Students of the School of Dance and KNIGA Shine at the 2026 VKIBC

Current students from the School of Dance at K-Arts swept multiple awards at the 2026 Valentina Kozlova International Ballet Competition (VKIBC), held at New York Live Arts(NYLA) in the United States from March 17 to 21, 2026.

Jeong Geonse (23), a student in the Department of Dance Performance, claimed the competition’s highest honor – the Grand Prix in the Classical Competition. In total, twelve K-Arts students received awards across various categories, demonstrating the breadth of their artistic excellence.

In the Contemporary Solo Division 3, Cho Inyoung (23) and Seo Chaewon (23) both won gold prizes, while Park Jeeyoo (23) earned silver and Song Jooyeon (23) won bronze. In the Ballet Senior Division, Jung Kyuwon (21), Shin Minjoo (20), and Kim Chanwoong (20) captured gold prizes, with Park Sangbin (21) taking silver. Additionally, Kim Chanwoong received an apprenticeship offer from the Oklahoma City Ballet, providing an opportunity for further international advancement.

In the Ballet Student Division (Female), Lee Soyul (14) and Choi Seoyun (14) – both from the Korea National Institute for the Gifted in Arts (KNIGA) – won gold, while Han Joohyong (12), also from KNIGA, earned gold in the Youth Division (Female).

Founded in New York in 2013 by Valentina Kozlova, the VKIBC has become a renowned platform for promising dancers worldwide. This year, over 100 participants from 25 countries competed for top honors. Kozlova praised the exceptional standard of Korean dancers, noting their growing influence on the global stage. Jury Chair Nina Ananiashvili also commended the artistry and individuality of each performer. These achievements once again highlight the outstanding training provided by the K-Arts School of Dance and reaffirm the international stature of Korean dance.