The University Ballet’s Ai Sahara

You might have seen her on the stage of Logan Center or gracing the UBallet fliers across campus.  

Originally from Tokyo, Japan, Ai Sahara is a fourth-year student at the College majoring in International Studies and minoring in Art History. She has been dancing for 15 years and most recently starred as Phrygia, the leading female role, in University Ballet’s production of Spartacus. When she’s not dancing, she enjoys attending temporary art exhibits, reading, and “obsessively cleaning [her] room.” Below, Ai talks to Her Campus about her UBallet experience. 

1) How did you get involved in UBallet?

I joined University Ballet as a second year after a yearlong hiatus from dance. I told myself that I would buckle down and focus on schoolwork once I got to college, but that clearly did not happen.

2) Tell us about your role in Spartacus. What type of preparation was involved?

I played the role of Phrygia, Spartacus’s lover. I had 4+ hours of rehearsal a week and took regular technique classes. While preparing, I definitely had to think about how I wanted to portray the character, because she can often come across as completely helpless. I wanted my portrayal of Phrygia to have some amount of poise and strength, a worthy partner to Spartacus rather than a side note.

3) What was your favorite part of the production?

My favorite part has to be the pas de deux between Spartacus and Phrygia. It is set to iconic music and the choreography candidly conveys the affection the two have for one another. I also enjoyed my final solo when Phrygia mourns Spartacus’s death. The movements are so raw and completely honest, and it departs from any classical dancing I have done in the past.

4) What other productions have you been involved in?

I have danced in three other University Ballet productions; Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, and Stories from Childhood. I also staged pieces for last year’s La Bayadère.

5) What are some of the dancing challenges you’ve faced?

I have never viewed myself as technically or artistically gifted in ballet, so I try to observe and extract ideas from professional performances and from other talented dancers. Endurance and stamina have also proven to be a challenge for me, especially in preparation for this ballet, so I continually try and push myself harder each in each class and rehearsal.

6) What are you up to next?

Auditions for our spring show, Don Quixote, [happened just this past weekend]. As one of the artistic directors, I have to start thinking about how to adapt other versions of Don Quixote to fit the capabilities of University Ballet. It is a bit daunting, especially coming straight out of a very draining (but totally awesome) production. But once I get into the swing of things, I think I’ll thoroughly enjoy the process. This will be my last show with University Ballet so I am hoping to make the most of it!