Dancer Departure and Alleged Internal Conflicts at Hamburg Ballet
Dispute at Hamburg Ballet: Five principal dancers stepped down - Soloists quitting individually
Here's the lowdown on the current situation at Hamburg Ballet, folks. The new ballet director, Demis Volpi, is facing some heat after taking over from John Neumeier back in the summer. According to rumors swirling around, as early as April, word got out that five principal soloists wouldn't be renewing their contracts, including Alexandr Trusch, Christopher Evans, Jacopo Bellussi, Alessandro Frola (the male principal soloists), and Madoka Sugai (the female principal soloist).
Now, it seems about 30 dancers have penned a letter to Hamburg's culture senator Carsten Brosda (SPD) expressing their concerns about the lack of quality and appreciation. Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) has reported this news.
The cultural authority in Hamburg acknowledged receiving the letter but won't spill the beans on the specific contents. Enno Isermann, the spokesman, shared, "A change after 51 years of John Neumeier's reign is a major challenge for everyone involved. It necessitates a willingness to collaborate, an understanding of Neumeier's unique legacy, and an eagerness for change." The cultural authority stands by Demis Volpi and the company as they navigate the transition between tradition and modernization.
Volpi openly admitted that changes can lead to tension: "I get that new ideas and shifts might ruffle some feathers. Still, I treat the accusations seriously, and I wish they had been brought to my attention in a one-on-one conversation."
In response, around 30 dancers have written a letter voicing their concerns about a perceived lack of quality and appreciation.
The Hamburg Ballet is Stepping into Uncharted Territory
After a 51-year reign, John Neumeier (86) officially passed the baton to the 39-year-old German-Argentine Demis Volpi this past summer. Volpi's mission is to enrich the repertoire with fresh productions while upholding Neumeier's legacy. Keep an eye on the official Hamburg Ballet website or ballet news outlets for any updates on this developing story. 📰
- Hamburg
- Ballet
- John Neumeier
- Crisis
- NDR
- Carsten Brosda
- SPD
- Demis Volpi
- Sugai, the female principal soloist among the dancers who won't be renewing their contracts at Hamburg Ballet, may have expressed her concerns about the recent changes, adding to the allegations of internal conflicts.
- Confirmed by Norddeutscher Rundfunk (NDR), around 30 dancers, including both soloists like Sugai and other company members, have penned a letter to Hamburg's culture senator Carsten Brosda (SPD) to voice their complaints about a perceived lack of quality and appreciation.
- The Commission, overseeing the new electronic data-processing system proposed by Demis Volpi for Hamburg Ballet, could be considering implementing a regulation to handle the impulses of change and potential soloist-driven controversies, aiming for a smoother and more unified entertainment experience.
