How to Imitate Hijiri Masumi from Swan

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Updated: September 5, 2019

Many of us know and love the 70's shoujo manga, "SWAN". Swan follows 16-year-old Hijiri Masumi as she struggles to become a prima ballerina. For those who have ever wanted to lead a life like Hijiri's, here is a guide explaining how to do so.


  1. 1
    First and most importantly, you MUST both train for classical ballet and have a given amount of seriousness about the profession. This guide is mostly meant for those who already do this. If you wish to start ballet, make sure that you really want to and aren't just star-struck by the manga. Once you do start, work as hard as you can, like Masumi!
  2. 2
    As mentioned before, Masumi trains extraordinarily hard in order to become a professional ballet dancer. As long as you have the drive and the passion, you too can do this. Take as many classes as you can, audition for summer intensive programs in the like.
  3. 3
    Masumi humble, passionate, sweet, loving, and sort of perfectionistic/obsessive about her art. It would be helpful to exhibit similar qualities.
  4. 4
    Next, it is also important to look like Masumi. Most of the dancers in SWAN are drawn with lithe, slim bodies and long legs. These proportions are ideal for ballet, however, do not try to develop unhealthy eating habits in order to attain them. SWAN is set in Japan, a country with a tradition of very sensible, healthy eating habits. Eating things like vegetables stir-fried in sauce, rice, lean proteins like fish and soy, green tea, and filling snacks like miso soup will ensure that you stay healthy and give you the important energy needed for your busy ballet schedule.
  5. 5
    Masumi is drawn with long, blonde, slightly layered/wavy hair and heavy bangs. She keeps her bangs down when she puts her hair in a bun, and often adds braids to her class hairstyle. However, it should be noted that most ballet schools do not like students to leave their bangs in their face when putting their hair up, as they can interfere with turning and partnering, and often get sweaty. If you wish to leave them down, and are allowed to, go ahead, but some might prefer to pin them back with a suitably girly hair clip instead.
  6. 6
    Masumi is drawn in typical shojou style -- big saucer eyes, porcelain skin, and otherwise delicate features. This look can be created by keeping your skin as clear and healthy as possible (see a dermatologist if necessary), and drawing attention to your eyes with mascara and eyeliner in colors like black, brown. or plum (whatever best suits your complexion).
  7. 7
    As for clothing, Masumi's style is quite girly/feminine, but it is mostly pretty conservative. She often wears skinny jeans, cute sweaters with girly patterns on them, and simple sneakers or boots.

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      • Masumi often wears her hair down when dancing, in auditions, classes, and performances. In reality, tying one's hair up in a ballet bun is a necessity. Hair as long as Masumi's would block the line of the shoulders in neck, and interfere with certain steps, as was previously mentioned. Hair should really only be worn down in certain ballets (Midsummer Night's Dream, for example) and when practicing on one's own, if there is no other alternative.

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