Herman Cornejo on Ballet, Passion, and Overcoming the Odds
Argentine ballet star Herman Cornejo shares his journey from prodigy to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. He reflects on his artistic legacy, daily routine, and how resilience shaped his career, and shares details about his new dance piece, ANIMA ANIMAL.
What's a typical day in your life look like?:
I set my alarm for 7 a.m., turn it off, and say goodbye to my wife and son as they head to school. Then, I go back to sleep until my second alarm at 8 a.m. I get up, make coffee and scrambled eggs, and take a 45-minute subway ride to work.
My day starts at 10:30 a.m., typically with a warm-up class. Rehearsals begin at 11:30 a.m. and run until 6:30 p.m. We often rehearse for three different ballet productions at a time, sometimes even up to six in one day. If I get a one-hour break, I usually debate between physical therapy and having lunch.
I’m home by 7:30 p.m., where I spend time playing with my son, Nico, before we have dinner and I take a warm shower. After reading books to Nico and putting him to bed, my wife, Maria, and I watch TV shows in bed until midnight, often enjoying some desserts together.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?:
The most rewarding part of my work is the opportunity to write history through art. To move, to embody and interpret a character, and to connect with audiences on such an emotional level.
It’s an experience that makes me feel truly alive.
How would you say your upbringing and cultural background contributed to your career aspirations?:
I believe my parents raised me in the best possible way. They instilled in me the importance of good manners, respect for everyone regardless of age or social status, and a strong work ethic. When you combine these qualities with talent and dedication, I think you can succeed wherever life takes you.
What would you say is a common question or concern you get from your clients/followers?:
A common question I get is, “What do you do besides ballet?” It often feels like people assume I need to do something else to truly contribute to the world. But for me, ballet is more than a career. It’s a profound way of connecting with others, expressing emotion, and creating something meaningful that impacts lives.
What would you say has been your biggest obstacle in launching a successful career? How have you overcome it?:
As a baby, I was in a coma. I survived and went through intense rehabilitation to recover. I was also born without a pectoral muscle, and some of my teachers doubted I could succeed being a good partner in ballet. I was even told I wouldn’t be tall enough to make my dream a reality. And yes, it was hard. But I overcame every obstacle through determination, resilience, and a deep passion for what I do.
If you had the choice to go back to your past or fast forward to your future, which one would you choose? Why?:
I would definitely choose the future. I already know and cherish my past. It’s filled with wonderful memories of my family and the journey that brought me here. The future, however, holds the unknown, and I’m excited about the possibilities it offers and the opportunity to keep growing and creating new experiences.
Where might you be found on a Saturday afternoon with no plans?:
I’m not sure if Saturdays specifically apply, but on any day with no plans, you’d likely find me at home, lounging on the sofa in my pajamas, enjoying some well-deserved relaxation.
When are you the happiest?:
I’m happiest when I’m eating, especially at dinner.
How do you stay connected to your culture, heritage, and community?:
For me, mate, the infusion that is so iconic to Argentinians, is a beautiful way to stay connected to my culture. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a social experience. We drink mate to spend time together, to disconnect from the outside world and truly connect with one another. It embodies the love and sharing that are at the heart of Argentine culture.
What would 18-year-old you say about where you are at in life now?:
Eighteen-year-old me would be amazed. I don’t think I could have fully imagined the journey I’ve taken, the opportunities I’ve had, and the life I’ve built. It’s a reminder of how far hard work, passion, and perseverance can take you.
Drink 🫖
What is Herman’s go-to drink?
My go-to order is a cappuccino with skim milk. It’s simple, yet comforting, balanced with just the right amount of foam, like a perfect blend of energy and calm.
Listening To 🎧
What is Herman listening to at the moment?
Lately, I’ve been listening to healing frequency sounds. It’s all I put in my earbuds. They help me find balance, focus, and calm, especially in a life that’s often filled with movement and energy. These sounds create a sense of peace and clarity, allowing me to reset mentally and emotionally.
Your Truth 🗣️
What is a Herman’s truth?
I’ve often reflected on the question: If a tree falls in the jungle and there’s no one to witness it, does it make a sound? The answer is no, because the fall creates waves that need a receptor to be transformed into a sound. This shifted my perspective entirely. It made me realize that what I do only truly matters when others can experience it, when it connects with them. For me, that connection is key. If people can’t see or feel what I create, then it loses its meaning.
Your Plug 🔌
What is Herman plugging today?
My project is a dance piece called ANIMA ANIMAL, that is going to have its US Premiere at the Joyce Theater in New York (18-23 of February, 2025), and will be one of the main portions on the gala "Herman Cornejo and Ballet Stars" in Miami in the New World Symphony (February 25, 2025).
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In 2021, Herman Cornejo was awarded a scholarship from the Center for Ballet and the Arts at New York University.
His project, "Re-imagining Nijinsky," aimed to delve into the ballet "Caaporá," an indigenous Guarani legend about the mythical origin of the Urutaú bird, which was Vaslav Nijinsky’s last professional interest.
"Caaporá" was penned in 1915 by Alfredo González Garaño and Ricardo Güiraldes. Proposed to Nijinsky during his final trip with Les Ballet Russes to South America, he started to work on it. Very soon
after, he got sick and never danced again.
Herman's scholarship involved researching various aspects of the Urutaú legend and the Guarani tribe's beliefs and worldview, as well as the cultural landscape of Argentina in the early 20th century, and its connection with Les Ballet Russes' modernism and Nijinsky's style.
Through his research, Herman discovered common themes among indigenous tribes, emphasizing nature's importance in maintaining balance and the universal struggle against evil forces. This exploration led him to a profound realization: the necessity of embracing nature and redefining humanity's relationship with it.
Inspired by this journey, Herman envisioned a new choreography that not only communicates ethical viewpoints through movement but also gives voice to the Earth itself. Drawing from Guarani culture, he aimed to shed light on modern humanity's crises and the urgent need for a mystical reconnection with nature.
His project, which delved into “Anima Animal,” serves as a reflection on our complex modern existence and the imperative to rethink our place within nature.
The piece was co-produced and premiered at the Teatro del Bicentenario in San Juan, Argentina in December 2022 as part of an unprecedented collaboration.
More about Herman Cornejo
Argentine-born Herman Cornejo is one of the most celebrated dancers of our present time.
At 16 he won the Gold Medal at the VIII International Moscow Competition, being the youngest dancer to get this award in the history of the event until now. In 1998, at 17, he was invited to join ABT Studio Company. He officially joined American Ballet Theatre in 1999. He was promoted to soloist in 2000 and to Principal Dancer in 2003. Since then, he has been one of the greatest stars of the company.
Considered a prodigy by teachers and critics alike, he has received numerous awards and honors: he was appointed Messenger of Peace by UNESCO; ‘Dancer of the Year’ by The New York Times; Star of the 21st Century in 2005; ‘Mr. Expressivity’ in the International Ballet Festival ‘Dance Open’ in St. Petersburg in both 2010 and 2013; 2013 ‘New York Dance Outstanding Performer ‘The Bessies Award’ presented by the ‘NY Dance & Performance League’; in 2005 and 2014 Benois de la Danse, which defined him as the best dancer of the year; in 2018, Best World Male Dancer ‘Positano Award’; in 2019 the Platinum Konex as the best Argentine male dancer of the last decade. In 2022 he was one of the recipients of the prestigious Dance Magazine Awards.
He has performed the entirety of the classical repertoire, and also works regularly with today’s finest choreographers: Justin Peck, Christopher Wheeldon, Jorma Elo, Alexei Ratmansky, Twyla Tharp, Stanton Welch, Martha Clarke, Russell Maliphant, Mark Morris, Benjamin Millepied, Wayne McGregor.
Cornejo has also choreographed for himself: ‘Tango y Yo’ for Dance Open Festival 2010 in Saint Petersburg, ‘Two sunsets’ for the ‘Dance against Cancer’ event in 2012, ‘Transcendence’ in collaboration with bandoneonist JP Jofre for the Kings of the Dance Tour 2014, ‘Dentro’ and ‘Momentum’ with pianist Bruce Levingston for Trio ConcertDance, and ‘Milongón’ in 2016, in honor of Damian Woetzel’s first decade as director of the Vail International Dance Festival. In 2022, he created ‘The Apartment’ to Piazzolla’s ‘Suite del Angel’, commissioned by The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Live Arts as part of Catalyst Quartet's 2022-2023 MetLiveArts residency.
In 2021, Cornejo received an NYU Center for Ballet and the Arts Fellowship for his project Reimagining Nijinsky, which became the foundation for Anima Animal, his first work as both producer and dancer.
In 2024, the New York City Center commissioned Cornejo to create a new choreography of Fokine’s Le Spectre de la Rose for their Fall for Dance season, honoring his legacy as the most featured male dancer in the history of the event.
That year he also celebrated 25 years with the American Ballet Theatre.