Crisis in the Hamburg ballet: dancers complain about toxic climate!

Crisis in the Hamburg ballet: dancers complain about toxic climate!

The Hamburg ballet manager Demis Volpi is faced with a profound crisis that was triggered by numerous allegations regarding his management style and working conditions in the ensemble. According to the Kleine Zeitung Volpi regrets the necessary interruption of his work "Demian", which was initiated by positive feedback from the audience. For this reason, he now plans to switch to the existing production "Surrogate Cities" in order to create more space for current topics.

The situation continues to come to a head: Volpi criticized over 30 dancers in a fire letter to the Hamburg cultural senator Carsten Brosda (SPD). Five of the eleven first soloists have not extended their contracts. In addition, 17 current and former dancers from Ballet am Rhein in Düsseldorf also sent a letter to Brosda, in which they accuse Volpi of a work environment that is characterized by "inconsistent communication, lack of transparency and an atmosphere of fear"

allegations and critical voices

die ndr reported that during Volpis a previous office in Düsseldorf was written in a revealing letter, the negative effect on self -confidence, motivation and well -being of the dancers. Long -time dancers terminated there before their contracts ended, which is considered unusual in the ballet scene. A dancer described Volpi as loud and uncomfortable, in contrast to his public presentation.

In Hamburg, more than half of the ballet company and five of eleven first soloists have expressed their dissatisfaction. Alexandr Trusch, a terminated first soloist, expressed that it lacked role models and criticized Volpi's artistic skills. The Hamburg Cultural Authority was surprised by the allegations and planned internal discussions to clarify the situation and promote a constructive exchange.

outlook and other developments

Volpi, who took over after 51 years at the head of the Hamburg Ballet from John Neumeier, takes the allegations seriously and is in close exchange with the ensemblespers. His task includes the enrichment of the repertoire with new productions and the preservation of Neumeier Erbe. However, the current tensions and the challenges of his leadership style could endanger his artistic vision.