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A Farewell to Cory Stearns

Cory Stearns in Onegin. Photo: Rosalie O'Connor Photography.
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A Farewell to Cory Stearns

On June 27, Principal Dancer Cory Stearns will give his final performance with American Ballet Theatre, dancing the title role in John Cranko’s Onegin.

Cory’s legacy includes an impressive array of princes, protagonists, scoundrels, and villains. He has commanded the stage in classical roles such as Prince Siegfried, Albrecht, and Basilio, along with contemporary favorites like Firebird, In the Upper Room, Jardin aux Lilas, and Petite Mort.

As Cory’s farewell approaches, the Company celebrates Cory’s extensive career and the distinguished artistry he brings to every performance.

 

 

Cory Stearns at the curtain call for Giselle.Photo: Natalia Sánchez.
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"Cory Stearns is an artist of intelligence and emotional power. His performances have left an indelible mark on American Ballet Theatre and on everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him. We celebrate his remarkable career and thank him for the artistry, generosity, and leadership he has brought to our stage."

- Susan Jaffe, ABT Artistic Director

Cory Stearns in Swan Lake.
Photo: Gene Schiavone.

Cory Stearns in Don Quixote.
Photo: Marty Sohl.

"In the early 2000s, I was given a tour of the Royal Ballet School’s new home in Covent Garden. After seeing a class of advanced students, I complimented the school’s director, Gailene Stock, on the quality of the class and the ability of the students. She said with a telling nod, “And two of them are Americans!”

Not long afterwards, John Meehan, the director of ABT Studio Company, told me he had heard from Gailene that she had an American boy we should take. I said if he was part of the class I had I had seen on my visit that it was a very good bet we wouldn’t regret taking him. We decided to take the plunge and invited him into Studio Company.

When Cory arrived, both John and I saw great potential in him at ABT. He joined the main Company at a time of generational renewal and I thought to myself he would likely go far. And indeed he did! Climbing through the ranks quickly and proving he was not only an elegant dancer, but also a very good partner. There didn’t appear to be a ballerina he couldn’t work with. A very good recipe for success in a ballet company! "

- Kevin McKenzie, Former ABT Artistic Director, 1992-2022

Matthew Golding, Alex Wong, Joseph Gatti, and Cory Stearns in Variations for Four with ABT Studio Studio Company in 2004.
Photo: Gene Schiavone.

Nicole Graniero and Cory Stearns in Divertimento No. 15 with ABT Studio Company in 2005.
© The George Balanchine Trust. Photo: Gene Schiavone.

"As a student, Cory arrived fully prepared, exceptionally well-trained, and with an accomplished technical facility. He was a gifted dancer and an outstanding partner. Additionally, being from New York City added a compelling dimension to his story. His ascent through the ranks was swift, and he has remained a vital member of the Company throughout his entire ABT career."

- John Meehan, Former ABT Studio Company Artistic Director, 1997-2006

James Whiteside, Cory Stearns and Herman Cornejo in Fancy Free.
Photo: Rosalie O’Connor Photography.

Cory Stearns, Veronika Part, and Thomas Forster in Monotones II.
Photo: Marty Sohl.

"I first met Cory at the Royal Ballet School. Cory was the epitome of the school slogan, strength,and grace. With his quick wit and slightly mischievous side, I knew we would be friends. I also knew that Cory was destined for greatness. From the beginning, Cory’s technique was exceptionally clean, and his partnering skills were nothing short of remarkable. Watching him perform was always a joy, but what became even more inspiring over the years was the depth of artistry he brought to his work. His dedication to refining not just the mechanics of dance, but its emotional expression, truly set him apart.

I could not be prouder of my friend and all that he has accomplished. Through talent, discipline, and unwavering commitment to his craft, Cory has rightfully secured his place among the great artists and legends of American Ballet Theatre."

- Thomas Forster, Principal Dancer

Christine Shevchenko and Cory Stearns in Onegin.
Photo: Rosalie O’Connor Photography.

Christine Shevchenko and Cory Stearns in On the Dnipro.
Photo: Rosalie O’Connor Photography.

"Dancing with Cory has been an amazing honor. His attention to detail fosters trust and connection, making every performance shine with authenticity.

Thank you, Cory, for the countless memories and for sharing your artistry with us. Your legacy goes beyond the steps you've danced—it's in the relationships you've built and the joy your unique quirkiness brings to all of us fortunate enough to work with you."

- Christine Shevchenko, Principal Dancer

Hee Seo and Cory Stearns in Romeo and Juliet.
Photo: John Grigaitis.

Hee Seo and Cory Stearns in Giselle.
Photo: Gene Schiavone.

"Cory and I absolutely loved the spontaneity of live performances. We rehearsed a lot but there was no set plan; we reacted to each other on stage. It was truly special because we respect and trust each other as artists, allowing each other the freedom to explore and express. "

- Hee Seo, Principal Dancer

Chloe Misseldine and Cory Stearns in Petite Mort.
Photo: Rosalie O’Connor Photography.

Gillian Murphy and Cory Stearns in The Dream.
Photo: Rosalie O’Connor Photography.

"I first met Cory and his family at ABT's Golden Circle Luncheon in 2006. Cory had just joined the Company as a member of the corps de ballet, and his excitement was palpable. I couldn't wait to see this burgeoning dancer on stage.

Ever since, I've made it my practice to attend all of Cory's performances. I love watching him dance and am continually amazed at what he is able to do. Throughout these many years, Cory's artistry has given me and innumerable others so much joy.

Congratulations on an incredible career!"

- Charlotte Mathey, Cory's ABT Dancer Sponsor since 2012

Cory Stearns in Firebird.
Photo: Camila Falquez.

Joseph Markey, Cory Stearns, and Aran Bell in Twyla Tharp’s In the Upper Room.
Photo: Kyle Froman.

"Cory embodies artistic excellence in its most disciplined form–virtuosity refined by humility, rigor, and unwavering devotion to craft. He does not merely perform roles; he inhabits them. With clarity of line, musical intelligence, and refined phrasing, he brings authority without excess and power without vanity.

What distinguishes Cory most is the integrity beneath his technique–forged through relentless discipline and deep respect for the art form. He works with quiet nobility, elevating those around him through constancy and generosity. My admiration rests as deeply in the man as in the artist. To call him a friend is a privilege I hold with profound gratitude."

- Theodore Stuart Harkins Ueng, Cory's ABT Dancer Sponsor since 2019

Brittany DeGrofft, Paulina Waski, Katherine Williams, and Cory Stearns in Jardin aux Lilas.
Photo: Marty Sohl.