Mia Asamoto is a Junior at Mililani High School. At the age of five, she began dancing at Pas De Deux Hawaii where she started with ballet, but also danced jazz, lyrical and ballroom. In 2017, she joined the ballet competition team under the direction of Annri Opitz-Kostick where she competed in various group and solo numbers. In summer of 2023, she joined Ballet Hawaii and since then participated in various Nutcracker productions as well as Ballet Hawaii’s Summer Intensive. Some of her favorite pieces she has performed are Hebe’s variation from Awakening of Flora and “Remembering” by Anna Quijano. Some of her hobbies other than dance are reading and hanging out with her friends.

Elyana Belatti is a 10th grader enrolled at Roosevelt High School. She has been dancing since the age of 4, and has been dancing with Ballet Hawaii for 8 years. Elyana has also danced with Honolulu Dance Studio for 3 years focusing on hip hop, lyrical, and contemporary dance. She has participated in summer intensives with Ballet Hawaii, Honolulu Dance Studio, and most recently with the Cincinnati Ballet. Elyana has performed in numerous competition pieces including “The Moment I Said It” at Spotlight Honolulu 2024 that took first place in their division and “Heart Of Glass” which made it to the finals division at YAGP 2025 with Ballet Hawaii’s contemporary team. In addition to dancing, Elyana enjoys catching up with friends, outrigger canoe paddling, and spending quality time with her family.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, Emma Belatti graduated from McKinley High School in 2023 and has been dancing with Ballet Hawaiʻi for 17 years. She is currently a sociology student at UH Mānoa with the goal of attending law school in the future. She has participated in Ballet Hawaiʻi’s The Nutcracker, Ballet Chicago’s summer intensive, and numerous Ballet Hawaiʻi productions, including its inaugural Performance Ensemble.
Emma also shows her love of dance by training in multiple styles. She especially enjoys hip-hop and has competed in several competitions with her previous schools. In her free time, Emma enjoys surfing, painting, and playing Magic: The Gathering with her friends.

Kiyomi Hunter is in the ninth grade at Kalani High School. She started ballet at the age of three years old with Ballet Hawaii. Her family briefly moved to Maui for a few years where she continued ballet with Alexander Academy of Performing Arts. Has participated in Ballet Hawaii’s Summer Intensive program in 2022, 2023 and the Bolshoi Summer intensive in Italy in 2024. Some of her favorite pieces performed included By George set by Maiqui Mañosa and various roles in Ballet Hawaii’s Nutcracker. She is honored to be a part of Ballet Hawaii’s Performing Ensemble as she is experiencing so many outreach performance opportunities. The Performing Ensemble piece, ‘Moment I Said it’, choreographed by Regina Ahlgren was competed at the 2024 Spotlight Dance Cup. They took 1st place elite teen lyrical small group, diamond, Judge’s choice award, and category. 2025 YAGP San Francisco, ‘Heart of Glass’ choreographed by Regina Ahlgren placed top 12 with an invite to the YAGP finals in Tampa, Florida. 2025 Spotlight Cup ‘Heart of Glass’ won overall. Outside of dance, is more dance. As she says, ”dance is life!”

Kerys is enrolled in Liberty University Online Academy. She has been dancing with Ballet Hawaii since 2013, and is honored to have participated in several BH Nutcracker and Summer Intensive performances. Her favorite roles include a corps dancer in Balanchine’s La Serenade, a corps dancer in Robert Barnett’s Reflections in Motion, and a modern ballet piece entitled ‘Like a Bird’ choreographed by Christine Kaminski. She has also participated in various BH Performing Ensemble pieces, works reflecting the artistry of Mary Cassatt, and Ballet Hawaii's version of the Urashima Tarō fairy tale. She is a member of the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus and has enjoyed participating in the operatic productions of Le Boheme and Carmen. In her spare time, she enjoys activities such as poetry writing, graphic design, language and cultural studies.

Through involvement with Ballet Hawaii and these programs and interests, she has studied beneath many notable figures in modern arts, and aspires to follow in their footsteps.

Grayson Ito is in the 10th grade at Mid-Pacific Institute. He has performed on stage since 9 years of age but only began dancing after enrolling in Mid-Pacific’s Certificate Dance Program in the 7th grade. Grayson has been a student at Ballet Hawaii for 3 years. He has appeared in Ballet Hawaii’s The Nutcracker and seasonal showcases and Mid-Pacific Institute’s Spring and Fall performances.

Aria Kaneshige found her love of dance when she enrolled in her first class at Ballet Hawaii at the age of 7. Aria has since danced in their Performing Ensemble, Summer Intensives, and annual productions of The Nutcracker. Her favorite role was Clara in Ballet Hawaii’s Nutcracker 2022 production and sharing the stage with all the amazing Guest Artists, Principal Dancers and Ballet Hawaii dancers who made it so memorable and special. Outside of dance, Aria enjoys Photography, going to the movies, and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys teaching her Ballet Hawaii classes and helping her young dancers find joy in dancing.

Sarah Montoni started dancing at the age of 3 in New York and took a break a few years later after moving to Hawaii. She found her passion for dance again at the age of 9 when she joined Punahou Dance School. Over the years she also danced with the Royal Academy of Ballet, and Prisma Dance, where she was one of the choreographers and dancers in the student lead show Seasons- Change in Motion. She joined Ballet Hawaii in the summer of 2020. Since then she has participated in their Nutcracker each year, along with performing at the HSO gala, and in the Balanchine to Broadway Summer Intensive performance. In her spare time, she likes to read, play violin and sail.

Mia Ng is a senior at James Campbell High School. She has been dancing since the age of 4 at Ballet Hawaii. Since then, she has participated in Ballet Hawaii's Summer Intensive, Ensembles, and Nutcracker productions. Mia's favorite pieces to dance include "Serenade" from Ballet Hawaii's 2024 summer intensive and "Etudes" by Aya Duong. Outside of dance, she is participating in her school's HOSA club and interning at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience, further developing her skills in the field of medicine.

Janie Okamoto is a 2023 high school graduate and was homeschooled. She began her dance training with Ballet Hawaii when she was five years old. Since then, she has participated in many of their Spring Showcases and has been a member of Ballet Hawaii’s Performing Ensemble for multiple seasons. One of her favorite pieces that she has danced has been the Kitri Act 3 variation from Don Quixote. Outside of dance, she often enjoys expressing herself through drawing and sewing.

Lauren Rayburg is a sophomore at Hawaii Technology Academy. She has been dancing since she was four years old with various studios. Some of her favorite roles have been Medora act three variation, Caliente choreographed by Susan Ushijima Quong, and Remembering choreographed by Anna Quijano, all performed with Ballet Hawaii’s Performing Ensemble. Along with being able to dance in the Nutcracker for multiple years with roles like a Snowflake, Orchid, and Crown Flower. She has loved going to summer intensives including Ballet Hawaii, The Dance Center of San Antonio, The Dallas Conservatory, and Ballet West. Outside of dance Lauren enjoys spending time with friends and reading.

Gabby Sandbo is a sophomore at Kamehameha Schools. She has been dancing with Ballet Hawaii since the age of 4. She has been in multiple productions of Ballet Hawaii’s The Nutcracker and attended many Summer Intensives at Ballet Hawaii. Some of her favorite roles she has done are excerpts of the Swan Lake corps de ballet and Crown Flower in The Nutcracker. Outside of dance, she enjoys reading and creating digital art

Andrea Santiago is currently a 9th grader at Moanalua High School. She began her dance journey at the age of 3 in Florida, and later moved to Ballet Dimension in Germany, where she performed in The Nutcracker. After her time in Germany, she continued her dance training with Ballet Yuma in Arizona, performing in The Nutcracker three times. She joined Ballet Hawaii during the summer of 2024, then participating in their 2024 Nutcracker production. She is excited to be dancing as a Girlfriend and Crown Flower during this year’s Nutcracker. Some of her favorite performances include "Groove is in the Heart" by Laine Sakakura and "Beatles" by Kathleen Sinclair. Apart from dancing, Andrea enjoys baking, shopping, and spending time at the beach with her family and friends

Garry Umeda began studying ballet at age 9 at Hawaii State Ballet. He then switched to Ballet Hawaii West since it was closer to home. He graduated from Mid Pacific Institute's MPSA Dance program and IB program in 2025. He will be attending the University of Hawaii West Oahu this fall, majoring in Pre-Med. He loves to dance and will continue dancing with Ballet Hawaii.

Misha Duke is a 7th grader at Hawaii Technology Academy. She has been dancing ballet since the age of 3 and competing at YAGP and local competitions for the last 4 years with classical ballet variations, jazz, contemporary, and even an acro piece. This year she is performing 2 classical variations (Pas de Trois from Swan Lake and Lilac Fairy) and a contemporary pointe variation choreographed by Ms. Regina. She was awarded 3rd place for her neoclassical variation at the California Dance Classics in Los Angeles in 2024. Misha is so happy to be with Ballet Hawaii and loves her amazing teachers. Misha has attended summer intensives with The Rock School of Dance in Philadelphia, Joffrey Ballet, International Ballet School, and Denver Ballet Theater. Misha is so excited to be able to dance with Ballet Hawaii’s Performance Ensemble so she can continue to showcase her love of performing.

Mikala Kai Garofalo is a 15-year-old 9th grader in High School, living in Ewa Beach. Born and raised in Hawaii, Mikala started dancing at the age of 5 and has been with Ballet Hawaii since 2017. In 2018, she had her first performance as a bumblebee in Ballet Hawaii's Nutcracker and since has enjoyed various other roles, including a mouse, clownfish, party boy, and her ultimate favorite, a Hawaiian warrior. In her free time, Mikala enjoys surfing and taking beach walks to search for seashells, spending time with family and friends, and she absolutely loves to travel.

Summer Heisler is an impressive 9th grader at Moanalua High School with a rich background in ballet. She started her ballet journey at just three years old with Ron Jones, Augusta Ballet and later performed as a bumble bee in her first Nutcracker debut in 2017 under Pamela Taylor-Tongg, Ballet Hawai’i. Over the years Summer has showcased her talents in various roles and pieces, including the Mexican Hat Dance, Narnia, Peter Pan, and Nutcracker performances. Summer has refined her skills by training at other notable institutions such as the Indianapolis Ballet School, Oklahoma City Ballet School, and holds an assessment profile with ABT.

Currently, she dances with Ballet Hawaii and its Performing Ensemble where she recently excelled as Step-Sister in excerpts from Cinderella in Ballet Hawaii’s Summer Intensive 2025, Reflections in Motion, and Hawaiian Warrior Girl in the Nutcracker 2024. Summer’s participation in summer intensives demonstrates her dedication to her art. Beyond dance, Summer is passionate about music, reading, Chinese literature, and aspires to double major in Law and Dance. Her diverse interests and commitment make her a remarkable young talent to watch.

Teagan Jamrog is in 8th grade at Le Jardin Academy in Kailua, HI. In 2016, she began her ballet career as a Gingersnap in the Palos Verdes Performing Arts Center's Nutcracker. After moving from California to Oahu, she debuted as a Bumblebee in Ballet Hawaii's 2018 Nutcracker. She has since enjoyed other roles of Snow Angel, Soldier, Clown Fish, and most recently, Monarch Butterfly and her favorite, Chinese Umbrella Girl. Teagan participated in her first Summer Intensive with Ballet Hawaii in 2024 as well Summer Intensives with Kailua Dance Academy for the past two years - earning solo highlights in KDA's Vivaldi Four Seasons showcase at the Paliku Theater. Her most recent accomplishment is joining Ballet Hawaii's Performing Ensemble and performing at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu this past holiday season. Outside of dance, Teagan enjoys visual arts and time outdoors with friends and family. She loves animals, horseback riding, the beach, water polo, skiing and traveling.

Hope Matsukado is a 9th grader at Mililani High School. She has been dancing tap, ballet and jazz since the age of 4, previously at The St. Laurent School of Dance. She competed with Destination Dance in various genres at local and national competitions. One of Hope’s favorite piece to perform was the adaptation of Giselle – Dance of the Willis. She joined Ballet Hawaii in 2025 with the desire to focus primarily on ballet. She will be performing in her first Ballet Hawaii Nutcracker this year. Outside of dance, Hope likes to play the piano, serve at church, and hang out with friends.

Mabel Potts is a 9th grader at Punahou school and started her dance journey when she was 4 years old at San Diego Ballet until she was 6. She then moved to Hawai’i in 2017 and danced at Kailua Dance Academy until she was 13. With Kailua Dance Academy, she performed in many performances such as Sleeping Beauty, Vivaldi’s Seasons, and Giselle. In 2016, Mabel performed her first ever Nutcracker with City Ballet of San Diego, California, as a mouse. In the previous few years she performed the Nutcracker with the Hawai'i Ballet Theater as a cake bearer, a chinese pretzel, an angel, and a soldier. She is thrilled to continue dancing the Nutcracker with Ballet Hawai’i. Mabel joined Ballet Hawai’i in 8th grade and performed in the spring showcase under the choreography of Jennifer Gage and Regina Ahlgren. Within her first few months of dancing with Ballet Hawai’i, she joined the performing ensemble as a trainee. Mabel also joined her classmates in Ballet Hawai’i’s summer intensive for one week and then travelled to San Diego, California, to dance with City Ballet, where her mom was taught. While there, she was taught by many teachers, including Daniel Ulbricht, Indiana Woodward, and Ashley Bouder. She then performed in their summer show under the choreography of Elizabeth Wistrich, Geoff Gonzalez, and Daniel Ulbricht. In her free time, Mabel likes to hang out with friends, listen to music and hang out with friends. She plans to study radiology after high school

Makenzie Weida is a 9th grade Honor Roll student attending Campbell High School. She has been dancing with Ballet Hawaii since the age of 7. Makenzie has performed in five Ballet Hawaii Nutcrackers; her favorite role was the Chinese Umbrella Girl. She also enjoyed participating in the 2024 and 2025 Ballet Hawaii Summer Intensive. Outside of dance, Makenzie enjoys running high school cross country and track. She also loves to surf and spend time with friends.