Celebrating AAPI Artists OF Season 3
This AAPI Heritage Month, Pointeworks is proud to celebrate the extraordinary Asian and Asian American artists shaping our Summer 2026 season.
From visionary choreographer Keerati Jinakunwiphat creating a world premiere for the company, to internationally celebrated violinist Julia Choi joining us live onstage at The Conrad, Season 3 reflects the power of collaboration across dance and music, cultures and disciplines, and the distinct artistic voices that continue to shape the future of ballet.
We are honored to feature these artists as part of POINTEWORKS Season 3:
KEERATI JINAKUNWIPHAT — Choreographer for Season 3
New York City–based choreographer Keerati Jinakunwiphat has emerged as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary dance. In 2023, she became the first Asian American woman commissioned to choreograph for New York City Ballet with the premiere of Fortuitous Ash set to music by Pulitzer Prize–winning composer Du Yun. Her work has been presented at venues including Lincoln Center, The Joyce Theater, MASS MoCA, and the Guggenheim, and she has received honors including the Princess Grace Award in Choreography and the Jadin Wong Fellowship from the Asian American Arts Alliance.
This June, Keerati will create a brand-new work for Pointeworks premiering at The Conrad in La Jolla.
ISABELLA SEO —
Dancer, Season 2 & 3
Originally from Los Angeles, Isabella Seo trained at The Marat Daukayev School of Ballet and later Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre before joining Ballet Arizona. Her repertoire includes principal roles in Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, Swan Lake, and numerous works by George Balanchine, Christopher Wheeldon, Alejandro Cerrudo, and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa.
KYLE TORRES-HIYOSHI — Dancer, Season 1, 2, & 3
Kyle Torres-Hiyoshi, a soloist with Texas Ballet Theater, trained at the School of American Ballet before dancing with American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, Boston Ballet II, and Sarasota Ballet. His repertoire spans Balanchine, Ben Stevenson, William Forsythe, Christopher Bruce, Martha Graham, and contemporary choreographers across ballet.
An original collaborator with Pointeworks, Kyle continues to bring remarkable versatility and artistry to the company’s evolving repertoire.
At Pointeworks, collaboration across cultures, disciplines, and artistic backgrounds is central to the work we create. We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary artists whose voices, experiences, and artistry continue to shape our community and our seasons.
Join us June 13 at The Conrad in La Jolla for Nocturnes: Five Ballets by Five Women Choreographers featuring world premieres, live music, and artists from across the country coming together for one unforgettable evening.
POINTEWORKS
JULIA CHOI — Violinist
Korean violinist Julia Choi has been a member of the First Violin Section of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra since 2019 and has performed with leading ensembles including the New York Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra, and San Diego Symphony. Praised by The New York Times for her “narrative sweep and involving performance,” Choi brings a deeply collaborative and expressive voice to every stage she joins.
This season, she will perform live alongside Pointeworks dancers for the world premiere of Moving Forces, featuring choreography by Jacquelyn Long and an original score by Resident Composer Katie Jenkins.
RIEKO HATATO — Dancer & Choreographer
Originally from Japan, Rieko Hatato began her training in Nagoya before earning international recognition at competitions including the Moscow International Ballet Competition and the USA International Ballet Competition. Now a soloist with Texas Ballet Theater, she has performed leading roles including Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Cinderella in Cinderella, and numerous contemporary works spanning Balanchine, Martha Graham, Val Caniparoli, and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa.
A foundational Pointeworks artist since the company’s inaugural season, Rieko also choreographed Amour de Jeunesse for Season 2 in New York City.
KATE INOUE — Dancer for Season 3
Lead dancer with Los Angeles Ballet, Kate Inoue has performed principal roles including Giselle, Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, and principal roles in George Balanchine’s Rubies and Serenade. Her early training includes the Palos Verdes Ballet and Etoile Ballet School in Osaka, Japan, before continuing her studies at Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet.
This summer marks her Pointeworks debut.
