Park Sun-mi Promoted to Principal Dancer at World-Renowned American Ballet Theatre

South Korean ballerina Park Sun-mi, 27, is set to ascend to the rank of Principal Dancer at the renowned American Ballet Theatre (ABT). The announcement was made by ABT Artistic Director Susan Jaffe following a performance of "Swan Lake" at the Metropolitan Opera House on July 16 (local time).

Jaffe lauded Park as an artist possessing "true depth," noting her consistent ability to meet challenges and her astonishing rate of growth. "We are very proud to recognize her achievements with this promotion," Jaffe stated. Park, who performed the lead roles of Odette and Odile in "Swan Lake" on the night of the announcement, will officially hold the new title starting September 1.

Park began her ballet training at age 10 in South Korea, graduating from prestigious institutions like Sunhwa Arts Middle and High School and Korea National University of Arts. Her international accolades include first place at the 2017 Moscow International Ballet Competition and a gold medal at the 2018 Youth America Grand Prix. She joined ABT's Studio Company in August 2019, progressing to the main company as an apprentice in November 2021, then joining the corps de ballet in February 2022, and finally achieving soloist status in September of the same year, just seven months after joining the corps.

With Park's promotion, she becomes the third South Korean Principal Dancer at ABT, joining Seo Hee and Ahn Ju-won. Founded in 1940, ABT is a leading ballet company based in New York, recognized globally for its artistic excellence.

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Sun-mi is an artist of true depth. She has consistently responded to every challenge we've given her, and her growth has been astonishing. We are very proud to recognize her achievements with this promotion.