Meet Hyun Ji Jeon | Dancer, Choreographer & Dance Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hyun Ji Jeon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hyun Ji, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
When I was little, I did not really know what the word “creative” meant. What I do remember is that whenever teachers asked us questions, I would often answer differently than my classmates. My teachers encouraged me because I was not afraid to share what I was feeling, even if my response did not match everyone else’s. Looking back, I think that was the beginning of my artistic path: seeing the world in my own way and having the courage to express it.

I began ballet at the age of four after watching my first Nutcracker performance. For years, ballet was just a hobby and I never imagined it would become my life. Everything changed in middle school when I discovered contemporary dance. After nearly ten years of strict rules and structure, a teacher suddenly said, “Dancers’ choice, improv.” That moment felt electrifying. I remember thinking, “Can I really do whatever I want?” That sense of freedom and possibility was when I knew this was going to be my forever path.

As a choreographer and performer now, I try to create work that connects people with each other through dance and music. I often bring my Korean culture into my pieces. For example, my solo To Home was inspired by Arirang, a traditional Korean folk song about longing and resilience, and tells the story of a woman waiting for her love to return. My duet Moon of Seoul was inspired by the song by Kim Gun-mo and explores loneliness and the quiet beauty of life under the moonlight. Even when performing for audiences outside of Korea, I want them to experience a glimpse of my culture while still feeling an emotional connection.

For me, pursuing an artistic career is not only about performing. It is about building bridges across cultures, inspiring the next generation, and continuing to honor that first moment of freedom when I was told, “Improv, your choice.”

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart as an artist is the way I blend Korean culture with contemporary dance, using movement as a form of storytelling that is emotionally accessible to everyone. I aim to create work that connects people to each other, to music, and to the emotions within the story. One piece I am especially proud of is Moon of Seoul, a duet inspired by Kim Gun-mo’s song of the same name. The piece explores themes of loneliness and the quiet beauty of life under the moonlight, inviting audiences to experience a glimpse of Korean culture while still feeling a universal connection.

One of the biggest challenges in my work is making my culture understandable to non-Korean audiences. In Moon of Seoul, my duet partner and I are dressed as office workers enjoying soju after a long day, moving as if we are drunk. The piece reflects the song’s emotions and conversations, but I worried that audiences unfamiliar with Korean culture might not understand the story. I sought feedback from non-Korean friends and teachers, and through their input I learned that even if audiences do not fully understand the cultural context, gestures and small details such as wearing a suit and tie or raising a glass to cheers can communicate meaning and emotion. That experience taught me how to bridge cultures while staying true to my artistic vision.

What I hope audiences take away from my work is not just an understanding of my story, but a chance to reflect on their own. I want my dances to resonate personally, inviting people to imagine or connect with their own experiences through movement. My mission as an artist is to keep bridging my culture with the world around me. I was not born here, but now I live in New York carrying the stories and traditions of my home country. Through my art, I aim to share these stories, connect people across cultures, and create moments where everyone can feel a sense of understanding and emotional connection.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting New York for the first time in the fall, I would start her trip with a relaxed day in Lower and mid-Manhattan, skipping the usual tourist spots and showing her the city through my eyes. For brunch, we would head to Pause Cafe in Lower East Side, my absolute favorite spot and the first place I ever had brunch when I moved to Manhattan. I would order an iced latte with oat milk, any of their sandwiches, and if my friend is feeling hungry, a slice of carrot cake.

After brunch, we would stroll through SoHo, exploring the cute stores and enjoying the fall streetscape. Then we could stop at Urban Backyard for a second coffee or a matcha latte. From there, we would walk to Washington Square Park to watch street performances and simply observe the city life around us. For dinner, I would take her to Cafe Himalaya, a cozy Tibetan restaurant, where we would try the momos, noodles, and chili shrimp, some of the best comfort food in the city. It might sound like a day full of eating, but for me, sharing my favorite food spots is my love language, and it is the perfect way to show someone the city I love.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a huge shoutout to my parents. When I was four, they took me to my first Nutcracker performance, and I instantly fell in love with the costumes, the music, the dance, everything was perfect. When I told them I wanted to start ballet, they signed me up immediately, and they have always said yes to anything related to my dream.

Their support became even more meaningful when we lived in Belgium for two years. I was nine, barely spoke English, and had a hard time adapting to a new environment. My parents understood that I felt more confident expressing myself through movement than through words, so my dad found a dance studio and took me there on his day off. Being able to communicate and connect through dance helped me adjust, make friends, and find confidence in a new place.

Even now, their influence shapes my work. My parents often told me that contemporary dance can be hard to understand, which inspired me to create pieces that are approachable and emotionally resonant so that anyone can enjoy them. My family is in South Korea, but when I make dance here, I always think that I’m making a dance for them. Their love, encouragement, and insight continue to guide my journey every day.

Instagram: ji.jeon_

Image Credits
headshot/studio dance photos- Manish Chauhan
suits with purple tie- LipManTV