Global Regional Jury Biography

Miwa Horikawa

Influence extends beyond the stage.

 

Miwa Horikawa, a Japanese dance artist and choreographer, has garnered international recognition for her innovative, emotionally resonant, and technically precise choreography. Her work is showcased in prestigious dance institutions and schools globally and frequently chosen by dancers for international competitions, where it has garnered numerous awards. Miwa is also a sought-after guest coach and choreographer at dance institutions worldwide, where she shares her expertise and inspires aspiring dancers.

 

MIwa's exceptional talent manifested early in her life. At the tender age of 13, she received the prestigious Minister of Education Encouragement Award at the National Dance Competition of Japan, a clear indication of her prodigious abilities and future potential. Her formal training culminated in her graduation from the esteemed Beijing Dance Academy in 1989. Following her graduation, she embarked on a professional career that led her to join the Hong Kong Ballet and Singapore Dance Theatre, where she quickly rose to prominence, playing a leading role in the majority of their performances and captivating audiences with her technical prowess and artistic expression.

 

In 1995, Miwa returned to her native Japan to further develop her artistic voice and explore new creative avenues. She dedicated her talents to the "Art Ballet Naniwazu" in Osaka, where she honed her skills as both a performer and choreographer until 2001. Driven by her entrepreneurial spirit and artistic vision, she founded her own companies, "Kansai Dance Art" and "Miwa Horikawa Ballet Studio," platforms that allowed her to fully realize her creative vision and nurture emerging talent. Her expertise and leadership also led her to serve as a ballet master at the renowned Takarazuka Musical Theatre from 2003 to 2011. Subsequently, she took on the roles of ballet master and choreographer for two prominent dance art institutions in Hong Kong from 2011 to 2015, further solidifying her reputation as a leading figure in the dance world.

 

In 2019, Miwa's commitment to fostering dance excellence led her to establish a dance competition in partnership with the Sensational Ballet Company. This initiative reflects her deep-seated desire to contribute her vast experience and knowledge to the local dance community, promoting performance, creativity, and education, and ensuring the continued vitality and evolution of the art form to which she has dedicated her life.