Isabella Boylston, the esteemed principal dancer of the American Ballet Theatre (ABT), has announced the arrival of her first child with husband Daniel Shin. The couple welcomed their son, Magnus Jaejin Boylston Shin, into the world on June 26, 2023. Baby Magnus tipped the scales at 7 lbs, 7 oz, and measured 20.5 inches at birth, representing an exciting new chapter for the couple.
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The name Magnus has roots in Boylston’s Swedish heritage, while Jaejin pays tribute to Shin’s Korean background, reflecting their family’s cultural connections. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Boylston expressed her immense joy regarding parenthood. “This feels like the best thing we’ve ever done,” she remarked.
Boylston expressed gratitude for the comprehensive care provided by her medical team during her pregnancy and delivery. Reflecting on her experience, she thanked the professionals at New York Presbyterian, particularly Dr. Caitlin Baptiste for the delivery and midwife Jeanne Coulehan for their expert guidance throughout the pregnancy. “After this experience, I am convinced that nurses are the most talented and soulful people on the planet,” she said.
While the experience was overwhelmingly positive, Boylston also recounted some challenging moments. She faced a brief scare when her son’s heart rate dropped during delivery, which led to fears of an emergency procedure. Fortunately, the situation stabilised, allowing her to welcome Magnus into the world after a lengthy 24-hour induction process. This ordeal underscored the emotional struggles she faced during childbirth.
The couple chose the name Magnus Jaejin with careful consideration, wanting it to embody aspects of both their heritages. Boylston, who grew up speaking Swedish thanks to her mother, felt a strong connection to the name Magnus, which she described as having a “classic and epic sound.” Jaejin, she noted, not only represents Shin’s family but also incorporates a part of his own name, adding another layer of significance.
Adjustment to parenthood has brought mixed emotions, particularly concerning sleep deprivation. Boylston admitted that this aspect has proven to be the most challenging so far. However, the joy of holding, feeding, and observing her son brings her immense happiness. “It’s crazy how much he’s changed already in just one week,” she shared, reflecting on how rapidly newborns develop.
One of Boylston’s personal highlights during the first days of motherhood has been the quiet moments spent nursing Magnus at night. “Just snuggling him and hearing his cute little sound effects has probably been my favourite time with him so far,” she said. The serene intimacy of those moments has added to the profound experience of new parenthood.
In February, the celebrated ballerina had publicly revealed her pregnancy through an Instagram post that showcased her growing baby bump. “I haven’t been posting much lately because I’ve been busy cooking,” she shared, referring to her preparations for motherhood while highlighting her active professional life. As she anticipates her return to the American Ballet Theatre for the 2026-2027 season, Boylston can look forward to celebrating her 20-year anniversary with the famed institution during the 2027 summer season.
As Isabella Boylston embraces the joys and challenges of motherhood, she remains committed to her career. The anticipated return to the American Ballet Theatre marks a new phase in her life—a balance of both her beloved art and her role as a mother. As she navigates the journey of parenthood, the community looks forward to witnessing her continued contributions to the world of dance and the joys of family life.