground of the world's best ballet dancers.