Hamburg Ballett John Neumeier

The Hamburg Ballet John Neumeier has achieved a phenomenal reputation as one of the world’s most outstanding dance companies. International tours have made it not only a highlight of the international ballet scene but also one of Germany’s most important cultural ambassadors. The heart of the company is its artistic director and chief choreographer, John Neumeier, who has directed the company since 1973 and who is a master at combining the classical ballet tradition with contemporary forms, while developing a unique personal choreographic language.

John Neumeier’s lecture demonstrations are a special feature of the Hamburg Ballet’s tradition. During these matinees, which have taken place on the stage of the Hamburg State Opera several times each season since 1973, John Neumeier, with his company, explains specific aspects of ballet history – the themes of the current repertory or the technical and historical background of traditional ballets. Since 1975 the dance festival Hamburg Ballet Days has provided the high point and finale of every season. The festival traditionally opens with the premiere of a new work and ends with the Nijinsky Gala featuring international guest stars as well as the entire Hamburg Ballet ensemble.

Although the company performs at the Hamburg State Opera, its creative home, rehearsal venue and educational centre is a separate building, the Hamburg Ballet Centre, which opened in 1989. Founded in 1978, the Ballet School, with its integrated boarding facilities, pre-ballet department, eight professional classes and a final two-year ‘Theatre Class’ programme, trains the next generation of dancers. The Ballet Centre is also the home of the National Youth Ballet, which John Neumeier founded in 2011.