Global Regional Jury Biography

Ayako Fujioka

Leaves a lasting impression on the art form and those she has inspired.

 

Ayako embarked on her ballet journey at the Sapporo Buyoukai in Japan, where she honed her skills and passion for dance. Her exceptional talent and dedication were recognized in 1987 when she was awarded a prestigious scholarship from the Compagnie de Ballet Daini Kudo. This scholarship provided her with the opportunity to study in France, immersing herself in the rich and diverse world of ballet. During her time in France, Ayako graced the stages of numerous international productions, captivating audiences with her artistry and technical prowess.

 

Ayako's ascent in the ballet world continued in 1989 when she was invited to perform as a guest artist at the Gala Performance of Le Prix de Lausanne in Tokyo. This prestigious invitation further cemented her status as a rising star. In 1991, she joined the Tokyo Festival Ballet and embarked on a tour of the United States of America, where her performances garnered critical acclaim and solidified her reputation as a captivating and versatile dancer. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, Ayako received the Science and Culture Award from the Hokkaido Youth Arts Centre and the Culture Award from Ebetsu City.

 

In 1995, after a year with the Hong Kong Ballet, Ayako was promoted to Principal Dancer due to her exceptional talent and artistry. During her time with the Hong Kong Ballet, Ayako received many awards, including Best Performance in a Solo Role, Dancer's Dancer of the Season, Performance of the Year in a Character Role, and Outstanding Achievement in Dancer's Awards, all from the Friends of Hong Kong Ballet. These awards highlighted her versatility, expressiveness, and technical brilliance. Furthermore, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council recognized her contributions to Hong Kong dance with a place in "The Hong Kong Dance Hall of Fame," solidifying her status as an icon of Hong Kong ballet.

 

Ayako's illustrious career in ballet underwent a significant transition in 2002, marking a shift from her role as a principal dancer to that of a devoted educator. With a wealth of knowledge, experience, and an unwavering passion for the art form, Ayako has dedicated herself to nurturing and guiding aspiring dancers, helping them navigate their own artistic journeys. Currently a Senior Ballet Teacher at the Hong Kong Youth Ballet Academy, Ayako plays a key role in shaping future ballet dancers. Additionally, as Ballet Mistress of the Asian Grand Prix International Ballet Competition and former Artistic Director of Youth Ballet of Asia, her commitment to fostering young talent and promoting ballet is evident. Ayako's influence as both a performer and educator exemplifies the transformative power of dance and leaves a lasting impact on the ballet world.