Toru Okada

Toru Okada

Guest Ballet Instructor

Biography

Born in Tokyo, Toru Okada began his professional dance training at the Australian Ballet School in 2000. He received a scholarship from the Australian Multicultural Foundation and was awarded the Keith M. Christensen Award for Excellence.

After graduating with an Advanced Diploma of Dance, Toru joined the Singapore Dance Theatre in 2003, where he performed many leading roles. His major roles include Prince in The Nutcracker, Franz in Coppelia and main roles in various contemporary works.

In 2009, Toru joined the Finnish National Ballet, where he performed in roles including Bronze Idol in La Bayadere, Beno in Swan Lake, Nutcracker Doll in The Nutcracker and in Petite Mort by Jiri Kylian. Toru has worked with many renowned choreographers throughout his career, including Natalia Makarova, Marie-Claude Pietragalla, Thierry Malandain, Wayne Eagling, Boi Sakti, Paul De Masson, Jeffrey Tan, Kuik Swee Boon, Ricky Sim and Mohd Noor Sarman.

Toru is currently an Adjunct Lecturer at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and Singapore Raffles Music College. He also holds a Polestar Comprehensive Studio certification and has taught Pilates at Focus Pilates for almost five years.

With a keen interest in movement quality and attention to detail, Toru is able to guide young dancers and athletes to their maximum potential.

We are delighted to have him with us at The Dance Place and hope our students will enjoy learning from him.