Aya Jane Saotome

Aya moved to NYC from London, UK where she graduated from London Contemporary Dance School with a BA in Dance. She toured and performed with Movement Angol Contemporary African Dance Company, Irven Lewis Jazz Dance Theater and Off the Rails Dance (Belfast).  She performed dance and movement styles ranging from Lindy Hop (That Swing Thing), Tap, rollerskating, Brazilian zouk, Samba de gaffiera (2012 Olympics Flag Handover), salsa (Salsache Dance Company and NY Light Latin Caberet), contact improv, double work, physical theater and Japanese Yosakoi (10tecomai Dance Project)

 Choreography credits include Islington Arts Factory Teenage Contemporary Company and collaborations with composer Bushra el Turk on two productions in the UK. Since being in the US Aya has choreographed  shows, events and galas for RSC Westcheter for their Dance and Special Needs Programs and "A look inside"  with Pibly residents exploring mental health directed by Connie Pacheco presented at BAAD, Bronx, NY. She also creates and presents her own work through "Chikyu to the Moon" a dance theater company co-directed with Miu Soda. 

Aya has taught outreach for dance companies in the Public School system both in UK and US. She also is a program director for Special Needs Dance Programs. ​