Yoon Hye-jin returns to the stage in pointe shoes after 14 years

Former Korea National Ballet principal dancer Yoon Hye-jin is returning to the stage after 14 years. On August 8, Yoon will perform in an open rehearsal led by Artistic Director Choi Tae-ji at the Gangdong Arts Center's Dream Theater.

On the 7th, just one day before the performance, Yoon announced her comeback via her personal social media channel by sharing photos of her practice sessions. In the black-and-white photos, Yoon is seen deeply immersed in rehearsal, working closely with dancer Ahn Jae-yong on choreography. She captioned the post "D-1" with the words, "This is the ball I truly set in motion. I just have to do it." A photo of her standing before a mirror reveals a toned physique and defined abs, the result of rigorous training.

Putting on the pointe shoes again after a 14-year hiatus

Yoon joined the Korea National Ballet in 2002. After gaining attention through 'The Nutcracker' shortly after joining, she rose to the rank of principal dancer within five years, establishing herself as a leading ballerina in Korea. She later continued her career by moving to the Les Ballets Monte-Carlo, one of the world's top three ballet companies.

Her marriage to actor Um Tae-woong and subsequent pregnancy in 2013 led her to leave the stage. While she has remained active as a ballet professional while raising her daughter, Zion, her life as a leading performer on stage had been on hold for 14 years. In a recent interview, Yoon opened up about the hardships of preparing for her comeback. Reflecting on the immense pressure she felt during practice, she shared, "At first, I actually wondered if I should call the director. I thought, 'This isn't right. I won't be able to perform.' I was so frustrated that I broke down in tears that day." She began her training again by walking around her home in pointe shoes.

Monte Carlo repertoire 'Dov’è la Luna'

In this performance, Yoon will present 'Dov’è la Luna,' a signature repertoire of Les Ballets Monte-Carlo. This stage serves as a way to carry on the artistic legacy of the company where she once performed. For this production, Ahn Jae-yong, a principal dancer with Les Ballets Monte-Carlo, will partner with Yoon. Yoon plans to pour all the expertise she has gained from practicing basic movements every day for over 10 years into this performance.

Artistic Director Choi Tae-ji expressed his desire to use this open rehearsal not just to showcase technique, but to hear directly from the dancers about what they intend to express. This performance, made possible with the permission of Jean-Christophe Maillot, Artistic Director of Les Ballets Monte-Carlo, holds special significance as it recreates a repertoire from Yoon's former company.

A meeting of Schubert and classical ballet

The upcoming performance at the Gangdong Arts Center embodies the artistic vision of Director Choi Tae-ji. Audiences can expect works that reinterpret the masterpieces of Schubert. Christian Spuck's piece is an Asian premiere inspired by Schubert's string quartet 'Death and the Maiden.' Alexander Ekman's work takes the form of a 'human orchestra,' where dancers create rhythms with their bodies.

For the classical ballet 'Swan Lake,' Jeon Min-cheol, a former first soloist of the Mariinsky Ballet, will take the stage. Jeon will perform alongside Hong Hyang-gi, a principal dancer of the Universal Ballet, as his partner. Yoon previously shared her emotional reflections, saying, "I never dreamed that a day would come when I would be doing this at this time again."

Dancers synchronizing on stage

Yoon Hye-jin will perform a scene from 'Dov’è la Luna' alongside Ahn Jae-yong, her junior from her time at Les Ballets Monte-Carlo. Meanwhile, in the classical ballet 'Swan Lake,' Jeon Min-cheol and Hong Hyang-gi will perform together, showcasing the expressive skills they honed in Russia.

Since joining the Korea National Ballet in 2002, Yoon Hye-jin has served as a principal dancer and performed with Les Ballets Monte-Carlo. The daughter of actor Yoon Il-bong, she has been raising her daughter Zion, born from her marriage to Um Tae-woong in 2013. Zion is currently studying vocal music at Sunhwa Arts Middle School.