Yoshito Sakuraba

Yoshito Sakuraba is the Artistic Director of Abarukas whose work has been presented internationally in Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain, Israel, Mexico, and across the United States. Originally from Japan, he began his artistic journey in New York City and has since developed a unique choreographic voice that blends abstract, non-linear storytelling with striking imagery and emotional depth.

Sakuraba’s choreography has been shown at venues such as The Joyce Theater, BAM Fisher, Jazz at Lincoln Center, Jacob’s Pillow, Kaatsbaan, and the McCallum Theater. His work has been recognized with honors including the Best Choreography Award at Italy’s FINI Dance Festival and the Audience Award at Spain’s Masdanza International Contemporary Dance Festival.

He has created new works for numerous companies, including Bayerisches Staatsballett, NW Dance Project, Whim W’Him, Louisville Ballet, Eisenhower Dance Detroit, Houston Contemporary Dance, Nimbus Dance, Newport Contemporary Ballet, and more. As an educator, he has taught at institutions such as the Martha Graham School, Joffrey Ballet School, Paul Taylor School, Alvin Ailey/Fordham, Steps on Broadway, Gibney and many universities including University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Peabody at Johns Hopkins University, Marymount Manhattan College, Barnard College, Vassar College.