Taylor Oshiro’s appearances with the San Diego Ballet are underwritten in part by Kimberly Oshiro through the Adopt A Dancer program.
Taylor began her formal ballet training at the age of six, at Ballet Hawaii under Pamela Taylor-Tongg, Susan Quong, Daphne Hargrove and Minou Lallemand. While attending Ballet Hawaii she performed various roles in The Nutcracker, including the role of Marie in 2012. Ballet Hawaii’s Summer Intensive brought Taylor many opportunities, such as the chance to perform in former artistic director of Washington Ballet Septime Webre’s ballets: Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Peter Pan, and The Nutcracker. Alongside of Webre’s ballets, Taylor has also performed in Robert Weiss’s Romeo and Juliet with Carolina Ballet, and Serenade under Atlanta Ballet artistic director, Robert Barnett. In the summer of 2016 Taylor attended Carolina Ballet’s summer program under scholarship. Taylor competed in The National Society of Arts and Letters 2017 competition for the Hawaii chapter, and won first place in the classical ballet competition. Taylor is very appreciative of all her teachers at Ballet Hawaii who have always been supportive, and gave amazing training throughout her years of school. She also would like to thank her parents for everything they have done for her, and what they continue to do for her today.
Who influenced you most to become the dancer you are today?
The person who has influenced me the most to become the dancer I am today would be my older sister Kaelynn Oshiro. My older sister passed away in 2011, and due to having cancer her leg was amputated. She influences me every day to be stronger, and to also be brave. I dance for my older sister who has taught me, and who reminds me every day to be the best dancer that I can be.
What was the funniest episode(s) you’ve experienced in your career?
One of the funniest episodes I’ve experienced in my dancing career would have to be when I was about 11 years old, I was dancing in the Nutcracker. While dancing in the Nutcracker I was dancing the role of Polichinelle with Mother Ginger, but I was sick while in it. Once going on stage I got really dizzy after turning, and just kept turning and forgot the rest of the dance. Till this day when I hear the music I still remember what that show was like, and how crazy I looked.
Who would you most like to share the stage with (living or dead)?
The person I would most like to share the stage with would have to be Mikhail Baryshnikov. He is amazing in everything he does, and is so exciting to watch dance! I would be in such awe to be able to dance with him.
What goes through your mind just before you perform?
Before I go on stage I quickly go over a few steps, and certain formations. I usually will remind myself to have soft wrists, and also to relax. I don’t get stage fright, and I love to perform so not much really goes on in my mind right before I go on; just that I want to go on, and perform already!
What do you like/admire most about San Diego Ballet?
The thing I admire most about San Diego Ballet, would have to be the diversity. Everyone is different, and the dances that are performed are all different as well. I like being able to move uniquely, and with San Diego ballet that is possible.