World Ballet Leaders Gather in Seoul: "Korea Is Becoming the Center of Ballet"
Creatrip Team
23 days ago
The inaugural Seoul Global Ballet Forum brought top international ballet directors and Korean dancers together in Itaewon on the 27th. Leaders from companies including American Ballet Theatre (ABT), Boston Ballet, Mariinsky, and national companies of Norway and the Netherlands praised Korean dancers for strong technique, discipline, and versatility, saying Korea may be the next center of ballet. Forum artistic director Kim Sun-hee (professor emerita at Korea National University of Arts) organized the event to build networks and discuss systems that support dancers’ growth. Visiting directors noted Korea’s abundance of excellent dancers but fewer creative choreographers, and raised concerns that talented dancers often leave Korea. Forum activities include masterclasses for Korean students and a “Midsummer Night’s Ballet Festival” gala; organizers aim to evolve the event into a “K-Ballet think tank” integrating arts, education, policy, and industry. (한예종: Korea National University of Arts)
