Top US ballet company's new Korean principal reflects on recent promotion

"I used to imagine that I would cry if I were promoted to principal dancer. But when the moment finally came, I had enjoyed the performance so much that I simply felt happy. More than anything, I was relieved that I had finished the show well."

That is how Park Sun-mi, 27, recalled the dramatic moment she was promoted to principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre (ABT) immediately after a performance of "Swan Lake" at New York's Metropolitan Opera House on July 15. During a phone interview, Park said, "People asked if I had somehow known in advance because I stayed so calm, but I had absolutely no idea." Beginning with the 2026-27 season on Sept.

1, Park will become ABT's third Korean principal dancer, following Seo Hee and Ahn Joo-won. Park's mother, who had traveled from Korea, was in the audience when the announcement was made. She had hesitated to fly to the United States because she needed to care for the family's dog, but ultimately decided to make the trip, telling her daughter that she wanted to see her first performance as Odette and Odile in "Swan Lake" regardless of whethe