International ballet leaders convened at the 2026 Seoul Global Ballet Forum to discuss the future of Korean ballet. Representatives from major ballet companies such as American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, and the Mariinsky Ballet praised Korean dancers for their strong technical skills and work ethic, which they attributed to rigorous training systems. However, they emphasized the need for Korean dancers to develop individual artistic identities and creativity rather than solely focusing on perfection. Artistic directors highlighted the importance of reducing self-criticism, encouraging risk-taking, and fostering confidence. They also called for increased exposure to diverse choreography and greater cultural investment in nurturing creative talent. The forum, organized by Kim Sun-hee of the Korea National University of Arts, aimed to establish an ongoing platform for international collaboration.
Bias read (Center): While the discussion involves cultural and artistic development, which could be considered politically relevant, the article presents balanced perspectives from multiple international experts without overtly favoring any specific ideological stance. The emphasis is on professional development and re




