Originally from Nagoya, Japan, and raised in Chandler, Arizona, Erina Ueda is entering her sixth year as a professional dancer with Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC), America’s Original Jazz Dance Company, where she is the first Asian woman in the company’s history. She is a choreographer, educator, multidisciplinary artist, and certified Nan Giordano Certification Program (NGCP®) instructor whose artistry moves fluidly across styles and disciplines. While deeply rooted in the soul of jazz, Erina embraces the distinct language of each form, bringing musicality, versatility, emotional depth, and individuality to her work.

In 2024, Erina was named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch,” becoming only the second GDC dancer to receive the honor. She has originated multiple principal roles, including Luminescence (2023), choreographed by Kia Smith, and Gershwin in B (2024), by Emmy Award-winning choreographer Al Blackstone. She also performed the featured solo 333 (2025), choreographed by Nan Giordano and Cesar G. Salinas, which was described in a critical review as a “mesmerizing tour de force.” Erina is also the first Japanese dancer worldwide to attain the Professional Level of the NGCP®.

Erina graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a BFA in Dance and a minor in Psychology. As a choreographer and educator, she has created original works for Giordano II and teaches master classes, workshops, and intensives internationally, including with CNADM, Master Ballet Academy, and DancerPalooza. She also coaches dancers for Youth America Grand Prix, Prix de Lausanne, DanceOne, and other leading organizations. Drawing from her background in psychology, she is passionate about developing technically strong, versatile artists while empowering dancers to embrace their individuality, strengthen their mindset, and discover their own voice.

Beyond the stage, Erina serves as Media Coordinator for GDC, where she leads and supports the company’s digital media, content creation, marketing, communications, and graphic design initiatives. Her work spans social media strategy and content production, videography and music editing, website and email communications, promotional campaigns, print and digital design, performance and event materials, and organizational presentations and resources. Through visual storytelling and creative communication, she helps shape the company’s brand and connect its artistry with audiences, presenters, sponsors, and partners.

At the heart of Erina’s artistry is a belief in the transformative power of movement—to challenge, connect, and inspire. Across performance, choreography, education, and creative work, she is driven by curiosity, authenticity, and a desire to create meaningful impact. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Erina looks beyond the stage toward a future of expanding her creative voice, inspiring the next generation, and creating work that reaches wider audiences and leaves a lasting impression.