American Ballet Theatre (ABT) principal dancer David Hallberg will join Russian ballet company Bolshoi Ballet for the 2011-2012 season.

According to the New York Times, 29-year-old Hallberg will exit the packed house of Lincoln Center for Russia's famed Bolshoi Ballet as a premier, the Russian equivalent of a principal.

I will be bringing something different to the company, but I will also be respecting their traditions as well, he told the New York Times.

Hallberg will be the first foreign dancer to join Bolshoi as an official member of the company, instead of the usual guest artist title.

Mr. Hallberg received his training in the United States and Paris Opera Ballet School. He possesses all the best qualities of classical dancer-perfect technique refined manners and outstanding acting abilities, said artistic director of Bolshoi Ballet Sergei Fillin in a statement.

However, Hallberg will continue to dance with ABT as a principal, according to an ABT spokeswoman, who said he very much remains a principal dance with ABT. He will perform in The Nutcracker this winter and continue with the Metropolitan Opera House spring season.

A native of South Dakota, Hallberg received training at the Arizona Ballet School in Phoenix before joining the corps de ballet in 2001. Hallberg became a principal dancer of ABT in 2005 and has held roles in Giselle, The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet, to name a few.

David Hallberg is set to debut with Bolshoi Ballet in November for his role in Giselle, according to the New York Times.

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