Hamburg Ballet in the crisis: Volpi's departure saves the ensemble!
Hamburg Ballet in the crisis: Volpi's departure saves the ensemble!
The turbulent situation at the Hamburg Ballet has achieved a striking turning point: Demis Volpi, which only took over the rudder of the traditional ensemble in the summer of 2024, has given up its position as director. This decision was done after only one year and is the result of massive internal tensions, as reported [ndr.de] (https://www.ndr.de/kultur/buehne/aktuell/taenzer-nach-volpi-fasch-hamburg-hallett-waere-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-zer-z. The starballerino Alexandr Trusch commented on Volpi's departure with a noticeable relief and emphasized that the ballet was about to break without this step.
The background seems to be firmly rooted in a toxic working atmosphere, which was massively criticized by the dancers. Volpi was accused of being absent, poor communication and not adequately appreciating the dancers. The situation was really serious when about half of the company wrote a fire letter to cultural senator Carsten Brosda, in which they expressed their concerns and resentment. More than fifteen first soloists had also publicly gave the public together with Trusch to express the criticism, so Ballet-journal.de.
The effects on the ensemble
The pressure on the ensemble that has existed since April has led to a historical resignation. The selection of dancers, the ethics of communication and the level of artistic cooperation were not allowed to fall by the wayside. The letter said not only refers to Volpi's leadership style, but also to the profound wish of the dancers to create a respectful and supportive work environment again. Volpi, who stepped into the footsteps of John Neumeier, seemed overwhelmed with the requirements and expectations, which contributed to the tense atmosphere in the ensemble.
The Stuttgart State Opera and the works council of the Hamburg State Opera have already taken measures by ordering a risk assessment, the results of which are expected this week. Such a implementation is a sign that the cultural authority is seriously interested in a solution. Trusch, which is described as a 35-year-old frustrated dancer, sees not only the negative effects in the situation, but also the possibility that the cohesion and power of the ensemble can be strengthened.
The way forward
The search for a new director will now take longer, while the Hamburg Ballet is led by an interim management at short notice. This change could face the house with new challenges, but also harbors the opportunity to integrate fresh wind and creative impulses. Oh yes, as far as Alexandr Trusch's personal future is concerned, it remains uncertain. However, he has always emphasized how important the connection to Hamburg is and hopes for a positive turn for the entire company.
In summary, it can be said that the Volpis departure not only shakes the dynamic landscape of the Hamburg Ballet, but also represents a call to the cultural authority to rethink their leadership style and communication strategies. We can be excited to see what the next steps will look like in this exciting and challenging situation, and hope for a return of the old strength of the Hamburg Ballet, which was once revived with Neumeier's vision.| Details | |
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| Ort | Hamburg, Deutschland |
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