Masanao Ito was born in Ibaraki, Japan. Mr. Ito began his ballet training at Sion Ballet. Later, he attended the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School’s Graduate Program on a full scholarship for two years where he performed roles in  George Balanchine's Serenade, Etudes, Don Quixote, La Sylphide, and Tribute.  Additionally, Mr. Ito was invited to perform with the Pittsburgh Ballet's main company where he danced roles in The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, Le Corsaire, and Alice in Wonderland among others. Mr. Ito participated in Japan Grand Prix 2013 and received a full scholarship to Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School Summer Intensive. Mr. Ito has also performed as a guest dancer all over Japan. Besides soloist roles, he has recently performed in Malaysia in Vladimir Issaev’s Fairy Doll. Mr. Ito joined Ballet Frontier in the spring of 2021 and the fall of 2022. Mr. Ito has performed principal roles with Ballet Frontier including Prince Desiree in The Sleeping Beauty, Don Jose in Carmen, the Cavalier in The Nutcracker, Peasant Pas de Trois in Giselle, and James in La Sylphide. Mr. Ito was promoted to Principal Dancer during the 2023-2024 Season.