Originally from Nagoya, Japan, and raised in Chandler, Arizona, Erina Ueda is an accomplished dancer and artist who has made a significant mark on the dance world. Now in her fourth season with Giordano Dance Chicago, she proudly holds the distinction of being the company’s first Asian female dancer. In 2024, she earned a spot on Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch," becoming only the second company dancer ever to receive this prestigious recognition.

Erina began her training at Tempe Dance Academy and further developed her skills at Master Ballet Academy under Slawomir Wozniak. Her career has taken her across the U.S. and internationally, showcasing works by prominent choreographers including Alejandro Cerrudo, Frank Chavez, Nacho Duato, Martha Graham, Crystal Pite, and Paul Taylor. Academically, she graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona in 2021 with a major in Dance and a minor in Psychology.

Her artistic contributions extend beyond live performances. Erina had the honor of originating principal roles professionally in "Luminescence" (2023), a Giordano Dance Chicago/South Chicago Dance Theatre collaboration choreographed by Kia Smith, and in Al Blackstone's, Emmy-winning Choreographer, "Gershwin in B" (2024). She also achieved a significant milestone as the first Japanese dancer to attain the Professional Level of the Nan Giordano Certification Program® globally. Her versatility also shines in the realm of film, with a feature in the 2018 Netflix film "Driven to Dance," directed by Tati and Anthony Vogt.

In addition to her stage work, Erina plays a key role as a videographer and social media manager for Giordano Dance Chicago. Her talent for capturing movement and storytelling through video enhances the company’s online presence, engaging a global audience with visually stunning content that showcases their performances.