WA Ballet's Mayume Noguromi wants to shine regardless of where she stands on the stage

Mayume Noguromi is one of the 4 dancers who was promoted to the ranks of Demi-soloist at the WA Ballet Company. Just like Kitri in Don Quixote, she hopes to bring smiles to those who watch her dance.

Mayume Noguromi (with Juan Carlos Osma), promoted to the ranks of Demi-Soloist in West Australian Ballet. Source: WA Ballet/Bradbury Photography

For Japan born Mayume Noguromi, ballet has been part of her life since she was 3 years old. By the time she was 7, Miss Noguromi attended classes 5-6 days a week, and the dream to become a professional dancer was already in the making at 15 years old.

Miss Noguromi’s visit to America on a short exchange program was an eye opener.

“I saw foreign dancers for the first time. When I saw the professional classes and their stages, I knew this was what I wanted to do”

At 20, Miss Noguromi’s achievements are already very impressive - 3rd place in the Japan Grand Prix (2017),  1st place in the All Japan Ballet Competition (2018), and Bronze for both Contemporary and Classical variations at The World Ballet Competition.

Source: WA Ballet

One month after graduating secondary school in 2018, Miss Noguromi attended Youth America Grand Prix, where by she was awarded an internship at West Australia Ballet.

Just over an week was enough for WA Ballet’s artistic director, Aurélien Scannella and the company’s artistic staff to see her potential, offering Miss Noguromi a position of Corps de Ballet.

“Everything was a new experience for me and this 2 years went by so quickly” says Miss Noguromi.

At 161cm tall, Miss Noguromi is one of the smallest dancers in WA Ballet.

“When I dance in a group, I am very conscious to keep my movements big, so that I can still stand out and don't look so small”

The Nutcracker (2020)　West Australian Ballet Source: WA Ballet/Bradbury Photography

At the Company's dual end of the season, The Nutcracker and GALA  last year, 4 dancers including Miss Noguromi was promoted to the rank of Demi-Soloist.

Just like the character Kitri in Don Quixote ,  an energetic and positive character, who brings smiles to the audience, Miss Noguromi hopes to become a dancer who can bring smile to those who watch her dance.

"Whether dancing in a group or a soloist, regardless of where I stand on the stage, I want to be a dancer who can shine"

"A good dancer will always stand out and shine"

Corps De Ballet, Keigo Muto and Mayume Noguromi Source: WA Ballet/Photo by Sergey Pevnev

Currently there are 3 other Japanese dancers in the WA Ballet Company. Principal Chihiro Nomura, Corps De Ballet Keigo Muto and Kiki Sato. Their upcoming performances can be found here.