TULSA, Okla., Oct. 2018, – Tulsa Ballet is excited to announce the hiring of new Principal Dancer Na Eun Kim. Na Eun began her training at Sunhwa Art High School and went on to study at Korea National University of Arts. Upon graduation, Na Eun joined the Universal Ballet where she became a Soloist in 2010 and was promoted to Principal in 2013. Na Eun earned the Prima Ballerina Award from the Korean Ballet Association in 2015.
Tulsa Ballet Artistic Director Marcello Angelini says, “Na Eun is a great addition to our roster. She is an experienced Principal Dancer. Her delicate approach to dancing conceals a strong core and superb command of the stage. She is a real asset for the company and one that will look phenomenal in a number of upcoming productions.”
While dancing with Universal Ballet, Na Eun performed lead roles in La Bayadere (Nikia), Romeo and Juliet (Juliet), Giselle (Giselle), Sleeping Beauty (Aurora), Swan Lake (Neapolitan lead) and Onegin (Olga). Na Eun received Shanghai International Ballet Competition Best Couple Award in 2004. She was a finalist in the Varna International Ballet Competition and won third prize in the Seoul International Ballet Competition in 2008.
Although Na Eun was based in Korea, she was well aware of Tulsa Ballet and its reputation. Former Tulsa Ballet Principal Dancer couple Hyonjun Rhee and Youhee Son are old friends of Na Eun’s so she was able to get first-hand insights from them which piqued her interest. Of making the transition to Tulsa Na Eun says, “I’ve been here a month and there are so many things to learn. I have greatly appreciated the other dancers here. They are all very friendly and warm.”
Audiences will be able to see Na Eun Kim perform live in a leading role in the upcoming production of Ben Stevenson’s Dracula. She says, “I’m looking forward to my first Tulsa Ballet performance in Dracula. Dracula is not performed in Korea so I’ve really enjoyed the new experience!”
Performances of Dracula will be accompanied live by Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. The ballet is set to the music of Franz Liszt, in an arrangement by John Lanchberry. Tickets range from $25 – $120. For tickets call (918) 749–6006 or visit www.tulsaballet.org.
Tulsa Ballet’s Director
QUICK FACTS
Choreography: Ben Stevenson
Music: Franz Liszt arranged by John Lanchbery
Peter Stafford Wilson, Principal Conductor
Tulsa Symphony Orchestra
Performance Dates:
Friday, October 26 at 7:30pm
Saturday, October 27 at 7:30pm
Sunday, October 28 at 2:30pm
Ticket Information:
Call (918) 749-6006 or visit www.tulsaballet.org/dracula
For more info on our 2018/19 Season visit www.tulsaballet.org.
Hi-Res images and interview opportunities available:
Ryan Allen, PR & Communications Manager
918.392.5949, ryan.allen@tulsaballet.org