Ako Kondo
Principal Artist

A testament to the determination, passion and hard work she brings to her personal and professional life, she quotes the best advice she's ever received as 'have your own internal drive'. Something she clearly hasn't taken lightly, at a mere 24 years of age, she became the first Japanese born principal artist in Australia.

Now a few years into the dream, she shares her words of wisdom with us. Meet the inimitable Ako Kondo, captured in Melbourne by Ivana Martyn for The Aje Report.

The Overture Blouson Midi Dress

HOW HAS BALLET INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE

Ballet has influenced my life a lot. My dream was to become a professional ballet dancer. To achieve my dream, I had to commit and be determined to be a better dancer every day. Ballet has taught me how to do this to achieve my goal. This applies to my life as well. I always commit to what I do and am determined to do what I want in my life. Most importantly, never give up.

The Overture Ribbed Sleeveless Turtleneck (Arriving Soon)

The Overture Laced Ballet Midi Dress

VICE VERSA, WHAT ELEMENTS OF YOUR LIFE DO YOU BRING TO THE WORLD OF DANCE AND YOUR PERFORMANCES

My real life experiences. I often like to use this to create the character, this way I can feel real feelings on stage while I am performing a full-length ballet.

WHO ARE YOU PERSONALLY MOVED OR INSPIRED BY

I am inspired by my husband who is also a principal artist. My husband and I often dance together. We work so closely in the studio. Watching him dance and pushing himself to be the best he can be in each rehearsal is so inspiring.

The Overture Blouson Midi Dress

The Overture Blouson Top and Prima Buttoned Trouser (Arriving Soon)

ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLE ARTISTIC QUALITIES IN A BALLERINA TO CONVEY EMOTION THROUGH MOVEMENT. WHAT OTHER STRENGTHS AND QUALITIES ARE NEEDED WHEN PERFORMING ON STAGE?

The ability to act is very important as a dancer. Equally, ballet technique is important. Without the ballet technique, you cannot act or perform a full-length ballet. Ballet technique is the base of everything we do on stage. We can perform up to 180 shows a year. Stamina is also required to provide the best quality performance.

The Overture Ribbed Sleeveless Turtleneck (Arriving Soon)

WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO CONVEY TO THE WORLD THROUGH DANCE

I want to perform for the audience, to take them on a journey to forget about everything in life, enjoy the moment and be happy. Life is based on happiness. Spend your time choosing to be happy.

The Overture Tiered Maxi Dress

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING AND WORKING IN AUSTRALIA

Australia is a multi-cultural country. I get to meet and work with so many people from different backgrounds. I love meeting new people and hearing / learning about their culture. And of course the coffee is the best in Australia!