The Argentine Prodigy of Classical Ballet
Herman Cornejo is a celebrated principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre (ABT) and a proud representative of Argentina in the global world of dance. His inspiring journey began at the Instituto Superior de Arte del Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires. Despite an early start in ice and roller skating, watching his sister in a dance studio captivated him. He fell in love with the way dancers jumped and turned to the live music of the piano, a passion that drove him to join the Teatro Colón’s school at age nine.
A Meteoric Rise in the American Ballet Theatre
Herman’s transition to the international stage was swift and impressive. After four years at the Teatro Colón, he received a full scholarship to the School of American Ballet in New York. His career truly took off when Julio Bocca invited him to join the Ballet Argentino company at the young age of 14.
In the ABT, his ascent was historic:
- He spent only one year in the corps de ballet.
- He became a solist in the year 2000.
- By 2003, at age 22, he was promoted to Principal Dancer.
Today, he remains a cornerstone of the company, working with legendary masters like Irina Kolpakova and Susan Jaffe.
Artistic Process and Inspiration
His approach includes:
- Mastering technique first
- Developing character depth
- Bringing authenticity to each role
The Anima Project: Reclaiming Nijinsky’s Vision
One of Cornejo’s most ambitious recent endeavors is «Anima», a ballet deeply connected to cultural heritage and the history of dance. The idea was born when Herman discovered an old newspaper article detailing Vaslav Nijinsky’s plans for a ballet called Caapora. Inspired by an indigenous Guaraní legend from Argentina about a mystical bird, the project was never realized due to Nijinsky’s diagnosis of schizophrenia.
More than a century later, Herman brought this vision to the Center for Ballet and the Arts at NYU. He wrote a new story that serves as a message about the essence of the Guaraní people—their deep respect for the planet and their unique understanding of the cosmos. For the music, he collaborated with Anabella Tuliano, Noelia Escalzo, and Uji to create a score that blends classical, folkloric, and electronic sounds.
Discover the season schedule at the American Ballet Theatre.
Preparation and the Importance of the Stage
For Herman, winning competitions is a great achievement, but the real value lies in the experience of being on stage. He believes that feeling the eyes of a live audience is an experience that cannot be replicated in a rehearsal studio. When preparing for a role, his process is meticulous: first, he masters the technical steps, then he inhabits the character, and finally, he strives to make the performance feel real and authentic.
Despite his international success, Herman maintains a strong connection to his homeland, returning to Buenos Aires annually to perform at the iconic Teatro Colón.
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