Chongqing - Sakura, a 23-year-old ballet dancer from Thailand, started practicing ballet, like many other ballet dancers, from a very young age. Beginning at eight, she went to Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, D.C., to train herself to be a professional dancer.

About three years ago, Sakura heard about the Chongqing Ballet Theater from her teacher. By that time, Chongqing Ballet was recruiting ballet dancers around the world. Sakura applied for it and got the audition with her superb dance skills and experience. In 2019, Chongqing Ballet toured In Search of Shangri-La in Singapore, and she went there for the audition. That's how Sakura came to Chongqing and began her story in Chongqing.

"Chongqing surprised me more because it's even prettier and more beautiful than I imagined," Sakura said.

For almost one year in Chongqing, Sakura has participated in many ballets such as The Nutcracker, Phantom Makeup Ballet, Animal Carnival, The Backwater, In Search of Shangri-La, and Ode to a Century of Red Plum. She has performed in more than 50 performances with the troupe in cities such as Chengdu, Guangzhou, and other counties in Chongqing, such as Tongnan, Yongchuan, Youyang, and Qianjiang County. Traveling to all those places gave her a comprehensive understanding of Chongqing's local customs.

Sakura performs on the stage. (Photo provided to iChongqing)

On April 21, Chongqing Ballet's Ode to a Century of Red Plums was performed at the Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo in Colombia, presenting an extraordinary performance to millions of fans worldwide.

Not only pursuing a career in ballet, but Sakura also enjoys different lifestyles in other countries. When she has free time, she often hangs out with friends to explore Chongqing and enjoy the legendarily spicy food, the stunning city night view, and the relaxing old town roads.

Sakura (left) enjoys a night view of Chongqing with her friends. (Photo provided to iChongqing)