2024.25 Trainee 1
Trainee 1, Trainee Program
Joined Trainee Program: 2024
Hometown: Aichi, Japan
Mana Shirai
Trainee 1
2024.25 Trainee 1
Joined Trainee Program: 2019
Hometown: Carmel, Indiana
I first fell in love with ballet at age 3 after seeing an amazing performance by former Mariinsky and Bolshoi dancers in my home state. Soon after, I insisted my parents enroll me in classes. My parents allowed me to begin taking ballet classes when I turned age 4. During those foundational years, I studied with respected teachers certified in various methods of training including: The Cecchetti Method, ABT National Training Curriculum, and The Vaganova Method.
Neither of my parents have a background in ballet, but as I gained more experience, they realized I would need to challenge my skills outside of my home studios. My parents had read about Youth America Grand Prix and at age 10, they convinced my teachers to allow me to compete. I was excited to be the youngest from my school to participate, placing in the top 12 in the pre-competitive category.
YAGP became an excellent resource over the following 5 years, helping me to grow in my technique and artistry. In addition, I began taking supplemental classes through Indianapolis City Ballet’s Master Class Series, which ran six seasons. During that time, I had the fortune to take classes with world renowned ballet dancers and teachers, including Ms. Julie Kent and Mrs. Xiomara Reyes. I would also go on to participate in ballet summer intensives at world-renowned programs, including San Francisco Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre, and Kaatsbaan.
In the summer of 2019, I auditioned for a spot in The Washington School of Ballet’s year-round program. During this audition I felt an instant connection with Mrs. Reyes and Mr. Imaev. The way they communicated corrections, for instance, resonated with me in a new way. I joined TWSB that fall, and I will never forget the feeling of walking through the doors of the gorgeous Joseph C. Coleman Studios for my first class; I knew I was “home.”
With the support and training of teachers at TWSB, I have thrived and grown as a dancer. I have had the joy of dancing prominent roles, including Clara in TWB’s Nutcracker at the historic Warner Theater, Mercedes in TWSB’s Don Quixote, as well as supporting roles in TWB’s Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake performances at the prestigious Kennedy Center. These opportunities have deepened my knowledge of this beautiful art form, improved my skills, and helped me to gain more confidence. I look forward to another rewarding year ahead with the incoming leadership of Ms. Vives and Mr. Liang!
Jillian Schene, 24.25 School Year Lynn Cote Memorial Scholarship Recipient
2024.25 Trainee 1
Hometown: Washington, DC
Joined Trainee Program: 2022
2024-2025 School Year Rory J. Schwartz Scholarship Recipient