Ayana Yonesaka-Ruiz

Works as a dance instructor both inside and outside HIS.

Find out even more about Ayana through our exclusive interview:

Nationality

American & Japanese

Where are you from? Where did you live in the past?

Born and raised in Sapporo; lived in San Francisco.

Where are you currently living?

Sapporo, Japan

When did you graduate from HIS?

2009

Why did you choose HIS?

To become bi-literate and expand on opportunities outside of Japan.

How many years were you at HIS?

6

What’s one of your favorite memories from HIS?

So many! The volleyball tournament was a big one for me, but all the school-wide events (Kitara, Sports awards night, Fall festival... etc.) were wonderful.

What was your favorite class, and which class helped you prepare the most after college?

9th grade English class was one of my favorites, and math class helped my time-management skills in preparation for college.

What did you study in college? 

Graduated college with a B.A in Dance.

What was the most valuable experience you had at HIS and how is that experience continuing to help you today?

Being able to work closely with the teachers who truly care about your success was extremely valuable. It has helped my skills as a choreographer and teacher to pay close attention to the needs of others.

How did your experiences at HIS help you in your adult life?

I've gained great collaborative skills from studying and working with folks with extremely different backgrounds, which has helped me navigate the journey as an adult with understanding and flexibility.

Which moment in HIS would you like to relive and why? Would you do anything differently?

I'd love to relive all the fun memories with my amazing friends, and I'd spend more time with them outside of school if I had the choice to do anything differently!

What do you get up to in your free time?

Stretch, take a walk by the shrine, make tea, enjoy my cat's company

What's your favorite movie? Why? What do you love about it?

I love Pixar movies—I think the way they touch the hearts of such a wide age range is beautiful.

If you could interview any past-living historical figure, who would it be, what would you ask them, and what do you think they'd say?

I'd love to talk to Pina Bausch about her perspective on the beauties of the human experience. I'm sure she'll have such wonderful insight, which I imagine shaped her creations.

What advice would you like to give to current Huskies about how to make every moment count, during HIS and beyond? What advice would you give to students who are interested in music? What advice would you give graduating Huskies?

Be aware of the opportunities and choices you have—it's a privilege and a blessing. Dig deep and investigate your interest in music. Graduating Huskies, utilize your global perspectives!