SunMi dressed in a beige ballet outfit and pointe shoes is sitting on a stone ledge outside a building, with stairs and trees in the background.
Text that reads "Our Founder" in bold pink cursive font.

SunMi Cho

Artistic Director


In Korean, “Sun” means virtue, and “Mi” means beauty.

SunMi Ballet exists to cultivate both in every individual—through connection, community, and the transformative power of dance.

With over 25 years dedicated to the dance arts as a professional dancer, educator, and leader, I have seen firsthand how dance shapes lives. The true value of dance isn’t only in technique or performance—it’s in connection. Kinesthetic intelligence sharpens the ability to persevere, to grow alongside others, and to build a community rooted in encouragement, support, and shared purpose.

After nearly 11 years on the Ballet Faculty at The Rock School for Dance Education, earning a full dance scholarship to Southern Methodist University, teaching as Adjunct Faculty at Temple University, and performing professionally for over 30 years, I’ve come to see the arts as a lifelong path of healing, advocacy, and self-discovery. Every student deserves a space where their narrative is honored and empowered.

I lead every class with kindness, respect, and a pursuit of excellence. Whether working with children, pre-professionals, or adults, I focus on nurturing the individual—offering detailed corrections, encouragement, and space to grow. There is no such thing as failure in my classroom, only “multiple opportunities to attempt.”

My former pre-professional students have gone on to receive scholarships and placements at esteemed institutions including:

  • American Ballet Theatre, Houston Ballet, Ellison Ballet, Joffrey Ballet, Princeton Ballet, The Rock School, PA Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet

  • University scholarships to Juilliard, NYU, Southern Methodist University, University of the Arts, Chapman, Point Park, Fordham, and Butler University

Whether beginner or advanced, every dancer at SunMi Ballet is seen, guided, and invited to find their own voice through movement.

Gabi balances en pointe while holding an umbrella outdoors on a cloudy day.
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You have taught me so much in dance and life and I want to personally thank you for all your lessons and support. I have truly enjoyed getting to work with you and I had a lot of fun. You have been like a role model to me and I’m glad I got to learn so much from you. Thank you for your guidance, friendship, and trust, and for taking part in shaping the dancer and person I have become.”
— Gabi
Rock School Alumnae and Butler University Full Scholarship Awardee