Born in Tokyo, Japan, Yuko Katsumi began her ballet training in Berlin, West Germany.
She continued training in Japan and Zimbabwe where she received Honors in Advanced Cecchetti Examination, after which she went to London and graduated from the Royal Ballet School.
She danced professionally with Matsuyama Ballet in Tokyo, Tampa Ballet and Colorado Ballet where she was a Principal Dancer. Her repertoire included leading roles in full length Giselle, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker, Don Quixote, La Bayadère, Raymonda, Cinderella, and Romeo and Juliet and works by various choreographers such as Ashton, Balanchine, Fokine, Dolin, Massine, Ishida, Fredmann, and Loring.
Since retiring from her professional dancing career Ms. Katsumi has developed into a well respected teacher and coach of ballet. In 2011 Ms. Katsumi joined the faculty of San Francisco Ballet School where she has taught all levels. She has also taught extensively at Marin Ballet, Berkeley Ballet Theater, Smuin Ballet and City Ballet in SF.
She has been invited to be a Juror for the RAD Solo Seal Exam in SF and at the Tokyo City Ballet Competition in Japan. The Harid Conservatory has invited Ms. Katsumi to teach the Tour Audition class in SF for 2015/ 2016 season. Ms. Katsumi also teaches extensively nationally and internationally.