“C’mon man, live a little,” Riyo Mori playfully tells the stylists as they’re preparing her for the photo shoot. Everyone bursts out laughing. These words are far from the profound and heartwarming answer Mori gives during the interview segment that helps her earn the 2007 Miss Universe title.

But to those who know Mori, she is spontaneous, witty and down-to-earth.

“I learned how to always be happy, be patient and to be positive,” Mori says referring to the lesson she’s learned as a child that still serves as her living principle. “This is what I want to teach to the next generation.”

Growing up in the small town of Shizuoka, home of Mount Fuji, Japan, Mori’s childhood was “uneventful”.

“I would go to school until 4 p.m.,” Mori recalls. “Get home around 5 and then go downstairs to my mother’s dance studio for practice at 6.”

Despite the routine of her life in this beautiful land with rich historical and cultural heritage, Mori never waver in her hope to open an international dance school.

“I love the idea of having students,” Mori says, “who can come and learn different types of dance from people from all over the world.”

Mori moves to Ontario, Canada, when she’s 16 to hone her ballet skills. But at 5 feet 8 inches, Mori may be too tall for a dance partner, especially when she’s on point shoes.

“While at the Quinte Ballet School, I read an article about the Rockettes,” Mori says. “And I thought I’d be perfect for this show. It has all the elements I like—glamour and beautiful costumes.” Then she adds with a huge grin, “Besides, I have the ‘meanest’ kick!”

At 19, Mori moves to New York, focusing on being a part of this spectacular precision dance team. Determined to be the first Japanese Rockette, Mori enrolled in the Radio City Rockettes’ Summer Incentive program.

Just when things seem to go as planned, her career path takes another turn. Soon after the Broadway Dance Center has offered her a spot on their team, Mori receives surprising news that requires her home—a journey that, eventually, leads her to stardom and roles beyond her wildest imagination.
In Japan, adulthood begins at 20. To help celebrate Mori’ milestone, in addition to the traditional coming-of-age ceremony (Seijin Shiki), her grandmother suggests that she enter the Miss Universe Japan pageant as the “final event to commemorate her teen years.”