AKO KONDO

AKO KONDO – PRINCIPAL ARTIST, THE AUSTRALIAN BALLET

Ako Kondo was born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1991. She began her ballet training at the age of three at the Shiho Kanazawa Ballet Studio. In 2005, Ako won second prize at the Japan Grand Prix, and in 2006 she attended The Royal Ballet School’s International Summer School. The following year, she was awarded The Australian Ballet School Tuition Scholarship, announced at the Youth America Grand Prix.

Ako toured with The Dancers Company in 2008 before joining The Australian Ballet in 2010. She was promoted to Principal Artist in April 2015 following her critically acclaimed debut as Giselle, becoming The Australian Ballet’s first Japanese Principal Artist.

Since joining The Australian Ballet, Ako has performed a wide repertoire of classical and contemporary works by renowned choreographers, including William Forsythe, Wayne McGregor, Graeme Murphy, Alexei Ratmansky, and Christopher Wheeldon. Her exceptional performances have included Titania in Frederick Ashton’s The Dream and Odette/Odile in Anne Woolliams’ Swan Lake (both in 2023), as well as Kitri in Rudolf Nureyev’s Don Quixote (2013, 2023). She shone as Alice in Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland© and in Wayne McGregor’s Infra (both in 2017), while her portrayal of Aurora in David McAllister’s The Sleeping Beauty (2017, 2015) further showcased her technical brilliance.

Ako’s artistry has also been evident in roles such as Swanilda in George Ogilvie and Peggy van Praagh’s Coppélia (2016), Odette/Odile in Stephen Baynes’ Swan Lake (2016), and in William Forsythe’s In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated (2016). Her debut in Alexei Ratmansky’s Cinderella (2015) as Cinderella and her critically acclaimed performance as Giselle in Maina Gielgud’s Giselle (2015) further cemented her reputation. Earlier in her career, she captivated audiences as Lescaut’s Mistress in Kenneth MacMillan’s Manon (2014).

Ako continues to inspire audiences with her versatility, technical excellence, and dedication, embodying the spirit and artistry of The Australian Ballet.

We are proud to welcome Chengwu Guo and Ako Kondo, Principal Artists of The Australian Ballet, to Tanya Pearson Academy as exclusive Guest Teachers during their Sydney seasons. Their experience at the pinnacle of the ballet world brings invaluable knowledge and inspiration to our students.

Additionally, we are pleased to announce our official partnership with Chengwu Guo Ballet (www.chengwuguoballet.com.au). Through this collaboration, Ako and Chengwu will offer Classical Ballet Coaching and Sunday Workshops at the Tanya Pearson Arts Centre, open to both TPA students and external participants.

This partnership reflects Tanya Pearson Academy’s commitment to providing world-class education and exceptional training opportunities for aspiring dancers.