 Maki Okochi / M.B.P.A. ( M.Ballet Performing Arts) - Director / instructor
I graduated from the Nihon University College of Arts, (one of the top schools of general arts in Japan) with a “Bachelor of Arts” degree in Drama”, specialized in performing arts.
I currently teach several adult and child classical ballet classes at the Japanese Association in Singapore and Orchard Studio.
My students participate in dance competitions in the Asia-Pacific Region and have received numerous honorable awards.
[ Details ]
I started learning classical ballet from the age of 4 (four), at “S. Aoyama Classical Ballet and Jazz Dance Studio” in Tokyo, Japan. I participated in numerous performances and competitions receiving many prizes and awards.
After high school, I entered Nihon University College of Arts to seek a Bachelor of Arts degree in drama. During my University years and after graduation, I performed numerous times as a professional dancer.
After the graduation of University, I established 2 (two) classical ballet studios in Tokyo and became a committee member of the “Tokyo-Chofu Dance Association.”
After moving to Singapore, I started teaching classical ballet for children and adults at the Japanese Association in Singapore in 1998. Thereafter, as the popularity and level of ballet continued to increase I opened new ballet classes in Orchard studio.
(As mentioned above,) I arranged for many of my students to attend and compete in the “Asia Pacific Dance Competition,” Other participants came from many Asian countries, such as China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. There were more than 500 competitors and 25 organizations represented. My students won numerous awards (- a few examples include: )
- “Dancing Cats.”
"Duos & Trios" Division; under 10 years old ; -- 1st Prize in 2004, 2007.
- “Small Swans” from “Swan lake”
"Ensemble” Division; under 10 years old : -- 2nd Prize in 2004, 1st Prize in 2006, 2007.
- “The Swan” from “Swan Lake”
"Classical Solo" Division; under13 years old ; -- 3rd Prize in 2004.
- “Cupid” from “Don Quixote.”
"Demi-character Solo" Division; under10 years old : -- 1st Prize in 2005.
"Free Style solo" Division; under 10 years old : -- 3rd Prize in 2007.
- “Peasant” from “Giselle”
“Classical Solo" Division; under 13 years old : -- 2nd Prize in 2005, 2007.
- “Princess Florine” from “The Sleeping Beauty”
"Demi-character Solo" Division; under 10 years old: --1st Prize in 2006.
- “Odalisque” from “Le Corsaire”
"Duos & Trios" Division; under 13 years old : --1st Prize in 2006.
- “Spanish Dance” from “The Nutcracker "
"Demi-character Solo" Division; under 13 years old: --3rd Prize in 2006.
- “Aurora” from “The Sleeping Beauty.”
"Classical Solo" Division; under 16 years old: -- 1st prize in 2007.
The above results represent special milestones for my students and MBPA. My ongoing efforts are focused on both spreading and increasing the performance levels and capabilities of the art of ballet in Singapore.
I am planning to invite professional artists and instructors to perform and conduct professional level workshops here in Singapore. In doing so, I will be a bridge between Singapore and Japan as well as other countries to exchange related cultural and artistic activities.
I will also use and apply my experience to expand into other performance/dance opportunities through collaboration with the European culture with organizations such as “Flamenco Asia” in Singapore and their performance related activities.
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The Japanese Association, Singapore ( main studio ) 
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Chacott | Japanese
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