By GAKUSHI FUJIWARA/ Staff Writer
April 11, 2023 at 15:08 JST
Shinji Mitoma, 11, wins first place in the men’s classical dance category in the pre-competitive age division of the Youth America Grand Prix. (Provided by LK Studio)
Japanese ballet dancer Shinji Mitoma, 11, won his age group in the Youth America Grand Prix, one of the most famed international ballet competitions for young dancers alongside the Prix de Lausanne, on April 9.
Mitoma was awarded first place in the men’s classical dance category in the pre-competitive age division for 9 to 11 year olds as of Jan. 1 in the finals held in Tampa, Florida.
“I’m very happy,” said Mitoma, who is from Yokohama. “I want to thank my family and coaches.”
Three other dancers originally from Japan also won prizes in the competition.
Placing second to Mitoma was Leon Yusei Sai, 12, who also won second place in the contemporary dance category. He is currently living in the United States.
Eleven-year-old Anne Takahashi from Saitama took second place in the women’s classical dance category, while Yuzuki Okubo, 13, from Anjo, Aichi Prefecture, finished second in the same category in the junior age division for 12 to 14 year olds.
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