Ai Shimatsu, originally from Tokyo, Japan, is a professional dancer, choreographer and an educator based in Los Angeles. From young, Ai always had a dream to be a professional dancer. She started training ballet at the age of 3 and studied with Tokyo Ballet School. In 2007, she moved to NYC to continue her dance training in Jazz, Hip-Hop, Contemporary and more at Broadway Dance Center. 

Ai has toured with world renown artists such as Beyoncé, Madonna, Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry and Brandy. Her most recent world tour was the ‘Renaissance World Tour’ with Beyoncé in 2023. She has also performed on numerous TV and award shows with an array of artists including Prince, Cardi B, Kanye West, Janelle Monae, Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera, and more. You might recognize her from the Musical feature film ‘Spirited’ in her cameo acting role as the Communication Ghost character Kazuko and throughout the film as a principal dancer.

 

Her style, grace, and remarkable skill in dance has not only gained mass attention in the dance world but in fashion as well. Ai starred in major fashion campaigns with brands such as Coach, Rag & Bone, Tommy Hilfiger, NIKE, GAP, Watches of Switzerland, and Kenzo just to name a few. 

Ai has been a founding member of Dana Foglia Dance since 2010 and has done numerous performances with the company including VATIC, Capezio A.C.E Awards, Jimmy Kimmel Live Show and more..