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Rising Korean Ballet Stars Shine in ABT Studio Company's Seoul Debut

From Hankyoreh · (4h ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Three young South Korean dancers—Park Geon-hee, Park Soo-ha, and Park Yoon-jae—are set to perform in their first-ever Korean stage show with the ABT Studio Company.
  • The gala performance in Seoul will feature a diverse repertoire, including classical and contemporary ballet pieces choreographed by renowned artists.
  • The dancers, selected for their exceptional talent and artistry by the American Ballet Theatre, are considered rising stars in the global ballet scene.

The Hankyoreh is thrilled to showcase the remarkable talents of three young South Korean dancers who have earned a coveted spot in the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Studio Company. Park Geon-hee, Park Soo-ha, and Park Yoon-jae are returning to their homeland to present their artistry in a special ballet gala, marking their debut on the Korean stage with this prestigious company. This event is not just a performance; it's a homecoming celebration for dancers who have honed their skills at one of the world's most renowned ballet institutions.

It is thrilling and happy to perform in front of our colleagues and friends and seniors in our home country.

— Park Geon-hee, Park Soo-ha, and Park Yoon-jaeAt a press conference ahead of their performance.

Their upcoming performance at the Mapo Art Center in Seoul promises a captivating display of both classical and contemporary ballet. The repertoire includes beloved classical excerpts and cutting-edge contemporary works, such as variations choreographed by New York City Ballet's principal dancer Tyler Peck and pieces by Alexei Ratmansky and Christopher Wheeldon. This diverse selection highlights the versatility and technical prowess of these young artists, offering Korean audiences a glimpse into the dynamic world of international ballet.

I am happy to be able to show the ABT repertoire, but I am under immense pressure to do even better.

— Park Yoon-jaeExpressing his feelings about performing in Korea after winning the Lausanne Competition.

Artistic Director Sasha Radetsky lauded the trio, emphasizing that ABT seeks dancers who possess not only exceptional technique but also unique artistic expression, creativity, and a collaborative spirit. He believes these three Korean dancers embody these qualities, making them standout talents destined for greatness. Their inclusion in the ABT Studio Company, a rigorous program that selects only about ten dancers aged 17-21 annually from a global pool, is a testament to their extraordinary abilities and dedication.

ABT looks for dancers who not only have technique but are also distinctive, express ballet aesthetics and creativity with personality, and have a kind personality that can contribute to the community beyond the stage. These three dancers have all of that.

— Sasha Radetsky, Artistic Director of ABT Studio CompanyPraising the three Korean dancers.

For these dancers, performing in Korea is a deeply meaningful experience. They expressed both excitement and a touch of pressure performing for their compatriots and mentors. Park Yoon-jae, a recent Lausanne Competition winner, shared his ambition to showcase the ABT repertoire effectively. The gala is more than just a performance; it's an opportunity for these rising stars to connect with their roots while demonstrating the sophisticated artistry they have cultivated on the international stage, inspiring the next generation of Korean dancers.

I want you to feel the strong energy of American ballet.

— Park Yoon-jaeSharing a viewing point for the audience.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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