Windy City Weekend: Joffrey Ballet

Yumi Kanazawa, born in Tokyo, Japan, and Yoshihisa Arai, born in Hiroshima, Japan, are both company dancers at Chicago's prestigious Joffrey Ballet.

Since joining The Joffrey Ballet in 2016, Kanazawa has performed in many ballets and contemporary works, including Wheeldon's "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker." Arai began his ballet training when he was 10 years old with the International Ballet Academy, and also had a leading role in "The Nutcracker" as well as appearing as the Prince in "Cinderella."

In 2018, he choreographed "Firebird Suite" for The Joffrey Ballet Studio Company. The special showcases the beauty of their dancing and explores their shared culture.

You can hear even more stories in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. ABC7 Chicago will air a half-hour program highlighting the culture and contributions of Chicago's Asian American and Pacific Islander American community.