Born: 1977 (Busan, South Korea)
Biography:
Kim Joo-won, born on 8 May 1977 in Busan, South Korea, is a renowned South Korean Prima Ballerina. She has made significant contributions to Korean ballet and has left a lasting impact on the dance community.
Kim’s journey in the world of ballet began at the age of 12 when she started studying the art form. Her talent and dedication led her to the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet School, where she completed her training in 1998. That same year, she joined the Korean National Ballet (KNB), becoming a member of the troupe and quickly earning the distinction of prima ballerina.
Over the course of her 15-year career with the Korean National Ballet, Kim showcased her incredible artistry and versatility through numerous iconic roles. She graced the stage as Giselle, Swan Lake’s leading ballerina, Don Quixote’s captivating protagonist, and Jean-Christophe Maillot’s Romeo and Juliet. Her performances fascinated audiences and brought an unparalleled grace and beauty to the Korean ballet scene.
Kim’s dedication to her craft was truly remarkable. Between 1998 and 2012, she performed approximately 100 times a year, often juggling multiple programs simultaneously. Her commitment and unwavering passion for ballet were evident in every step she took on stage.
However, Kim’s career has not been without controversy. In 2007, semi-nude photos of her in Vogue and an exhibition by a photographer stirred a wave of discussion and debate. Despite these challenges, Kim remained steadfast in her commitment to dance and continued to shine on stage.
In 2012, after 15 years with the Korean National Ballet, Kim made the bold decision to branch out on her own and curtailed her formal membership with the troupe. She sought to explore new artistic endeavors, including musicals, pop art, and fashion. Nevertheless, she maintained her connection with the Korean National Ballet as a guest principal dancer.
Since branching out, Kim has embarked on exciting new projects. In June 2012, she performed in Poise, a contemporary ballet production. The following year, she staged her own production of Marguerite and Armand. In 2014, Kim collaborated with her rival from the Korean National Ballet, Ji-Young Kim, in the captivating performance Two in Two, blending tango, flamenco, ballet, and contemporary dance.
Kim’s talent and dedication have earned her numerous awards throughout her career. In 2001, she received the Rookie award from the Korean Dance Association, followed by the bronze medal at the Moscow International Ballet Competition. In 2002, she was honored with the Prima Ballerina Award by the Korean Dance Association. Her outstanding achievements were further recognized in 2006 when she was awarded the prestigious Benois de la Danse prize for top female dancer.
Kim Joo-won’s contributions to Korean ballet and her continued pursuit of new artistic endeavors have solidified her as one of the most influential figures in the dance community. Her captivating performances and relentless dedication to her craft have inspired generations of aspiring dancers and left an indelible mark on the world of ballet.
Awards:
– Rookie award from the Korean Dance Association (2001)
– Bronze medalist at the Moscow International Ballet Competition (2001)
– Prima Ballerina Award of the Korean Dance Association (2002)
– Benois de la Danse prize for top female dancer (2006)