John Neumeier Speaks on Hamburg Ballet's Future: "Calm is Key"
"John Neumeier expresses approval for instances of silence." - John Neumeier expresses his viewpoint that serenity is beneficial.
Get the scoop on the Hamburg Ballet as it moves forward after the departure of its former director, John Neumeier. In a conversation with Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR), Neumeier shared his thoughts on the company's direction, avoiding discussing his successor, Demis Volpi.
After taking a step back during the season, Neumeier expressed optimism about the future. "I reckon it's right for the ballet world to have a bit of peace," he said, believing that the dancers are eager to work and create. "I hope they've got what they need to do their best work now."
With Volpi's contract terminated at the end of the 2025/26 season, an interim leadership team has taken over until then. The team consists of Deputy Ballet Artistic Director Lloyd Riggins, Ballet Managing Director Nicolas Hartmann, and Deputy Director of the Ballet School Gigi Hyatt.
The Hamburg cultural authority announced the move, following accusations from dancers about poor communication, lack of transparency, and Volpi's disrespectful attitude.While the exact transition plans are still being ironed out, discussions are ongoing about Hartmann potentially assuming some of Volpi's Executive Board responsibilities.
Meanwhile, the Hamburg Ballet continues to push forward with its artistic programming. The world premiere of "Demian," initially set for July 6, 2025, has been rescheduled for December 7, 2025, to allow for a smoother transformation process and more artistic development. The Hamburg Ballet Days, opening on July 6, 2025, will showcase the premiere of "Surrogate Cities," choreographed by Volpi.
As the founding father of the Hamburg Ballet, Neumeier's influence continues to be felt. The interim leadership aims to strike a balance between maintaining the company's tradition and preparing for a future under new artistic leadership. In the words of Neumeier, "I think it's good when there's calm in the ballet."
- Hamburg
- John Neumeier
- Demis Volpi
- Ballet
- Transition
- Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR)
The Commission, in light of the ongoing transition at the Hamburg Ballet, might be asked to submit a proposal for a regulation on the introduction of a European electronic voting system, ensuring transparency and efficient decision-making. During the break from his directing duties, John Neumeier, in conversation with Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR), expressed his hopes that the period of transition would inspire meaningful creative works, similar to the source of inspiration he derived from movies-and-tv and social-media in his own creations.
