Get to know Japan Intensive guest teacher and alumna Nao Sakuma

Alumna and former Birmingham Royal Ballet Principal Nao Sakuma will be a guest teacher at The Royal Ballet School’s Japan Intensive this December. The Intensive Course, sponsored by Kinoshita Group, will feature selective and non-selective courses, additional coaching sessions and adult classes all taught by the School’s Artistic staff. 

Nao, originally from Fukuoka, Japan, first heard of the School when she travelled to Switzerland to compete in the Prix de Lausanne. She made it to the semi-finals, where she met the School’s former Artistic Director, Merle Park. ‘While competing at the Prix de Lausanne, Merle Park invited me to audition for the School in London. The next day, I took a class with the students, and she said I could start at the School that September.’ 

Some of her favourite memories from training at the School were learning classical repertory and performing. ‘As a 1st Year student, I was chosen to be one of four girls in Napoli and a main role in Concerto for the School’s performance. I received great coaching from Ms. Julie Lincoln and a guest teacher from Royal Danish Ballet. That was such a nice experience.’ 

Her performance opportunities led her to Birmingham Royal Ballet, where she performed in the corps de ballet as a student and never left. ‘I actually didn’t do anything to get into the Company. When I started thinking about auditioning for companies as a student, the School sent me to Birmingham because they needed an extra corps girl for Coppelia and Swan Lake. I stayed with the Company for three months to do tours in the UK and internationally. Then, they offered me a contract for the next season. I was very lucky.’ 

After 23 years with Birmingham Royal Ballet, Nao returned to her homeland, where she still performs and now teaches the art form. She earned her Diploma of Dance Teaching from The Royal Ballet School. ‘I feel very honoured to teach at The Royal Ballet School’s Intensive Course. I taught last year as well, but I felt nervous to teach at the same level and quality as teachers from the School,’ she admits. ‘Since I was a Principal dancer for 16 years and performed many different ballets, and because I am still performing in Japan, I know I can teach to that quality, and I want to give the students all the knowledge I have.’ 

With her own chance opportunity to join the School in Switzerland, and the luck she experienced earning a place at Birmingham Royal Ballet, Nao advises students that seizing these unexpected opportunities are key to building a career in the ballet industry. ‘The chances in your life will come all of a sudden. You never know when. So, try to grab them when you can. This Intensive is such a good experience to take a chance.’ 

Learn more about the Japan Intensive Course here. Applications close 29 October 2025 for the selective course. Bookings for the non-selective course close 5 December 2025.