Renowned German Ballet Dancers to Host Special Workshop in Osaka for Next-Gen and Adult Ballet Enthusiasts

RGB Reigran Ballet (Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture; Representative: Rei Taki no), known for producing internationally active dancers, will host a special dance workshop in Shin-Osaka on July 28 (Tue), July 31 (Fri), and August 7 (Fri), 2026. The workshop will feature two male soloists from the renowned Bavarian State Ballet in Germany, centered around three pillars: ballet, contemporary dance, and talk sessions.

The program includes advanced classes for young dancers aiming for international careers, as well as beginner-level classes accessible to adult ballet enthusiasts and elementary school students, offering a rare opportunity for diverse participants to experience authentic European training.

The goal is to provide all ballet and dance lovers with direct access to active, world-class dancers, enabling them to understand global standards and broaden their artistic horizons.

Workshop Registration

Established 28 years ago, RGB Reigran Ballet has been inviting internationally active dancers to Osaka for workshops since about 20 years ago. This initiative stems from a deep concern about the significant differences between the dance industries in Europe and Japan. Unlike Europe and the U.S., where national or royal institutions set standardized criteria for entry into schools and companies, Japan has long relied on imitation and video-based learning in ballet and contemporary dance. This often leads to incorrect techniques, poor foundational development, and a higher risk of injury. By learning directly from dancers who embody global standards, participants can acquire proper muscle development, injury-free movement, and expressive artistry.

This approach has already yielded results, with numerous alumni performing professionally overseas. Notably, Watanabe Victor Shinichiro (from Wakayama City), one of the current workshop instructors, is a graduate of RGB Reigran Ballet. Another alumnus, Takaura Yukino (also from Wakayama City), has been a long-standing performer with NDT (Nederlands Dans Theater), one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary dance companies.

The organization continues its grassroots efforts to expand such in-person, hands-on learning opportunities across Japan, moving beyond one-way video instruction.

This year introduces a new element: talk sessions on dancer wellness, including physical care, mental health (increasingly vital in the field), career planning, and studying abroad—offering deeper, more accurate insights into the professional dance world.

Although applications are pouring in from across Japan, the workshop maintains a small-group format to ensure each participant receives personalized, high-quality instruction.

The two male instructors are both graduates of elite ballet schools and currently perform with prestigious ballet companies, mastering both classical and contemporary works by choreographers worldwide. Notably, Mr. Sergio has pursued a unique career path, studying psychology at university and obtaining professional qualifications in preparation for a second career.

For detailed instructor profiles, visit the link below.

Instructor Introductions

Left photo / Sergio Castro Navarro (Bavarian State Ballet)

Trained at world-class institutions including the Paris Opera Ballet School, he has performed as a soloist with ballet companies across multiple countries. He currently also works as a psychotherapist, providing dancer care at German music universities.

Right photo / Watanabe Victor Shinichiro (Bavarian State Ballet)

A graduate of RGB Reigran Ballet, he trained at prestigious schools including the Royal Danish Ballet School and the Dutch National Ballet Academy before joining his current company. A rising star excelling in both contemporary and classical ballet.

Workshop Info (Instagram)

Until now, the director of RGB Reigran Ballet has personally organized such events. However, due to rising airfares, fuel costs, and the need for longer, safer travel routes amid global instability, the feasibility of hosting international guests has been uncertain. In response to overwhelming public support, the organization has launched its first crowdfunding campaign to incorporate previously shelved projects and build a sustainable arts initiative. To date, over 90% of funding has been secured from supporters nationwide.

Crowdfunding Overview

Project Name: "From Osaka to the World: An Authentic Encounter with International Professional Dancers"

Duration: Until August 17, 2026

Key Rewards: Workshop participation, limited-edition "Sarori Ori" goods, special performance seating, project reports, and more

Project Overview

The project includes workshop sessions, a performance featuring the guest dancers, cultural fusion events, and collaborations with welfare initiatives.

◇ Dance × Tradition: An artist photo shoot will be held at Kanshin-ji Temple in Kawachinagano City, Osaka—a site preserving numerous National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties—centered on the theme of “fusing Japanese tradition with Western bodily expression.”

◇ Dance × Welfare: Garments for a contemporary piece by the international guest on August 13 and original collaborative goods with RGB will be crafted from “Sarori Ori” fabric—woven with care by individuals at disability support facilities through URARA. This creates a cycle where art supports welfare, and welfare’s sensibility enriches art, embodying true diversity.

Upcoming Event! "RGB International Workshop in Shin-Osaka" (with interpreters)

Dates: July 28 (Tue), July 31 (Fri), August 7 (Fri), 2026

Classes: Beginner Ballet, Intermediate-Advanced Ballet, Contemporary Dance (with talk sessions)

Venue: Osaka City Youth Center KOKOPLAZA (1-13-13 Higashinakajima, Higashiyodogawa-ku, Osaka)

Registration: 5,000 JPY per class via crowdfunding. Email registration adds 1,000 JPY.

Email: [email protected]

Workshop Registration

【Performance Date】August 13, 2026 (Thu)

Venue: Nankai Namikiri Hall, Kishiwada City, Osaka (1-1 Minatomidori, Kishiwada)

◇ Morning / KALEIDO FES vol.1 (Doors open 10:30, Show 11:00–12:00)

A diversity festival where varied personalities, abilities, and genres blend like a kaleidoscope.

Performers: General participants

◇ Afternoon / "RGB Reigran Ballet 2026 Performance" (Doors open 15:30, Show 16:00–18:00)

Performers: Current students, Sergio Navarro (Bavarian State Ballet), Kei Iida (Washington Ballet), Watanabe Victor Shinichiro (Bavarian State Ballet), Hajime Okumura (Pianist), and others

Tickets: Same for morning and afternoon. Advance: 800 JPY (Day-of: 999 JPY). Required for ages 6 and up.

Ticket Website: Ticket Dive https://t-dv.com/rgb2026

August 13 Performance Tickets

【Contact】

RGB Reigran Ballet

3007-4 Kinkacho, Kita-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture

Email: [email protected]

RGB Reigran Ballet Instagram