09/18/2025
Meet the Artistic Director of the International Ballet Festival of Union City
Mami Hariyama (Artistic Director) was born in Osaka, Japan and has two main professional careers: ballet and piano.
At 15, Ms Hariyama traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia to study and perform with The Leningrad State Ballet. In her teens, she spent time in Indianapolis training under the tutelage of Irina Kolpakova. She continues traveling back to Moscow, St. Petersburg and Perm, Russia every few years to further her education and perfect her ballet methods. She also travels the US and Japan to coach, guest teach, and conduct master classes and seminars.
Presently her efforts are focused on her own company NY Dance Artistry - Hariyama Ballet. She produces professional performances in New York City and through the country. Many of her students have been highly acclaimed in prestigious competitions around the world and have received many accolades and awards.
Ms Hariyama has taught and guided the careers of over 800 students, many of which have received gold medals in highly competitive international dance festivals and competitions, and some have gone on to very successful careers as professional ballet dancers. Her influence in the professional world of ballet is far and wide.
In 2025, Hariyama Ballet celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Ms Hariyama is proud to direct the International Ballet Festival of Union City, and is dedicated to bringing her love of dance to young aspiring artists, as well as to the community at large.
