Ballerina Yoon Hye-jin to put on pointe shoes again after 10 years

Ballerina Yoon Hye-jin is returning to the stage after a hiatus of about 10 years. She announced her comeback as a dancer by participating as a guest in 'Choi Tae-ji's Ballet Open Rehearsal I - Relevé: Back on Stage,' which will be held on the 8th at the Gangdong Arts Center's Small Theater Dream. This marks her first appearance in approximately 10 years since the Korea National Contemporary Dance Company's 'Dance Speaks' in 2015.

Ahead of the performance, Yoon shared photos of her practice sessions on social media. In the photos, she is seen practicing Jean-Christophe Maillot's 'Dov'e la luna' alongside Ahn Jae-yong, a principal dancer with the Monte Carlo Ballet. Yoon shared, "I have been invited as a guest for today's 'Choi Tae-ji's Open Rehearsal'... and I will be performing with dancer Ahn Jae-yong."

"Director, I'll do it": The comeback sparked by Choi Tae-ji

The decision to return was decisively influenced by the encouragement of Choi Tae-ji, the former director of the Korea National Ballet. Choi noted that even during her time away from the stage, Yoon had consistently continued her ballet practice. During a conversation with Choi, Yoon expressed her passion for dance, saying, "Director, I've been practicing every day at home." When Choi urged her, saying, "Don't just stay at home; come back to the stage," Yoon decided to return, replying, "Director, I'll do it."

Although Yoon had received numerous performance offers over the years, she struggled to make a decision. While she never let go of ballet after leaving the active scene, she felt the heavy pressure of returning to the stage. The performance was originally intended to be talk-oriented without dancing, but after repeated meetings, Yoon made up her mind to put on her pointe shoes again. Regarding this performance, she remarked, "I don't think I could do a performance more significant than this."

Performing 'Dov'e la luna' with Ahn Jae-yong

The piece Yoon has chosen for this performance, 'Dov'e la luna,' was choreographed by Jean-Christophe Maillot, the artistic director of the Monte Carlo Ballet. Yoon's connection with the Monte Carlo Ballet dates back to the past. During Choi Tae-ji's tenure as director, the Korea National Ballet staged several of Maillot's works, and Yoon, who was a principal dancer at the Korea National Ballet at the time, joined the Monte Carlo Ballet through this connection.

In this performance, Yoon will partner with Ahn Jae-yong, a principal dancer of the Monte Carlo Ballet. Reflecting on the performance, Yoon said, "To be on stage again performing a Maillot piece, and with Ahn Jae-yong of all people." The practice photos, showing her flexibility that belies her age of 46, demonstrate her thorough preparation.

Support from sister-in-law Uhm Jung-hwa and family stories

Her sister-in-law, singer and actress Uhm Jung-hwa, also stepped up to offer her support. Uhm left a comment on Yoon's social media post, saying, "I wanted to see this performance so much!!! Our proud Hye-jin! I am praying for you today. I hope you fully enjoy this wonderful moment!!! Love you!!"

Yoon married actor Uhm Tae-woong in 2013, and they have a daughter, Ji-on. Ji-on is currently studying vocal music at Sunhwa Arts Middle School. After communicating with the public through television and YouTube, Yoon is now returning to her true calling as a ballerina.