Hee Seo Becomes Principal Dancer of American Ballet Theaterm [PHOTOS]

Korean-born ballerina Hee Seo has been promoted to the position of principal dancer at The American Ballet Theater (ABT).

The renowned US ballet company announced her appointment on Friday. Seo, 26, is the first Korean dancer to hold the position.

"Beyond her ballet-friendly physique, she has a point of view and sensitivity that leads her towards roles like 'La Sylphide' and Juliet," Kevin McKenzie, ABT Artistic Director, told Pointe magazine.

Seo moved to the U.S. in 1999 while attending Korea's Sun Hwa Arts Middle School in Seoul. After training at the Universal Ballet Academy in Washington D.C. and the John Cranko Ballet Academy in Stuttgart, Germany, she joined ABT in 2004. Seo then was promoted to soloist in 2010. Her repertoire as a soloist with the company includes "Romeo and Juliet," "Onegin," and "Giselle."

The new prima ballerina will next perform in a production of "Giselle" from July 18 to 22 at Seoul Arts Center.