ABT Principals Herman Cornejo and James Whiteside to retire after 25 plus years

American Ballet Theatre (ABT) announced on 8th September 2026 that Principal Dancers James Whiteside and Herman Cornejo would retire from the stage during ABT’s 2027 Metropolitan Opera House Season, concluding their more than 25 year careers as professional dancers.

Whiteside will give his final performance on 30th June 2027 in Giselle, opposite Isabella Boylston. He joined ABT in 2012 and became a Principal Dancer in the following year. Prior to ABT, he danced with Boston Ballet from 2002 to 2012.

The Argentinian Cornejo will give his final performance on 22nd July 22 2027 in Swan Lake, opposite Skylar Brandt. He joined ABT Studio Company in 1998 and joined the main company in the following year. He was promoted to a Principal Dancer in 2003.

ABT also announced details about its China tour in November 2026, the casting for its 2026 Fall season at the David H. Kroch Theater and the programme for 2026 Fall Gala scheduled on 29th October at the Koch Theater.