Mayu Shirai

Originally from Osaka, Mayu Shirai is currently a Master’s student at the Dimitri Academy in Switzerland, a prestigious international school for performing arts, renowned for its excellence and innovation in dance and theatre. Her artistic path combines contemporary dance, studied in New York, with training in the refined Japanese art of Jiutamai.

A student of Yuho Furusawa, second-generation head of the Furusawa school, Mayu brings to the stage a unique experience, suspended between grace, energy, and cultural memory. Jiutamai, a traditional dance passed down at Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture, differs from theatrical dances in the Kabuki style due to its performance in intimate spaces called zashiki (tatami rooms), where dancer and audience share the same atmosphere and the presence of ki – the vital energy that connects bodies.

Through subtle, natural, and never excessive movements, Mayu Shirai conveys the beauty of a gestural language that touches the soul, creating a profound connection with each spectator.

In addition to the performance, Mayu will lead a public workshop – a rare opportunity to engage directly with this fascinating art form, guided by a young dancer who blends discipline, sensitivity, and a contemporary vision.

An unmissable event for those who love dance, Japanese culture, and authentic experiences that speak to the heart through the body.