Universal Ballet

Ballet is Beauty

It is with deep gratitude that I greet you at the auspicious occasion of our 39th Anniversary. Our journey to this point has been possible only because of the help and support of the many fans, artists, sponsors and other friends who have walked alongside us through this long and very exciting journey. When we started in 1984, ballet in Korea was barely just beginning, and it is truly exciting to look at ballet in Korea today and see how far we have come.

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It is Universal Ballet's vision, Heavenly Art Creating a World of Beauty, that is the motivation and driving spirit of the company. Our firm belief is that through the art of ballet we can make this world a more beautiful and better place. During these past 39 years, we have had the great good fortune to be able to share the beauty of classical ballet with wonderful people all around the world, and also of course here in Seoul and throughout Korea.

I want to take a few moments to thank some of the many people who have made it possible for us to be here with you today, starting with our Founders and Patrons, Dr. & Mrs. Sun Myung Moon, without whose support we could not continue to present you the beauty of classical ballet, and Dr. Bo Hi Pak, who worked so hard to make their vision a reality. We also owe our presence here to the vision and dedication of the ballet artists who guided the company through these past three decades, including Founding Artistic Director Adrienne Dellas, Artistic Director Emeritus Oleg Vinogradov, and our current Artistic Director, Bingxian Liu. I would also like to express my unending appreciation to all of the wonderful dancers, artistic, technical and administrative staff who have been part of the Universal Ballet family throughout these past years, with whom I have shared so many unforgettable experiences, and without whose passion and dedication the company would not exist.

Universal Ballet's repertory includes a broad spectrum of beautiful works, including well-known ballet classics, contemporary works and our original creation Shim Chung - A Legend from the Far East. New additions to the repertory for our 30th Anniversary Season include a new production in September of another Korean full-length work, The Love of Chunhyang, adapted from the one which originally premiered in 2007. This is a story of love that remains faithful even in the face of death. Also new for our 30th Anniversary is Nacho Duato's full length contemporary work Multiplicity - Forms of Silence and Emptiness, which will premiere in April.

Once again, it is my great pleasure to welcome you, and I hope you enjoy the performance. May the beauty of ballet touch your heart and bring you joy.

Julia H. Moon
General Director Universal Ballet