Mari Takayama is a professional ballet dancer who recently completed a national U.S. tour with The Thorn in both the 2024 Fall and 2025 Spring seasons.
Originally from Japan, she moved to the United States in 2021 and began her training with American Repertory Ballet, where she performed the lead role of Clara in The Nutcracker. Since then, she has danced principal and soloist roles with Eglevsky Ballet, Connecticut Ballet, City Dance NY, and Neville Dance Theatre.
As a national guest artist, she has performed the iconic role of the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker for companies across the U.S. In 2024, she made her Off-Broadway debut as Jatayu in Ramaavan – The Musical.
In addition to performing, she is an ABT® Certified Teacher, having completed the ABT National Training Curriculum.