17yrs of Ballet=Juilliards Arts School

A cool 'bit' about Sumika is her extensive training as a ballet dancer. I find this amazing becuase this shows true talent. Mastering 1 artform is hard, let alone 2! Qoutos to her.

Check what they said about her performance.

Dance Ensemble

Juilliard Theater

(New York City - February 23, 2002)

"The Juilliard dancers immersed themselves in Lubovitch's aqueous choreography for Thus Is All, a world premiere set to familiar arias from Mozart's operas. Downstage of six singers in period costume, the dancers abstracted the emotional essence of the music via Lubovitch's sweeping, long-lined phrases. Aya Sumika's glimmering clarity and poignant interpretation of a solo danced to a duet from La clemenza di Tito evoked the type of audience attention that heralds the arrival of an extraordinary talent. At a time when gimmickry and bad taste seem too common in the performing arts, Lubovitch's commitment to glorious dancing and solid craft are refreshing. Thus Is All would be a welcome addition to the repertoire of any dance company ready for its demands."

http://www.juilliard.edu/update/press/527current_releases_story.html