Kazuha Nakamura: From Elite Ballerina to K-pop Star

Kazuha Nakamura began her performing arts journey at just three years old when her mother enrolled her in ballet classes near their Osaka home. From prestigious training at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow and the Royal Ballet School in London to becoming a K-pop sensation with LE SSERAFIM, her career trajectory represents one of the most remarkable pivots in entertainment.

Despite facing language barriers and cultural differences, Kazuha joined LE SSERAFIM after an incredibly brief six-month training period—the shortest in HYBE history. Her debut with the group in May 2022 proved immediately successful, with their first EP "FEARLESS" breaking multiple records and their music video accumulating over 25 million views in just two days. Additionally, the group achieved their first win just eight days after debut, further cementing Kazuha's extraordinary transition from ballet to K-pop.

Early Life and Ballet Foundations

Born on August 9, 2003, in Osaka City, Japan, Nakamura Kazuha embarked on what would become an extraordinary journey in the performing arts. While many children her age were still mastering basic motor skills, Kazuha was already taking her first steps into the world of ballet.

Starting ballet at age 3

Kazuha's relationship with dance began remarkably early in her life. At just three years old, she took her first ballet class, showing natural grace and potential that hinted at her future as a performer. Unlike many toddlers who might struggle with the structure and discipline of formal dance training, Kazuha displayed an innate affinity for movement and rhythm.

The city of Osaka, with its rich cultural heritage, provided an ideal backdrop for a young artist's development. Throughout her early childhood, Kazuha absorbed the fundamentals of ballet technique, laying the groundwork for what would eventually become professional-level expertise. These formative years established not only her technical foundations but also her identity as an artist.

Training at Hashimoto Sachiyo Ballet School

As Kazuha grew older, her training intensified at the prestigious Hashimoto Sachiyo Ballet School in Osaka. This institution, known for producing world-class ballet talent, became her artistic home. Beyond classical ballet, she also studied contemporary dance at the same school, broadening her movement vocabulary and expressive range.

Between 2015 and 2019, Kazuha's dedication began yielding impressive results. She collected numerous accolades at prestigious ballet competitions across Japan, often claiming first place. These achievements didn't happen by accident—they represented countless hours of practice, refinement, and perseverance.

Her exceptional talent soon opened doors to international opportunities. Before her unexpected pivot to K-pop, Kazuha studied at some of the most renowned ballet institutions globally:

Hashimoto Sachiyo Ballet School & Jr in her native Japan
The legendary Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow
The prestigious Royal Ballet School in London

Each of these institutions contributed uniquely to her development, exposing her to different technical approaches and artistic philosophies. This diverse training created a dancer with remarkable versatility and depth.

Support from family and early discipline

Behind every successful young performer stands a supportive network, and Kazuha was no exception. Her family recognized her exceptional potential early on and made the necessary sacrifices to nurture her talent. This support proved crucial during the demanding years of training that professional ballet requires.

The discipline instilled through ballet training shaped Kazuha's character and work ethic. Ballet is notorious for its rigorous standards and uncompromising attention to detail—qualities that would later serve her well in the equally demanding world of K-pop. The daily routine of classes, rehearsals, and performances taught her not only physical control but also emotional resilience and mental fortitude.

By 2020, Kazuha's ballet journey had taken her to the Netherlands, where she enrolled at the Dutch National Ballet Academy. This prestigious institution represented another significant step in what appeared to be a straightforward path toward a career as a professional ballerina. However, as her technical mastery and artistic maturity reached new heights, unexpected influences would soon alter her trajectory in ways no one could have predicted.

The foundation built through these formative years—technical excellence, performance discipline, artistic sensitivity, and unwavering work ethic—would soon be applied to an entirely different performance context, transforming Kazuha from a classical ballet prodigy into a rising K-pop star.

Elite Ballet Training and Achievements

Kazuha's ballet journey advanced remarkably after her early training in Japan. Her exceptional talent opened doors to some of the world's most prestigious ballet institutions, setting her on a path that would eventually lead to an unexpected career shift.

Bolshoi Ballet Academy and Royal Ballet School

Following her foundational training in Osaka, Kazuha took her ballet education to an international level. She participated in short-term training programs at two of the most elite ballet institutions globally—the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Russia and the Royal Ballet School in the United Kingdom. These opportunities weren't available to just anyone; specifically, the Royal Ballet School accepts merely 16 students per intake, underscoring Kazuha's exceptional skill level even at a young age.

Throughout these intensive training periods, Kazuha absorbed different techniques and artistic approaches that broadened her ballet vocabulary. The Russian training emphasized strength and dramatic expression, whereas the British method focused on precision and clean technique. This diverse educational background gave her a versatility that would later become evident in her performances.

Dutch National Ballet Academy experience

In 2020, Kazuha's ballet career reached another milestone when she was scouted by the prestigious Dutch National Ballet Academy in the Netherlands. This represented a significant advancement in her professional journey as she transitioned from short-term programs to full-time elite training.

At the Dutch National Ballet Academy, she studied for approximately two to three years, immersing herself in the European ballet tradition. During this period, she was simultaneously enrolled at Kansai University Affiliated High School, managing her academic responsibilities alongside rigorous dance training—a testament to her exceptional discipline and time management skills.

This period marked what appeared to be the culmination of her ballet journey. As a student at one of Europe's premier ballet institutions, Kazuha was positioned to launch a professional ballet career. Few could have predicted that her path would soon take an unexpected turn toward K-pop stardom.

International performances and awards

Kazuha's ballet résumé includes an impressive array of accolades and performance opportunities:

Between 2015 and 2019, she consistently won top honors at prestigious ballet competitions across Japan
She earned the distinguished silver medal at the Asian Grand Prix Competition
From 2018 to 2019, she performed ballet across Europe, including venues in Finland, Ireland, and Poland
Most notably, she was cast as Juliet in a production of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet"

Remarkably, Kazuha achieved these accomplishments all before her eighteenth birthday. The breadth and prestige of these achievements highlight why she was considered a rising star in the ballet world. Her consistent first-place finishes in Japanese competitions demonstrated her dominance in her home country, whereas her international performances established her growing reputation globally.

By the time Source Music and HYBE scouted her, Kazuha had already built what many would consider a complete and successful pre-professional ballet career. She had trained at three of the world's top ballet academies, won international recognition, and performed leading roles—accomplishments that most aspiring dancers work toward for decades.

Consequently, when Kazuha eventually made the decision to pivot to K-pop, it represented not just a career change but the redirection of fifteen years of intensive, elite-level training toward an entirely new art form. This background explains why many considered her transition from ballet to K-pop so extraordinary—she wasn't merely changing careers but stepping away from a path where she had already achieved remarkable success.

The Moment Everything Changed

A random click on a YouTube video forever altered the trajectory of Kazuha Nakamura's life. Despite her impressive ballet credentials and seemingly clear career path, a digital algorithm's suggestion would ultimately transform this elite ballerina into one of K-pop's most distinctive stars.

Discovering K-pop through BLACKPINK

In what would prove to be a pivotal moment, Kazuha stumbled upon BLACKPINK's "BOOMBAYAH" music video while browsing YouTube. "I can still remember how amazed I was when I first saw it," she recounted. "I was like, What is this whole new world?".

This initial fascination deepened considerably when she attended BLACKPINK's live concert in Osaka. The experience was nothing short of transformative—"When I saw the performance with my own two eyes, it was so impressive and moving that I literally cried". For someone immersed in classical ballet's refined aesthetics, BLACKPINK's powerful stage presence represented something entirely different yet equally compelling.

What particularly captivated the then-ballet student was the unique combination of qualities the BLACKPINK members embodied: "The members of BLACKPINK are cool and pretty at the same time and really charismatic". This blend of attributes resonated deeply with Kazuha, who admired how they projected strength rather than just cuteness—"Not the cute girl image, but like a cool woman".

Questioning her ballet future

Throughout her intensive ballet training, Kazuha had been experiencing increasingly persistent doubts about her chosen path. "The more I did ballet, the more I wondered if it was what I wanted to focus my life exclusively on". These weren't merely passing thoughts but rather profound questions about identity and purpose.

The COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly provided the space needed for serious reflection. With fewer ballet classes scheduled, Kazuha found herself at home with time to contemplate her future. "Spending all that time at home filled me with thoughts and concerns". Although she acknowledged ballet's appeal, she increasingly recognized that exploring other artistic avenues might better satisfy her creative aspirations.

This period of introspection culminated in a realization: "I thought that, while being a ballerina was an attractive option, what I do now would open up more opportunities for me to follow my dreams".

Auditioning with BTS's 'Dynamite'

After much deliberation, Kazuha made the bold decision to pursue her newfound dream. "I kept deliberating about it, but finally said, Let's just do it! And I sent in my audition video". For her audition to HYBE/Source Music, she submitted two contrasting performances—a dance cover of BTS's "Dynamite" alongside footage showcasing her ballet expertise.

Her choice of "Dynamite" was intentional and strategic. "There's a dance break in 'Dynamite' that's so cool that I wanted to try to do it". While preparing for the audition, she studied BTS performances meticulously, noting how "each member has their own style, which I think makes it cooler".

Among the BTS members, one performer in particular caught her attention. "I thought Jimin's dancing was especially beautiful when I saw it". What resonated most with Kazuha was how Jimin harmonized different dance traditions—"I was impressed to see someone balancing classical dance with K-pop choreography so well, which made me really interested in performing". This synthesis of classical technique with contemporary expression mirrored exactly what she hoped to accomplish in her own artistic journey.

Challenges of Becoming a K-pop Trainee

The transition from professional ballerina to K-pop trainee presented Kazuha Nakamura with a series of extraordinary challenges she had to overcome in just six months—the shortest training period in HYBE history at that time. Her journey began with two months of remote training while still in the Netherlands, followed by four intense months in Korea, creating a compressed timeline that demanded rapid adaptation across multiple fronts.

Learning Korean from scratch

Kazuha's language journey began with online Korean classes for approximately two months before she could physically travel to Korea due to visa issues. Upon joining LE SSERAFIM's training program, she faced immediate communication barriers. Initially, she learned practical vocabulary starting with body parts—"head" being the first word she mastered. This pragmatic approach helped her follow choreography instructions more effectively.

As a trainee, Kazuha quickly absorbed phrases reflecting the demanding nature of idol life, including expressions like "super tired" and "about to pass out". She supplemented her formal language training by watching K-dramas, from which she picked up conversational phrases such as "Right, right" and "For real!". Nevertheless, communication remained challenging during her early days with the group.

Adapting from ballet to K-pop choreography

Fundamentally, ballet and K-pop require completely different approaches to movement. "When I did ballet, it was important that I move delicately, but when it comes to K-pop choreography, the moves are abrupt and intense, so it's hard," Kazuha explained. After 15 years of ballet training, her muscle memory and movement instincts required significant reprogramming.

The performance director for LE SSERAFIM acknowledged this challenge: "The straight lines of ballet movements are built into her after 15 years of doing them, and it must've been really hard for her to break out of all of them at once". Remarkably, within this brief training period, Kazuha managed to blend her ballet foundation with hip-hop and street dance influences.

Her training regimen was intense—five hours daily practicing vocals and dance. Furthermore, Source Music sent a dedicated trainer to the Netherlands to work with her directly before she could relocate to Korea.

Cultural and emotional adjustments

Beyond technical challenges, Kazuha faced significant emotional hurdles. "I was being a bit cautious because I realized they might feel awkward about me being there and have other complicated feelings about me," she recalled about meeting her future teammates.

Initially, the language barrier intensified her feelings of isolation: "I wasn't good at Korean and didn't feel brave enough to speak up so it wasn't really possible to become close at first". In these early days, she often reviewed practice videos continuously, working to catch up with more experienced trainees.

Fortunately, the supportive environment at LE SSERAFIM ultimately facilitated her integration. "The other members were so nice and sweet to me right away," Kazuha noted. This camaraderie proved essential as she navigated the demanding transition from ballet's solitary discipline to K-pop's collaborative spirit.

Debut with LE SSERAFIM

On April 8, 2022, Kazuha was officially introduced as the fifth member of LE SSERAFIM, marking the culmination of her remarkable journey from ballet studios to K-pop stages. After months of intensive training, her debut moment finally arrived on May 2, 2022, when the group released their first mini-album, aptly titled "FEARLESS".

Kazuha's role in the group

Within LE SSERAFIM's lineup, Kazuha Nakamura secured her position as the group's main dancer, sub-vocalist, and rapper. This multifaceted role harnessed both her extensive dance background and newly developed skills in vocals and rap.

Remarkably, her ballet expertise wasn't hidden but instead celebrated in her performances. In the group's second release "ANTIFRAGILE," this connection was explicitly acknowledged with the line "Don't forget my pointe shoes I left behind," which members instantly recognized as perfectly suited for Kazuha. "As soon as we heard that part, the other members all said, 'This is Zuha's part,'" she recalled with amusement.

Highlights from the debut EP 'FEARLESS'

The debut EP "FEARLESS" comprised five tracks: "The World Is My Oyster," "FEARLESS," "Blue Flame," "The Great Mermaid," and "Sour Grapes". The album generated impressive commercial momentum even before its release, amassing 270,000 pre-orders in just one week.

"'FEARLESS' has a different vibe from other K-pop songs out lately," Kazuha noted about their title track. "It's not just about being cute and pretty—it lets us show our thoughts and feelings and look cool doing it". The choreography incorporated subtle ballet influences, allowing Kazuha to showcase her classical training within a modern K-pop framework.

The album's concept resonated deeply with her personal journey: "All of us members were living our own lives in different places, but now we're all in the same place with the same dream and the song shows how we're going forward fearlessly".

Fan reactions and media buzz

LE SSERAFIM's debut proved immensely successful, achieving their first music show win just eight days after debut—an extraordinary accomplishment for a new group. The album broke records as the highest-selling debut album by a K-pop girl group in first-day sales.

For Kazuha, this sudden transition from fan to idol created surreal moments. "It's really intriguing the way everyone is so interested in the content that's being put out," she shared. "I've always watched videos about idols, so it's amazing to hear them talking about me now".

When the group's fandom was officially named "FEARNOT," Kazuha felt a profound sense of belonging: "It felt like we had somewhere to call home. It made me feel secure to think there will always be supportive people by our side".

How Ballet Shaped Her K-pop Style

Fifteen years of ballet training left an indelible mark on Kazuha's K-pop performance style. The intersection of these two seemingly opposite dance traditions creates a distinctive artistic signature that makes her stand out in LE SSERAFIM and the broader K-pop landscape.

Body control and flexibility

The physical discipline required by professional ballet gives Kazuha extraordinary advantages in K-pop choreography. Her mastery of body control and elegant lines, refined through years of classical training, allows her to execute movements with remarkable precision. This control becomes particularly evident in challenging sequences that require stability and balance.

Moreover, her exceptional flexibility enables her to incorporate dramatic ballet-inspired movements into LE SSERAFIM choreography. During "ANTIFRAGILE" performances, Kazuha executes various leg-breaking ballet movements that would be virtually impossible without her specialized training. As she noted regarding one particularly challenging move: "I realized I could do it if I just tried hard. I think I was already used to it because I did that kind of move a lot when I was doing ballet".

Stage presence and performance discipline

Ballet's rigorous performance standards instilled in Kazuha a heightened awareness of presentation details. "When we perform as a group, we all have to be doing the exact same thing... if even just one person does it different, the energy doesn't come across as well". This attention to precision extends to microdetails that casual viewers might miss—"That includes the angle of our arms and the way the moves feel. I keep all of that in mind the whole time we're on stage".

Regarding collaborations with creative teams, Kazuha actively engages with performance directors to incorporate her ballet background: "I talk a lot with the performance director to try and figure out which moves would be best... the performance director said, 'Let's show them all your moves whenever you're able to'".

Understanding rhythm and musicality

Transitioning between ballet and K-pop required fundamentally different approaches to rhythm. "In ballet, it was important that I move delicately, but when it comes to K-pop choreography, the moves are abrupt and intense". Nevertheless, both styles emphasize strong fundamentals: "You have to be good at the basics to do ballet, and it's important to be good at the fundamentals in K-pop choreography, too".

Throughout this evolution, Kazuha maintained that her years of physical training served as a foundation rather than an obstacle: "I think all the experience I got with using my body through ballet has been somewhat helpful. It's possible to guess somewhat about how I should move or pose to look good".

Breaking the Mold in the K-pop Industry

In an industry where trainees typically spend years perfecting their craft, Kazuha Nakamura shattered conventions the moment she stepped into HYBE's headquarters. Her unprecedented journey from ballet stages to K-pop spotlights represents a fundamental shift in how talent is identified and developed in the competitive K-pop landscape.

Shortest training period in HYBE history

What sets Kazuha apart from virtually every other K-pop idol is her remarkably abbreviated training timeline. At the time of her debut, she had trained for only 5-6 months—the shortest training period across all HYBE groups. This brief preparation window stands in stark contrast to the industry standard of several years.

"I did not have a trainee period," Kazuha frankly acknowledged in interviews. Indeed, when she joined Source Music, she was immediately slated for LE SSERAFIM's debut lineup rather than entering the traditional trainee pool. Fellow member Chaewon openly praised Kazuha's rapid progress, noting that "she's really good, and she used to do ballet," explaining how her prior experience enabled her to bypass years of conventional training.

Inspiring non-traditional idols

Kazuha's unorthodox path has opened doors for performers with non-traditional backgrounds. By succeeding despite her brief training period, she "accomplished what few people before her have ever done... besting many other trainees to earn a spot in the group".

Her motto in LE SSERAFIM—"Fearless of Adventure"—perfectly encapsulates her willingness to abandon certainty for possibility. This mindset resonates with aspiring idols who might otherwise feel their unique backgrounds disqualify them from K-pop success.

Redefining what it means to be a K-pop star

Undeniably, Kazuha has expanded the definition of what constitutes K-pop star material. Unlike peers who spent years mastering synchronized choreography and vocal techniques, she leveraged transferable skills from ballet to rapidly adapt to K-pop's demands.

Even LE SSERAFIM's performance director acknowledged this unique challenge: "Kazuha had a relatively short trainee period and her debut was her first time trying K-pop choreography". Naturally, this presented obstacles, as "the straight lines of ballet movements are built into her after 15 years of doing them, and it must've been really hard for her to break out of all of them at once".

Through determination and adaptability, Kazuha has proven that distinctive backgrounds can actually enrich K-pop rather than hinder success—creating a template for future stars with unconventional paths.

Cultural Impact and Global Recognition

Beyond her musical achievements with LE SSERAFIM, Kazuha Nakamura has rapidly expanded her influence across multiple industries, becoming a coveted name in fashion and beauty circles worldwide.

Brand endorsements and modeling gigs

Kazuha's elegant visual presence quickly attracted major brands seeking her unique appeal. In November 2022, makeup brand Etude House appointed her as their main model, acknowledging her "elegant visual" that perfectly matched their brand identity. Subsequently, she became the muse for haircare brand LADOR in February 2023.

Most impressively, her portfolio has grown to include partnerships with prestigious global brands such as Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, and LANCÔME Korea. In May 2025, athletic apparel giant Lululemon named Kazuha their new brand ambassador, launching the "Live Like You Are Alive" campaign.

Her magazine appearances further demonstrate her modeling prowess, with features in ELLE, Marie Claire, SPUR Japan, and BAZAAR. Given these accomplishments, Kazuha's portfolio of endorsements rivals those of much more established idols.

Influence on aspiring performers

As an artist who successfully merged classical training with contemporary K-pop, Kazuha represents a powerful example for dancers contemplating career pivots. She openly discusses her interest in "blending ballet and K-Pop choreography in a cool way," expressing desire to see more fusion-style performances.

Kazuha's vision for the future

Above all, Kazuha aims to inspire others through her artistry. "I want to be the kind of artist who always feels that way and gives strength to a lot of people through our performances and our music," she explains about her ultimate goal.

She views the idol-fan relationship as a mutual journey: "I like the culture around fans and idols having a continuous relationship as they grow together". Throughout her career, Kazuha hopes to recreate for others the same inspiration she felt watching her own idols perform: "I hope people who see me on stage will feel just like I did when I was young and saw artists performing".

FAQS

Fans of Kazuha Nakamura often have specific questions about the ballet-turned-K-pop star's personal life and abilities. Here are some fascinating facts about LE SSERAFIM's "swan" that reveal her unique character.

Is Kazuha fluent in multiple languages? Aside from her native Japanese, Kazuha speaks Korean and English. Though her Korean listening ability is reportedly worse than both Yunjin and Sakura, she actively improved by watching Korean dramas with subtitles. Remarkably, she learned to read Korean before speaking it.

What makes Kazuha physically unique in LE SSERAFIM? Kazuha demonstrates extraordinary flexibility, dropping into a split while clearing a 65 cm limbo bar. On Weekly Idol, she set a record of 45 cm. She's the only member who can do a vertical split and lasts longest during planks.

What are Kazuha's daily habits? Unlike her groupmates, Kazuha is an early riser who prioritizes breakfast over sleeping in. She meticulously mixes sauces before eating salads or bibimbap and maintains the most upright posture in the group when sitting or standing.

What's unusual about Kazuha's training period? With approximately three months of training before debut, Kazuha holds the distinction of having the shortest training period in her company's history. Her audition video featured BTS's "Dynamite" choreography.

What unexpected talents does Kazuha possess? Besides her ballet prowess, she's the best whistler in LE SSERAFIM and has horse-riding experience—the only member with this skill.