Today we’d like to introduce you to Mari Takayama
Hi Mari, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in a small town in Japan and started ballet at the age of three. As a child, I once gave up on my dream of becoming a professional ballet dancer. However, because I loved ballet, I decided to pursue a career as a ballet teacher and enrolled in a university in Tokyo with a ballet program. During my time there, I organized some of my own ballet and musical performances, gaining experience in planning and management.
In my third year of college, I rediscovered my dream of becoming a professional dancer. After graduating, I moved to the U.S. immediately and began my career as a professional ballet dancer. It was not an easy path, but I realized that if you never give up, dreams can come true.
In 2021, I moved to the U.S. to further my career and have been performing as a professional ballet dancer ever since. I joined a ballet company and performed in various productions, including The Nutcracker.
And now, in 2025, I have come to Los Angeles to perform in The Thorn’s Spring Tour. I play Globe Girl, opening the show with a solo dance and performing multiple roles throughout the production. We are currently touring across the U.S., bringing this incredible production to audiences nationwide.
The Thorn is a production that blends acting, dance, acrobatics, and aerial performances, beautifully portraying the story of Jesus Christ. Being part of this production has been a wonderful experience, and I feel honored to share this stage with so many people.
Right now, we are touring mainly across California, and in February, we performed at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. I never imagined I would have the opportunity to perform in such a beautiful venue, so I feel incredibly happy and grateful.
Who would have imagined this view? At this moment, I feel truly blessed.
Moving forward, I will continue to challenge myself in singing and acting, aiming to dance on Broadway. I also look forward to returning to Los Angeles to perform again, whether in The Thorn or another production.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been a smooth road. When I first came to the U.S. at 22 as a trainee at a ballet company, many of the other dancers were younger, and I felt a strong sense of urgency and pressure to keep up. There were times when I didn’t get the roles I had hoped for, but I was fortunate to be given valuable opportunities, such as performing the principal role of Clara in The Nutcracker.
Later, I officially joined a ballet company in New York, where I was given a principal role in my first year. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience, but the journey was not without challenges. One of the biggest obstacles I faced was the language barrier. Communicating with teachers, directors, and fellow dancers was difficult at first, and I had to work hard to understand corrections in rehearsals and express myself clearly.
There were also times when injuries prevented me from training as I wanted to, leaving me feeling frustrated and helpless. Despite these difficulties, I kept pushing forward, and now I am honored to be part of The Thorn, an incredible production. Thankfully, I am currently able to perform without major injuries.
However, touring comes with its own challenges. Long bus rides, flights, and performing in different venues mean adjusting to varying stage conditions. Some floors are slippery, while others make movement more difficult, requiring constant adaptation and problem-solving.
Through these challenges, I have developed resilience and adaptability, becoming a stronger performer. Every experience, both the struggles and the triumphs, has shaped me into who I am today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a classically trained ballet dancer branching out into other forms of dance. I am also learning to sing and act. I am most proud of playing the Sugar Plum Fairy in the Nutcracker.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
In 2021, I moved from Japan to the U.S. to pursue ballet and stepped into a new environment. Leaving my home country and entering a highly competitive industry was a major decision that required me to adapt to a new culture, language, and professional environment.
Leaving the ballet company I had dreamed of was a big decision, but I chose to join The Thorn.
Every risk I have taken has led to new opportunities and personal growth. I believe that taking risks is essential for continuously evolving as a performer.
And I feel truly happy to be part of The Thorn. I am so grateful to be working with wonderful people in such an amazing production.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Jessalyn Lorrig
Steven Vandervelden
