We are in awe of Ako Kondo, she is an unbelievable ballet dancer with incredible strength, flexibility and grace. She has performed around the world at the highest level and the commitment to her passion is inspirational. Check out her instagram account here.

You are elite in your field, can you tell us how you got into it and why you love it?
At the age of 3, I started ballet. After training at Shiho Kanazawa Ballet Studio in Japan, I entered the one of the famous ballet competitions in the world, The Youth America Grand Prix. At the competition, I won the scholarship award to attend The Australian Ballet School. In 2008, I moved to Australia to attend the school and in 2010, I got in The Australian Ballet. In 2015, I became a first Japanese principal artist with The Australian Ballet. Ballet is an art form and I love expressing my feelings through my dancing. The joy I feel everyday.

What does your typical day look like?
The morning class starts at 10.30 am. It goes for 1 hour and 15 mins, then straight into rehearsals for the up coming ballet program. We have a lunch break from 2.30 pm to 3.45 pm. Then we are back in for the rehearsals again till 6.30 pm.

Has your sport taken you to any wonder spots on this planet?
I have performed in many different countries with The Company including New York, London, China, Japan and San Francisco. Each country has an amazing theatre. My favourite was in China, the Beijing Grand Theatre. Also known as a Beijing Egg. It is a massive theatre and the stage is the biggest stage I have ever danced in my life. It almost felt like there will be no edge of the stage.

Training hard is one thing but diet is so important, do you follow any particular diet or routine?
I don't have any particular diet. the only thing I really care is hydrating. it is really important for our job.

If you can spend your birthday anywhere and with anyone, what would you be doing?
I will go back to my home town, Japan, and spend time with my family and friends.

Are you a dog or cat person?
I am definitely a dog person. I am a owner of two toy poodles Ted and Choc!

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