"Yuki has been an incredible instructor and mentor to me for about ten years and I am very grateful for her training and support. Yuki combines her extensive knowledge of ballet technique and anatomy to provide individualized training to each of her students. Working with her allowed me to finally grasp so much about ballet technique that I had struggled to understand before. Yuki helped me grow as a dancer and as an artist. She is a wonderful person and an inspiring teacher!"
— Erika E
“I've been taking Adult Ballet classes with Yuki for the better part of 10 years, first at the Continental Ballet Company in Bloomington, then at Yuki's home studio, and now on Zoom. I have also taken every chance to watch her perform over that time, in classic roles with CBC and in her own choreography. Yuki is a beautifully expressive dancer, an excellent teacher, and a wonderfully creative choreographer and collaborator. She is also unfailingly kind and supportive with her students, challenging us but correcting gently and encouraging us when needed. Yuki really understands body structure and mechanics, so she can explain a movement or give a quick tip that suddenly makes things fall into line. She mixes familiar warm-ups with a variety of combinations at the barre and center, telling us to "have fun" as we're learning something new. Beyond her considerable dance skills, Yuki is just a lovely person.”
— Diana W
“Miss Yuki is a wonderful teacher! In the three years I’ve worked with Miss Yuki, my understanding of my body and overall ballet technique has improved dramatically. She has a very sharp and careful eye for detail and is very specific and particular in her corrections, which has helped me improve the things I’ve struggled with throughout my ballet career. My confidence in myself has also greatly improved! I just wish I had met Miss Yuki about a decade earlier! I cannot recommend her enough!”
- Haruna A
Everything about Yuki's dancing is lovely! She is expressive as both a dancer and choreographer and able to draw an audience in with movement and physical expression. As a teacher, she is always encouraging students to push themselves within the bounds of their own bodies instead of asking for perfect extensions or turns. Additionally, her approach to asking students what they're feeling and what they're thinking about throughout lessons is beneficial both to her as a teacher and to help students put into words how they're applying technique to improve their dancing.
No matter what level you're at with your dancing, she's able and willing to teach you more. If you get a chance, definitely take class and/or private lessons with her!
- Sara V
"I've been taking Yuki's class for a few years now, and her attention to detail has helped me hone how I use the muscles in my legs and core. Her nuanced and specific corrections have had a ripple effect through my dancing - my posture has improved, and I can balance more easily and predictably. In addition, I find Yuki to be a positive energy, pointing out ways to improve but also celebrating successes. I feel energized by the combination of working on technique and experiencing joy her class."
- Nina E
I had a great time and learned a lot whilst training with Yuki during my summer off. She was very encouraging and had such a great positive energy while teaching. Her classes offered personal attention to each student. Yuki is such a supportive teacher and a sweet person! She was also my first pilates instructor!
- Hanna T