Jo Funaki, originally from Japan, joined the Royal New Zealand Ballet in June 2004. “Acting and performing on stage is the love of my life,” he says. Jo was complimented on his strong and technically precise Nutcracker Prince in Gary Harris' The Nutcracker in 2005.
Jo trained at Hachioji Youth Ballet and has won a number of awards in Japanese ballet competitions including first place in the junior division of the Kobe Dance Competition in 1997 and third in that year’s National Ballet Competition. Jo’s professional experience includes Ballet Chambre Ouest (1997-2004), New National Theatre (2001-02) and the Asami Maki Ballet Company (1997-98). Last year he performed the role of the Grasshopper and Dance Master in Christopher Hampson's Cinderella. Following his performance in Tutus On Tour, one reviewer noted: “Jo Funaki was a treat of liquid movement and grace, coupled with spot-on timing.” His career highlight: performing at Russia's legendary Bolshoi Theatre.