Ballerina Hee Seo on Dancing at ABT, Starring in a Banana Republic Ad and Hometown Pride

By Jane Sung
May 26, 2011

The fashion world's fascination with the fine art of ballet shows no abatement. Those lithe bodies in their soft palettes and cozy wraps and slippers are timelessly appealing.

But a more recent obsession can be credited in large part to the ballet-themed psychological thriller "Black Swan," which caught buzz not only for its Oscar-worthy performances and direction, but also for its costumes—40 of them designed by top fashion design darlings Rodarte in their signature darkly romantic style.

Hee Seo

American Ballet Theater ballerina Hee Seo in a Banana Republic ad campaign (left, image courtesy of Banana Republic) and in a Lotte Department store ad campaign (right, image courtesy of Lotte)

Also this past fall, in an ad campaign called "Life at Work," mass retailer Banana Republic cast a ballerina alongside a photographer, violinist and other creative types in their everyday clothing paired with the Banana Republic's latest fashion trends. Ballet dancer Hee Seo of the American Ballet Theater looked pitch perfect in a grey cardigan and black flouncy skirt on top, and white tights and pale pink pointe shoes on the bottom. "Banana Republic wanted to do a campaign involving the concept of real people with real style," she said. "I was chosen because the casting director was a fan of the ballet and she had me in mind after watching me dance. The whole experience was so much fun! There were about five stylists putting looks together for me and I had my own trailer to get dressed in."

Banana Republic Ad Campaign, Fall 2010: Life At Work (via YouTube)

Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Hee Seo grew up playing the piano and swimming along with all her siblings. But when her mother introduced her to ballet at the relatively old age of twelve, she fell in love with it instantly. After extensive training in Korea and the United States, she landed at ABT as an apprentice in May 2005. She was promoted to soloist in 2010 after a turn in 2009 as Juliet in "Romeo & Juliet," where, she told us, "I got to own my very first principal costume by ABT”—one designed to fit her specifically, right down to having her name sewed into the garment for the wardrobe department’s archives. In June, she'll premiere as Giselle at the Metropolitan Opera House.

Curious about how this elegant up-and-comer defines her own personal style, eBay's The Inside Source sat down with ballerina Hee Seo for a tete-a-tete.

The Inside Source: What ballet roles that you've danced have been most significant to you?

Hee Seo: Every role is special to me because as you learn new ballets, each one is different. I've done many roles as part of the corps, where you could be performing in the very back of a line in support of a principal role that carries the whole ballet. So when I then dance principal roles, that means that I have probably already done every other role that exists in that particular ballet, so performing a smaller role means that I am on my way to getting that principal role.

The Inside Source: Who has been a source of inspiration for you in your career?

Hee Seo: I'm inspired by Mikhail Baryshnikov for his onstage charisma as well as by my coworkers, who are all talented and give support and positive energy when I'm on stage.

The Inside Source: Do you have any other fashion projects like the Banana Republic one coming up?

Hee Seo: I'm doing a Lotte Department Store campaign in Korea, and they have stores in Moscow, Beijing, and more.

The Inside Source: You've traveled a lot as a ballerina. What are some of your favorite places you've been to and why?

Hee Seo: I enjoy back home because with my busy work schedule, there are only a few chances to perform in Seoul. The Korean audience warmly welcomes me whenever I perform there. Also, having my family's support is very special. I always stay with my parents, who take care of everything while I'm home. My favorite thing to do there is bike riding along the Han River; it's beautiful. And I love checking out newly opened cafes.

The Inside Source: Where are some of your favorite spots in NYC?

Hee Seo: During the Met season, I love to go to Landmarc, which stays open late and has great food and wine. I also really enjoy the convenience of restaurant delivery in NYC because I don't cook.

The Inside Source: What do you like to do in your free time?

Hee Seo: I do Gyrotonic Pilates or work out with a trainer. I also like to just be low key and hang out with friends over a glass of wine.

The Inside Source: How would you describe your personal style?

Hee Seo: Easy sexy...my everyday look is jeans and a t-shirt with flats or even an awful outfit covered with a long coat and topped off with a beautiful bag.

The Inside Source: What's your beauty regimen like?

Hee Seo: My favorite products are Lancome makeup remover, Clinique face lotion, and Ling Skincare blue facial mask. The only makeup I wear when I'm not performing is lip tint and perfume—Hermes and Tom Ford are my two favorite brands for that.

The Inside Source: Are you obsessed with any high tech gadgets?

Hee Seo: My iPhone! I do everything with it. My favorite app is Twitter. Follow me @heeseoabt.