Originally from Nagoya, Japan, and raised in Chandler, Arizona, Erina Ueda is an accomplished dancer and multidisciplinary artist whose work spans a wide range of dance styles, each speaking its own language. While her versatility allows her to move fluidly across forms, her artistry is deeply rooted in the soul of jazz—where musicality, freedom, and emotional storytelling come alive. Now in her fifth season with Giordano Dance Chicago, Erina proudly holds the distinction of being the company’s first Asian female dancer. In 2024, she was named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” becoming only the second company dancer in history to receive this prestigious recognition. As part of this honor, she had the opportunity to perform the solo 333, choreographed by Nan Giordano and Cesar G. Salinas.

Erina began her training at Tempe Dance Academy and continued her development at Master Ballet Academy under the direction of Slawomir Wozniak. Her career has taken her across the United States and internationally, performing works by renowned choreographers including Alejandro Cerrudo, Frank Chavez, Nacho Duato, Martha Graham, Crystal Pite, and Paul Taylor. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona in 2021 with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Psychology.

Her artistic contributions extend beyond ensemble performance. Erina has originated principal roles professionally in Luminescence (2023), a Giordano Dance Chicago/South Chicago Dance Theatre collaboration choreographed by Kia Smith, and in Gershwin in B (2024) by Emmy Award–winning choreographer Al Blackstone. She also performed the solo 333 (2025) by Nan Giordano and Cesar G. Salinas, further highlighting her presence as a principal artist. In addition, she made history as the first Japanese dancer worldwide to attain the Professional Level of the Nan Giordano Certification Program®.

Beyond the stage, Erina serves as Media Coordinator for Giordano Dance Chicago, where she plays an integral role in shaping the company’s creative and digital presence. Her work includes social media marketing, email communications, videography, music editing, and more, using visual storytelling to capture movement and connect the company’s artistry with audiences around the world.