Related Features
SUMMER IMPRESSIONS: The Joyce Theater’s UNITE Ballet Festival Curated by ABT Principal Calvin Royal III
THE DANCE ENTHUSIAST'S A TO Z: X for Christine Cox (BalletX) and Eryn Renee Young (XAOC Contemporary Ballet)
POSTCARDS: Eileen Kim of BalletX on Making Her BalletX and Joyce Theater Debut In One Go
Eileen Kim is a Korean American dancer, choreographer, and dance educator dedicated to sharing the transformative power of dance with the communities she engages with.
Eileen’s early training included mentorship from Stella Voskovetskaya, Erin Forrest, and Anton Wilson. She graduated from the Kirov Academy of Ballet in Washington, DC, before embarking on her professional career with Universal Ballet in Seoul, South Korea, performing in theaters across the nation and internationally.
Continue reading...
Greetings from my new home in Philadelphia!
I’m Eileen Kim, and I’m a new dancer with BalletX. I’ve been here for about a month and have already been immersed in this exciting company. I’m currently learning repertoire for our upcoming tour to The Joyce Theater and working on a new creation with Gregory Dawson for a ballet that will premiere later in the season.
Starting a new season always feels like the first day of school, filled with anticipation, excitement, and a few nerves. Joining a new company magnifies all these emotions, and I’m embracing every moment of this new adventure. The company has welcomed me with open arms and the supportive culture here is truly inspiring. You can feel the passion in the room and everyone is so dedicated to their craft while continuously striving for excellence.
We’ve recently begun running the works we’ll bring to The Joyce Theater, and I’m in awe of the artists around me. It’s still surreal to be part of this incredible company. One of the highlights for me is the versatility of the program. One moment we’re on pointe, pushing and stretching beyond our limits, and the next, we’re grounded, barefoot, feeling the rhythm and intensity of the movement.
During rehearsals, there are moments when I feel transported to another world and others when I’m captivated by my colleagues' physicality and artistry. The journey of a work and my role in the rehearsal process are my favorite parts of the job. While the performance is the icing on the cake, finding newness and depth in each step and growing through the process is what I cherish most.
Performing at The Joyce Theater is definitely a bucket-list moment for me. I remember watching performances there as a student and seeing my friends take the stage at this iconic theater. I couldn’t be more excited to make my BalletX and Joyce Theater debut all in one go! It fills me with so much gratitude to look back at all the moments that have allowed me to be where I am today.
I can’t wait to keep growing and discovering more with BalletX. Catch us at The Joyce Theater soon!
