Hamburg Ballet in the crisis: Volpi has to go to tumults!

Hamburg Ballet in the crisis: Volpi has to go to tumults!

Hamburg, Deutschland - A significant change is imminent for Hamburg Ballet: Demis Volpi has given up his post as an director after only one year. The resignation is not surprising, because the pressure on Volpi was enormous. Dancer Alexandr Trusch, who himself plays a central role in the ensemble, summed it up: Without this decision, the ballet would be "broken". More than half of the dancers turned to cultural senator Dr. Carsten Brosda, in which serious allegations are made against Volpi. Among other things, they criticize frequent absence, poor communication and lack of appreciation of the dancers.

The conflict culminated in a risk assessment that was carried out but not published. According to the dancers, there was a "toxic working atmosphere", which endangered the quality and future of the Hamburg Ballet. Trusch, who also terminated his commitment with four other first soloists, cooperated in the creation of the critical letter that Dr. Brosda currently receives. He is not only with his opinion; Other ensemble members, including former dancers of the ballet on the Rhine in Düsseldorf, also critically commented on Volpi's leadership.

The challenges and the influence of the ensemble

Volpi, who started John Neumeier's legacy in the summer of 2024, had probably underestimated the challenges of his new position. While Neumeier led the fate of the ballet for 51 years and achieved high number of visitors with its pieces, Volpi does not manage to set the same standards. Dancers and audiences are increasingly dissatisfied, which led to the termination of many members.

In a letter signed by over half of the ensemble, more transparency and respect is required. Trusch, 35 years old and dissatisfied with the current situation, emphasizes that there was no intrigue against Volpi. The dancers who demand future -oriented perspectives in the current situation are also affected by the difficulties. "The decision to terminate the contract was not made lightly," says Trusch.

the look ahead

The search for a new director is long. Until this is found, an interim conductor will lead the ballet. All eyes are now aimed at the cultural authority and the next steps that have specified cultural senator Brosda. It remains to be seen how the situation in Hamburg will develop ballet and whether it will be possible to restore trust within the ensemble. The challenge is to maintain the high quality of the ballet, while the search for a suitable successor is already underway.

for the artist Trusch and his colleague: Inside, it is only to be hoped that these excessive developments will lead to a positive turn in the future of the Hamburg ballet. The ensemble has raised its voice, and it seems as if you are ready to fight for your own concerns. Perhaps the crisis will also become a chance to restart and inspire the audience again.

Further information and background can be found here: Ballet Journal and t-online .