Prix de Lausanne-winning ballerino vows to become radiant dancer

By Baek Byung-yeul

Park Youn-jae, the first Korean male dancer to win the prestigious Prix de Lausanne competition in Switzerland, expressed his ambition to become a "radiant" dancer who can connect with audience.

"I want to be a dancer who shines brightly and communicates well with the audience," the 16-year-old prodigy said upon arriving at Incheon International Airport, Tuesday afternoon.

On Feb. 8, he won first place at the Prix de Lausanne, one of the world's top ballet competitions. Founded in 1973, the Prix de Lausanne is open to dancers aged 15 to 18 and is considered a launch pad for the next generation of dancing stars. Winners receive scholarships and the opportunity to study at leading international dance schools or join affiliated ballet companies.

Park said he never expected such a good result.

"I didn't expect it at all ... I didn't even think I would make it to the finals. I was so surprised to win," he said with a smile.

"So many people congratulated me. I received so many congratulations that I was busy replying to them every day, and I am truly grateful."

He started ballet at age 5. "When I was young, I followed my sister to the ballet studio she was attending and started to have fun while watching and imitating her," he recalled.

Later, in fourth grade, he decided to major in ballet and started attending a ballet studio formally. In fifth grade, he entered the Korea National Institute for the Gifted in Arts, a subsidiary of the Korea National University of Arts.

While he has shown great talent in ballet since childhood, Park’s parents admitted they had suggested he quit after witnessing the struggles he faced. However, after watching his award-winning performance live in Korea, they said they were proud of their son, who had overcome these hardships and stood tall.

"I couldn't believe it, so I didn't even shed tears. Youn-jae's father cried alone," his mother, Lee Hyou-hee, said.

Park's father said that the 16-year-old continued to show a strong passion for ballet and had been preparing for the competition since last year.

"There was a time when Youn-jae seemed to be losing his own dance, but watching him perform this time, I realized he had changed a lot. Youn-jae seemed to be really enjoying himself," his father, Park Jong-woo, said.

Currently a student at Seoul Arts High School, Park intends to continue his ballet training abroad at one of the prestigious schools that have extended offers, though he has yet to decide on a specific institution or ballet company.

"If there are people who feel it is difficult to dance, I want to tell them not to doubt the time they have spent and to believe in themselves,” he said, encouraging those trying to become ballet dancers.