Sara Komatsu: The Road to Harvard University

Congratulations to CFB Student, Sara Komatsu, who will be graduating from Central Florida Ballet's Academy this June and attending Harvard University this Fall!

We sat down with Sara to discuss her time at Central Florida Ballet and what she looks forward to this Fall at Harvard! Enjoy our interview below.

Pictured: Sara Komatsu

When did you start classes at the Ballet Academy of Central Florida?
I began training with CFB in 2009 - I have been with the studio for 9 years.

What classes have been your favorite over the years? Did you participate in the Summer Intensives?
My favorite classes have always been ballet, but I did enjoy when we had the opportunity to do Acrobatics, Body Conditioning, and Contemporary.  I did participate in multiple Summer Intensives with CFB.

Sara in class at Central Florida Ballet

What performances did you enjoy dancing the most with the Central Florida Ballet?
I enjoyed the Nutcracker performances the most because of the atmosphere and the feeling of camaraderie that would form among the whole cast.  It was always so much fun to be at the studio for long hours with everyone, and of course theater week was always the best week out of the whole year.  The best part about Nutcracker by far, though, was always going out into the lobby after a show and getting to interact with the audience members - particularly the little kids who would be so excited to see us in costume.

Sara poses in costume for CFB's The Nutcracker.
 

When you did you first consider applying to Harvard and what was the process like of applying like?
I really couldn’t tell you when I first considered applying to Harvard - it was certainly always on my radar, just like everyone knows about Harvard.  I’ll be honest, the process of applying was rather stressful, mostly because of my essay. I love to write, but I am never entirely satisfied with my writing - there is always something I could change.  I’m also a perfectionist, so I really wanted my essay to be perfect… the end result being I rewrote my essay probably over ten times.

Sara visiting Harvard University

What is their acceptance rate?
Harvard’s acceptance rate was 4.5% this year. 

Did you apply to other colleges? If so, which ones?
I applied to Boston University, Columbia University, University of California Los Angeles, and University of California Berkeley.  I was waitlisted at Columbia and accepted to the rest.

Pictured: Sara Komatsu

 
What will your major be?
I plan to major in Creative Writing and minor in Film, though at Harvard, undergraduates don’t officially declare their majors until sophomore year.

What did you learn from the Ballet Academy of Central Florida that will/has helped you in your transition to being a student at Harvard University?
The discipline that I learned in ballet is, I think, what will help me most in my transition to being a student at Harvard.  That, as well as the time management skills I acquired from so many years of juggling dance and school, will most likely be crucial for me in college.

Sara takes a stunning leap in downtown Winter Garden 

What does it mean to you to be graduating from CFB and is there anything you'd like to say to your teachers and classmates?
It seems so unreal to be graduating from CFB - and it is probably the place I will miss the most.  To my teachers and classmates - thank you for making the studio a place that I could come to to dance away my problems and just focus on always improving.  Thank you for constantly pushing me to work hard and be the best I could be. And finally, thank you for your endless love and support in everything I do, it truly means the world to me, and I consider CFB to be my family.
 

 

 Sara stretching at the barre 

You recently participated in the World Ballet Competition. Tell us about your experience. What did you enjoy and learn?
Competing was arguably one of the most difficult things I have ever done - but looking back, I’m very glad I challenged myself and grateful to have had the opportunity to compete.  I was coached by Natalia Bashkatova, one of Advanced A’s teachers at CFB, and I thoroughly enjoyed our privates together over the months leading up to WBC. It was nice to have a teacher’s full attention, and I felt that that one-on-one training was extremely beneficial to my dancing.  As for the actual competition, I always love being on stage, and so the performance opportunity was a great experience, and I felt good about the way I performed my solos. I was also in an ensemble piece, and rehearsing/performing that piece with four of my friends was so much fun.

Sara with fellow CFB Students and guest artists at the World Ballet Competition

Where will you live at Harvard and are you nervous?
All freshman live in Harvard Yard, so that is where I will be living next year.  I’m not nervous at all for life next year - I feel that my experiences going away for summer intensives and living in dorms during those times showed me that I’ll be fine in college.  I’m mostly excited to meet new people!

Sara visiting Harvard University

Have you ever been to Boston? Are you ready for their cold winters?
I have now been to Boston a total of 3 times, though only for short visits.  During all of those visits, it was very cold, so I don’t think I’m ready for their cold winters.  I’m not sure I’ll be able to stand not seeing the sun for so many long winter months, but that’s alright - I always have the sunshine state to come home to during breaks!

Learn more about the Central Florida Ballet on our website at www.centralfloridaballet.com or please call 407-849-9948 ext 10. The Academy is currently enrolling new students for Summer and Fall Programs.