American Ballet Theatre (ABT) has announced that Principal Dancers James Whiteside and Herman Cornejo will conclude their performing careers with the Company during ABT’s 2027 Metropolitan Opera House Season. Whiteside will give his final performance on June 30, 2027, in Giselle, opposite Isabella Boylston. Cornejo will give his final performance on July 17, 2027, in Swan Lake, opposite Skylar Brandt.
Though their careers have followed very different paths, both artists have transformed the Company through exceptional artistry, fearless creativity, unwavering dedication, and an enduring commitment to ballet. Herman Cornejo devoted his entire professional life to American Ballet Theatre, rising from ABT Studio Company to become one of its most revered Principal Dancers. James Whiteside reimagined what it means to be a ballet artist in the 21st century, bringing fearless creativity both on stage and beyond. Together, they have helped shape the modern identity of American Ballet Theatre.
Following his farewell performance, James Whiteside will continue his career as a dancer, choreographer, writer, musician, recording artist, producer, creative collaborator, and advocate for the arts and LGBTQ+ communities.
Herman Cornejo is writing a book about his journey and will continue performing, choreographing, and teaching, and will appear as a guest artist around the world while continuing to help and guide the next generation of artists.
“Every era of American Ballet Theatre is shaped by extraordinary artists whose talent leaves a lasting imprint on the Company. Herman Cornejo and James Whiteside have done exactly that, each in his own remarkable way,” said Susan Jaffe, Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre.
Jaffe described Cornejo as representing “the very heart of American Ballet Theatre,” while saying Whiteside has “fearlessly” redefined what it means to be a ballet artist today. “Together, Herman and James leave American Ballet Theatre immeasurably richer,” she said.
Born in Argentina, Herman Cornejo joined American Ballet Theatre Studio Company in 1998 and ABT in 1999, and was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2003. He has performed more than 160 works by over 70 choreographers and originated nearly 50 roles, including works by Alexei Ratmansky, Justin Peck, Twyla Tharp, Wayne McGregor, Mark Morris and Benjamin Millepied. Among his numerous honors are the Benois de la Danse, Bessie Award, Konex Platinum Award and Dance Magazine Award.
Reflecting on his 29 years with ABT, Cornejo said, “When I arrived in New York as a young boy from Argentina, I carried little more than a dream. American Ballet Theatre gave that dream a home, a purpose, and a life beyond anything I could have imagined.”
He added that the audience had been an integral part of his journey, saying, “Through triumphs and disappointments, debuts and final bows, they were always there, and every time I stepped onto the stage, I danced for them.”
Although his time as a performing artist with ABT is coming to an end, Cornejo emphasized that he is not leaving dance behind. “This is not a goodbye to dance, it is simply the beginning of a new chapter,” he said.
James Whiteside joined American Ballet Theatre in 2012 and was promoted to Principal Dancer in 2013. During his career with ABT, he has become known for his athleticism, theatricality and individuality, performing leading roles including Siegfried in Swan Lake, Albrecht in Giselle, Basilio in Don Quixote, Romeo and Oberon in The Dream. He has also performed works by Alexei Ratmansky and other contemporary choreographers.
Beyond the stage, Whiteside has established himself as a choreographer, writer, musician, filmmaker and creative collaborator. He has created works for ABT, Boston Ballet, Juilliard and other institutions, and choreographed for artists including Taylor Swift and Mariah Carey. He is also the author of the memoir Center Center.
“American Ballet Theatre has been the artistic home of my adult life,” said Whiteside. “It gave me the extraordinary privilege of dancing the roles I dreamed about as a kid, of working alongside artists I admire beyond measure, and, most importantly, of discovering the kind of artist I wanted to become.”
Whiteside said his next chapter will continue to encompass multiple creative disciplines. “I feel enormously excited about what comes next: more choreography, more writing, more music, and probably a few things I haven’t imagined yet,” he said. “I will carry the artists, audiences, friendships, and lessons of American Ballet Theatre with me for the rest of my life.”
The departures of Cornejo and Whiteside will mark a significant transition for American Ballet Theatre, as the Company moves forward without two Principal Dancers who have been central to its artistic life for more than a decade. Their final performances will be part of ABT’s 2027 Metropolitan Opera House Season.
For more information on ABT’s 2027 Season, visit www.abt.org.
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