Herman Cornejo, Le Corsaire, May 29, 2009

Herman is from Argentina and began his ballet studies at age 8. At age 14, he received a scholarship from New York City Ballet’s School of American Ballet. He later joined Julio Bocca’s Ballet Argentino. At age 16, he was the Gold Medal winner of the VIII International Dance Competition in Moscow. He was promoted to Principal Dancer with Ballet Argentino. In 1999, Herman joined ABT as a member of the Corps de Ballet and was promoted to Soloist in 2000 and Principal Dancer in 2003.

Here are my two favorite YouTube clips of Herman:

The first is Albrect’s solo from Giselle. Notable steps include the first, a powerful double cabriole in which he demonstrates a massive leg separation between beats. He finishes his solo with an incredible five pirouettes with a double tour off one leg!

The second is Herman in ABT studios rehearsing La Bayadere. Note the spectacular double cabriole derriere in the first part of his solo.

ABTAmericanBalletTheatrephotosKent Beckernot my day job photographyAmerican Ballet TheatreHerman CornejoLe Corsaire