The Beauty of Dance, Part Seven: Chae Eun Yang, Houston Ballet, Houston, TX

Chae Eun Yang is another ballet dancer from Korea who has found success in North America.

The Seoul-born Ms. Yang joined the Houston Ballet in 2013, but she also danced with the National Ballet of Canada for the 2017-18 ballet season before returning to Texas and joining the Houston company once again, as a member of the corps de ballet.  She has played roles in numerous ballets, including The Sleeping Beauty, The Winter's Tale, and, of course, The Nutcracker. 

Well, it's New Year's Eve, so that concludes my seventh series of beautiful dancers. My eighth series will appear in December 2020.  Happy new year - back in January with new subjects! 

The Beauty of Dance, Part Seven: Erica Villalpando, Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre, Long Beach, CA

Erica Villalpando is a modern dancer with the Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre, and she's also a teacher.

She's taught at colleges and universities all over southern California, including Chapman University and California State University at Long Beach.  Not only has she worked with numerous choreographers, her own choreography has been staged throughout the United States.  

Also, in her time with  Nannette Brodie Dance Theatre, Ms. Villalpando has presented dances such as Faith, Hope &  Love. . . , Polymorphic and Journey of Change.

Fun fact.: In 2003, she helped develop a creative dance program that has served as a state model program in California.

The Beauty of Dance, Part Seven: Shoko Tamai

Shoko Tamai doesn't belong to a dance company.  She is a dance company.

 

Originally from Japan, Ms. Tamai began training as a ballerina at an early age and worked her way up to perform with some of the most prestigious companies and schools, including the Central School of Ballet in London, the American Academy of Ballet in New York,m and the Paris Opera.  She's toured throughout the world as well.

Now based in New York., Shoko Tamai is a free agent, performing in her own Shoko Tamai Dance Theatre.  She's expanded her repertoire to include modern and contemporary dance, and she done gigs in experimental theaters dance venues and with numerous collaborators, including the Dance Theatre of Harlem.   She's even worked as - big surprise - a model.

By defying expectations, Shoko Tamai is one dancer who refuses to be pegged.