Manami Saito, PhD
Bio
Manami Saito, PhD, is a researcher, ballet educator, and business executive specializing in ballet pedagogy and biomechanics.
She received professional ballet training at the Russian Ballet Institute in Tokyo and the Centre de Danse International Rosella Hightower in France.
In 2002, she founded Ballet Arts in Tokyo and subsequently earned a PhD
in Sports Science from Kokushikan University in 2025.
Her research focuses on ballet posture, turnout, and the relationship between physical development and technical skill acquisition. She has also initiated a research project on ballet pedagogy with the National Research University Higher School of Economics (HSE). She is also a research collaborator with Funato Laboratory, led by Professor Kazuo Funato. Her professional experience includes ballet coaching for Japan's national rhythmic gymnastics group and trampoline teams, as well as the training of ballet teachers and sports coaches.
She currently leads three organizations—TIARA Co., Ltd., the Dance Science Academy of Japan, and Perm Japan Co., Ltd.—overseeing educational initiatives and promoting international academic and educational collaboration.
Education
2025 | PhD in Sports Science
Kokushikan University, Japan
2014 | Master's Degree in Sports Science
Graduate School of Nippon Sport Science University, Japan
1999 | Professional Ballet Training
Centre de Danse International Rosella Hightower, Cannes, France
Completed the Section Formation Intensive program.
Classical Ballet Training in Japan
Russian Ballet Institute, Tokyo
The Tokyo Ballet School (affiliated with The Tokyo Ballet), Tokyo
Aoyama Dancing Square, Tokyo
Professional Experience
Leadership & Appointments
2024–Present
Representative Director, Perm Japan Co., Ltd.
2016–Present
Representative Director, Dance Science Academy of Japan
2007–Present
Representative Director, TIARA Co., Ltd.
2002–Present
Director, Ballet Arts
Sports Coaching & Coach Education
2019–2021
Advisor, Sports Science and Medicine Support Team for National Rhythmic Gymnastics Development, Japan Gymnastics Association
2015–2021
High Performance Support Staff (Coaching / Sports Science and Medicine), Japanese Olympic Committee
Ballet Coach, Japan National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team