Suh Lynn Im – native Korean, after graduating from the prestigious Vaganov’s Academy at St. Petersburg in 2022 she was invited as ballerina to the Mikhailovsky Theatre. I was really admired by her Odette/ Odillia in “Swan Lake” performed on March, 9th at the stage of the Cultural Center of MAI (the Moscow Aviation Institute). So I asked her several questions about her professional life via email. Very grateful to her for this interview and wish her all the best in her future career!
How long have you been studying ballet? Was it your own decision, or did your parents influence you? What are your most vivid childhood memories about ballet?
I started ballet at twelve, so I have been dancing for eleven years now. I remember how I started this journey vividly, I know I always wanted and enjoyed to do something with my body, something like sports or dancing, but never thought it would be a ballet. Actually, I hated it in the memories of my childhood, I didn’t like pink ballet leotards with tutu and thought it was boring. When I became twelve, my mom asked me to go to ballet studio in front of my house to get some kind of movements or exercises because I was just sitting down, studying or doing nothing. I was not up to it at first but as I tried I just loved it and wanted to do seriously. Professionally I was a bit late to start but by recommendation from my teacher and my desire thankfully my family started to support my journey.
Where did you study ballet in Korea? Why did you decide to continue your studies in Russia, and how difficult was to take this decision?
After one year studying at small ballet studio I was accepted to the Sunwha Arts middle and high school which is so well known in Korea. It was so tough and had to catch up my skills and qualities although I started late. But I always had the dream of going abroad to study, not just in Korea. I wanted to see and learn by wide range of experiences and people whether it is Europe or America. My decision was taken after the competition, that I participated in and got an offer to study in Russia, which I didn’t expect at all. I had no doubt and just wanted to go there. So it was really easy for me at that moment, but now I think I was so fearless.
When you entered the Vaganova’s Academy, what was the biggest challenge: to adapt to a new reality at the foreign country, to study at the Academy, or to build relationships with classmates? How did you get through? Did your expectations come true?
When I entered the prestigious Vaganova’s Academy, surprisingly I had a wonderful first impression. The country, relationships, environment of the school were so warm and positive for me. Just the studies and the method of Vaganova were a bit different from Korea, but I adapted quite quickly. I would say, the hardest thing during the school years was just not giving up and working on myself. In comparison with Korea, most of ballet schools in Russia give more opportunities to Russian students, not to foreigners. So I had to work on and prove myself to develop and to get opportunities from school. So my expectations maybe were only half fulfilled, some of things I achieved but some I didn’t expect. However, I am so grateful.
After graduating from the Vaganova’s Academy in 2022, you were invited as a ballet dancer to the Mikhailovsky Theatre in St. Petersburg. What ballet performances have you already danced in?
I danced various roles, small and big. I danced in “Swan Lake”, “Don Quixote”, “Giselle”, “Cinderella” , “Nutcracker” , “Le Corsaire”, “Notre dame de Paris”, “The Little humpbacked horse” and others…
What is your favorite ballet? What role are you dreaming about? Are there any dancers who inspire you?
My favorite Ballet?.. This is a difficult question, because every ballet, every role are unique and have every aspect and character, which are all interesting. I would say I adore classical and drama ballet like “Swan Lake”, “Romeo and Juliet”, “Giselle”, “Manon”, “Onegin” . However, I would like to dance all kinds of ballet in future even neoclassical and contemporary. As for ballet dancers, I don’t have a specific person who inspires me. This is because every dancer has its individuality and it is so amazing to see them all. So everyone around me has something to learn and inspires me so much. Even myself try to motivate to drive me through.
Did you have any concert tours to Korea? If so, please tell us more...
In our theater unfortunately no… I wish it maybe in future. I just performed in Gala concert individually last year, that was all.
Who are your teachers? Do you maintain relationships with them?
I had many teachers throughout my studies. Everybody affected me as a dancer when I am thinking now, even though it was a short period of time. I can’t name them all but I still contact with some of them.
How do you spend your leisure? Do you have time for any hobbies or travelling?
I have a lot of work and it is hard to turn off my mind when I am not dancing. But I recently found my hobby which I am so into it. Which is knitting. I also like traveling but I can’t find much time for it.
If you could change the past, what would you do?
I would not like to change specifically anything from what I have said. Maybe in future I will try to experience more variety of things and try to enjoy and will not be scared so much about the future.
How about this article?
- Like4
- Support0
- Amazing2
- Sad0
- Curious0
- Insightful0
