History

• 1964 Ruriko Tachikawa produced a successful ballet performance going beyond the borders of individual ballet companies.
• 1965 Ruriko Tachikawa produces ‘Antony Tudor Special Performance by Star Dancers.’ Tudor then says ‘my work with the ballet of Japan and the reproduction of my works will greatly further and accelerate the development of a truly national ballet which in time may become a national pride and a valuable export ….’ Inspired by his words, Tachikawa founds SDB.
• 1977 Awarded Nimura Prize for SDB’s performance ‘the Green Table’ (first performance in Japan)
• 1981 SDB becomes an incorporated foundation, the first as a Japanese ballet company.
• 1986 SDB undertakes a highly successful China tour.
• 1989 Awarded Dance Critics Association Prize for its performances ‘Antony Tudor Memorial Performance’ and ‘Balanchine’s Evening’.
• 1992 Awarded Dance Critics Association Prize for its active engagement in introducing works by great choreographers such as Balanchine, Robbins and Tudor in Japan.
• 1993 Performance in South Korea
• 1996 Sir Peter Wright is welcomed as SDB’s Artistic Advisor.
• 1998 Won the Arts Festival award for excellence by Agency for Cultural Affairs.
• 2002 SDB is invited to Theatre Heilbronn, Germany. ‘MISSING LINK’ by Minoru Suzuki is favourably received by audience and media.
• 2003 Kumi Oyama is appointed as Executive Director.
• 2010 Performance at Shanghai Expo, China
• 2012 SDB becomes a non-profit incorporated foundation.