NHK

11-year-old Japanese ballet dancer wins top prize at Youth America Grand Prix

An 11-year-old Japanese ballet dancer won a top prize in the Youth America Grand Prix in Florida on Sunday.

Mitoma Shinji won first place in the men's classical dance category for performers aged nine to eleven.

Mitoma said in an online interview that he danced with gratitude for all the people who have helped him. He said he wants to be a dancer who can make everyone feel happy.

Other Japanese winners included 10-year-old Takahashi Anne, who was placed second in the women's classical category for performers aged nine to eleven.

Thirteen-year-old Okubo Yuzuki tied for second place in the women's classical category for dancers between the ages of 12 and 14.
The finalists were selected from preliminary rounds held in more than 10 countries, including Japan, South Korea, Australia, France and Spain.

Youth America Grand Prix is considered one of the world's most prestigious competitions for young ballet dancers, along with the Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland.

Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230410_16/