Ballet company leaders call for investment in Korean dancers’ creativity
The Global Ballet Forum 2026 opened in Seoul, bringing together eight current and former artistic directors of leading ballet companies, including American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet and the Mariinsky Ballet. Participants discussed the success of Korean dancers on the international stage and the future development of the country’s ballet, Korea Herald reports.
The forum was organized by Kim Seon-hee, professor emerita of the School of Dance at the Korea National University of Arts. According to the publication, she has taught dancers for more than 30 years.
Technique and creative individuality
The artistic directors named thorough technical training and diligence as the strengths of Korean dancers. In their view, these qualities are linked to an intensive education and training system that emphasizes basic technique.
At the same time, participants believe that dancers need to develop their own artistic individuality and creativity rather than only seek technical improvement. Sasha Radetsky, artistic director of ABT Studio Company, noted that dedication, determination and focus can lead to excessive self-criticism. In his view, artists need to be given room to take risks and make possible mistakes while maintaining their self-confidence.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Susan Jaffe, artistic director of American Ballet Theatre, said that Korean dancers, possibly because of a culture of modesty, more often focus on their weaknesses. She advised young artists to value their own strengths more and be proud of the results of Korean ballet education.
Development of choreography
Participants also identified the development of choreographers who can support and unlock dancers’ creative potential as another challenge. Jaffe stressed that young people should become familiar with a wide range of choreographers and productions from different countries, rather than only Korean choreography.
Christopher Hampson, artistic director of Scottish Ballet, said that supporting creativity requires broader cultural investment from the government and the community. Participants also expressed hope that the forum would become a permanent platform for exchange between the Korean and international ballet communities. The program through Saturday includes masterclasses by artistic directors and the “Ballet Festival of a Summer Night” gala concert featuring, among others, Jeong Min-cheol of the Mariinsky Ballet and American Ballet Theatre soloist Park Seong-mi.
