Dancer JEON MIN-CHUL has officially joined the prestigious MARIINSKY BALLET in Russia, regarded as the cradle of classical ballet, as a first soloist after obtaining his work visa.
MARIINSKY BALLET announced JEON MIN-CHUL’s appointment as first soloist, the company’s second-highest rank, on its official website Saturday. He becomes the second Korean dancer to join the institution, following KIM KI MIN, who joined in 2011 and was promoted to principal dancer in 2015, marking a historic first for an Asian dancer.
The hierarchy at MARIINSKY BALLET includes five levels: corps de ballet, coryphée, second soloist, first soloist, and principal dancer. The first soloist rank sits just below principal dancer and allows performers to take on major roles in repertoires requiring advanced technical mastery.
JEON MIN CHUL graduated from Sunhwa Arts Middle and High School and was studying at Korea National University of Arts when he passed the MARIINSKY BALLET audition last July. He was promised a soloist position and traveled to Russia in June after winning the grand prize at the Youth America Grand Prix in April.
He debuted with MARIINSKY BALLET in July in the role of Solor in “LA BAYADÈRE”, performing as a guest artist while awaiting the completion of his work visa.
JEON MIN CHUL’s first performance as an officially registered member of MARIINSKY BALLET will take place this Saturday in “GISELLE”, reprising the role of Albrecht, which he previously performed in April with the UNIVERSAL BALLET.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: Website MARIINSKY BALLET
