years ago we haven't had any gay dancers. We just haven't had to deal with that issue." In 2001, the Universal Ballet company performed Shim Chung in California. Julia Moon commented to The Press-Enterprise on the selection of Shim Chung as the performance piece, "We thought that this would be a good ballet to bring with us on this tour. We are very proud of it and we think that it is a very beautiful ballet. But beyond that I believe it demonstrates in the most convincing way possible that classical ballet and Korean literary and dance traditions can come together to create a new dance form, a blend in which each of the parts has its place." She to The Press-Telegram in 2001 that at this point Universal Ballet was judged more for its artistic merit than its origins, "People are now judging us by our artistry. The press is less interested in the connection with the church. The church has no role in the ballet company. I am a member of the church, as is one other dancer." In 2002, Julia Moon retired from her position as the star of the Universal Ballet company. In 2004, the Universal Ballet company performed La Bayadère at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Korea. "The ballet is known for its spectacle. It's mammoth, visually grand and one of the more exotic ballets in the repertory," explained Julia Moon. By 2004, she had become artistic director of Universal Ballet. In 2004, Bo Hi Pak was the chairman of the board of directors of the Universal Ballet company. According to the Long Beach Press-Telegram, "[Julia Moon's] role as general director had been at times overshadowed by the strong presence and energy of the Rev. Moon, and Pak, both of whom share a desire to create a world-class ballet company for Korea." In 2008, the Unification Church still gave financial support to the Universal Ballet company, and Julia Moon had a position on the company's board of directors. In 2011, she received the Kyung-Ahm Prize. References External links Universal Ballet Interview with Julia Moon exploredance.com Interview Interview, Korea Herald, 2014 1963 births Living people People from Washington, D.C. South Korean ballerinas American Unificationists South Korean emigrants to the United States Unification Church and the arts Dancers from Washington, D.C.