South Korean ballerina Park Sae-eun, 22, will be the first Korean female to join the Paris Opera Ballet, one of the most selective ballet companies in the world. Of the 111 dancers who auditioned, only Park and two others were selected, the Korea Times reports. Considered one of the top three ballet companies, along with London’s Royal Ballet and New York’s American Ballet Theater, the Paris Opera Ballet is known for its exclusivity and for often overlooking Asian dancers. The Chosun Ilbo notes that only five percent of its 180 dancers come from outside of France.

Park has won multiple international ballet competitions, including Prix de Lausanne in Switzerland and Varna International Ballet Competition in Bulgaria. Dancing since she was 10 years old, Park has already worked with national ballet companies in both Korea and the United States. Of her acceptance, Park told Chosun Ilbo that her dreams have finally come true: “[The Paris Opera Ballet] contacted me and asked me to sign the contract. I’m so excited that I can barely sleep [...] This has been my dream since I was a child.”

Distinguished for its extensive range in repertoire and demanding performance schedules, the Paris Opera Ballet seems to be the perfect place for the young ballerina. Park, who also mentioned that she loves “taking on difficult challenges,” seems to be up for the challenge and ready to propel herself onto the international stage.

Watch a clip of Park Sae-eun performing “Sleeping Beauty”:

[Photo: Korea Times]