Ms. Yoko Morishita
Dubbed the "Prima Ballerina of the World" and the "Pearl of the Orient," Yoko Morishita was the first Japanese ballet dancer to flourish on the international.
She started to study ballet at the age of three and entered the Matsuyama Ballet Company in 1971. After she won the Gold Medal at the 1974 Varna International Ballet Competition, she made many guest appearances with leading ballet companies around the world. She was the first Japanese ballet dancer to make an appearance in Paris Opera.
Ms. Morishita has received numerous awards including the prestigious Laurence Oliver in 1985. Even after 61 years of dancing career, she still practice 5 hours every day, honing her skill as an active prima ballerina.
(Left-Right: K. Kawasaki, Yoko Morishita, Tetsutaro Shimizu)
12 September 2012: The recipients of the 24th PRAEMIUM IMPERIALE
23 October 2012: The 24th Praemium Imperial Awards Ceremony
Source
http://www.praemiumimperiale.org/
Link
http://www.matsuyama-ballet.com/
