Hamburg Ballet in crisis: Volpi has to leave after tumult!

Hamburg Ballet in crisis: Volpi has to leave after tumult!

The Hamburg Ballet is facing a significant change: Demis Volpi has given up his position as artistic director after just one year. The resignation comes as no surprise, as the pressure on Volpi was enormous. Dancer Alexandr Trusch, who plays a central role in the ensemble, summed it up: Without this decision, the ballet would have “broken”. More than half of the dancers wrote an incendiary letter to Senator for Culture Dr. Carsten Brosda, in which serious allegations are made against Volpi. Among other things, they criticize frequent absences, poor communication and a lack of appreciation for 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” that threatened the quality and future of the Hamburg Ballet. Trusch, who also canceled his engagement with four other first soloists, cooperated in the creation of the critical letter that Dr. Brosda currently receives. He is not alone in his opinion; Other ensemble members, including former dancers from the Ballett am Rhein in Düsseldorf, also expressed criticism of Volpi's leadership.

The challenges and influence of the ensemble

Volpi, who took over from John Neumeier in the summer of 2024, probably underestimated the challenges of his new position. While Neumeier directed the ballet's fortunes for 51 years and achieved high visitor numbers with his pieces, Volpi failed to set the same standards. Dancers and audiences are becoming increasingly dissatisfied, which has led to many members quitting.

A letter signed by over half of the ensemble calls for more transparency and respect. Trusch, 35 years old and dissatisfied with the current situation, emphasizes that there was no intrigue against Volpi. The difficulties also affect the dancers, who are demanding future-oriented perspectives in the current situation. “The decision to terminate the contract was not made lightly,” said Trusch.

The look forward

The search for a new director is proving to be lengthy. Until this is found, an interim director will lead the ballet. All eyes are now on the cultural authority and the next steps, which Senator for Culture Brosda has specified. It remains to be seen how the situation at the Hamburg Ballet will develop and whether it will be possible to restore trust within the ensemble. The challenge is also to maintain the high quality of the ballet while the search for a suitable successor is already underway.

For the artist Trusch and his colleagues, we can only hope that these grueling developments will lead to a positive change in the future of the Hamburg Ballet. The ensemble has raised its voice and it seems as if they are ready to fight for their own interests. Perhaps the crisis will also become an opportunity to make a new start and inspire the audience again.

Further information and background information can be found here: NDR, Ballet Journal and T Online.