Dear Audience,
As we step into the 2025/26 season, the Hamburg Ballet continues its journey of transformation.
Our new quadruple bill, "Point of no Return", captures the essence of irreversible moments in history and personal life— those defining events that alter our trajectory, from which going back is no longer an option, and progression becomes essential. World-renowned choreographer Angelin Preljocaj's "Annonciation" reinterprets the biblical theme of the annunciation, offering a profound and surprising perspective.
My own piece, "Aftermath", explores the void the silenced voice of an artist leaves behind, drawing inspiration from the unfortunate history of my native Argentina—a theme that, sadly, remains as relevant as ever. Two world premieres by visionary choreographers Marcos Morau and Xie Xin further expand the evening. Morau's theatrical, intricately detailed approach to movement and Xie Xin's emotionally resonant and fluid choreographic language will enrich the diversity of our repertoire, broadening both the company's and our audience's perspectives on ballet and dance.
In the spirit of reflection and renewal, I am looking forward to sharing with you a new version of my work, "Surrogate Cities". Through Heiner Goebbels' diverse and monumental composition, the piece examines the intricacies of urban spaces and explores the dynamic relationship between city life and the individual.
The highlight of our season is a thrilling world premiere by acclaimed choreographer Alexei Ratmansky, inspired by Lewis Carroll's timeless classics "Alice in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass". Ratmansky's masterful storytelling and innovative use of ballet vocabulary in his choreographic language promise a fresh perspective on these beloved stories, inviting audiences to journey through whimsical and surreal landscapes. This new full-length ballet will open the Hamburg Ballet Days at the season's end, also serving as the culmination of the first Tanztriennale 2026 in Hamburg.
In homage to our founder, John Neumeier, and to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dmitri Shostakovich's death, we are proud to revive "The Seagull". Inspired by Anton Chekhov's play, this poignant ballet delves into the complexities of human relationships and creative longing—themes deeply rooted in our company's heritage. As works by John Neumeier form the cornerstone of our artistic identity, this season we will also perform his "Lady of the Camellias", "The Nutcracker", and "Nijinsky". These classics are flanked by last season's premieres "The Times Are Racing", "Slow Burn" and "Demian".
Nurturing the next generation of artists is key to ensuring our future. Our ballet school's annual program "First Steps" provides our young students with invaluable stage experience and the chance to perform before our esteemed audience. Inspired by this new generation of dancers, I intend to work with and create a special new piece for the School which will receive its premiere at "First Steps". These performances express our commitment to cultivating young talent and ensuring the future vitality of ballet. In addition, the dancers of the company will once again receive the opportunity to explore their own choreographic voices in the "Young Choreographers" evening.
Engaging with our community remains at the heart of our vision. We are dedicated to expanding our community engagement efforts, offering inclusive and accessible programs that welcome diverse audiences to experience the transformative power of dance. We invite you to explore these various activities and projects, because we are convinced: once you have experienced yourself what dance does for your mind and body, you'll be hooked!
As we navigate this new season of artistic exploration, we invite you to join us in embracing the broad palette of dance we are presenting. Your curiosity and enthusiasm continue to inspire and motivate us which is why we so very much look forward to continuing this extraordinary journey with you.
See you at the ballet!
Demis Volpi | Biography
Ballettintendant
PREMIERES
December 7, 2025: Surrogate Cities
February 22, 2026: POINT OF NO RETURN
June 20, 2026: Wonderland
more dates...
REVIVAL
September 21, 2025: The Seagull
more dates...
REPERTORY
October 18, 2025: Demian
November 11, 2025: Lady of the Camellias
December 21, 2025: The Nutcracker
January 14, 2026: Death in Venice
April 30, 2026: THE TIMES ARE RACING
May 16, 2026: Nijinsky
May 25, 2026: SLOW BURN
more dates...
51st HAMBURG BALLET DAYS
June 20, 2026: Wonderland – Premiere
June 22, 2026: First Steps – The Ballet School
June 23, 2026: Wonderland
June 24, 2026: Nijinsky
June 25, 2026: POINT OF NO RETURN
June 26, 2026: Wonderland (matinee/evening)
June 27, 2026: THE TIMESD ARE RACING
June 28, 2026: SLOW BURN
June 30, 2026: Gues Company: N.N.
July 1, 2026: Guest Company: N.N.
July 2, 2026: Wonderland
July 3, 2026: The Seagull
July 4, 2026: Surrogate Cities
July 5, 2026: Nijinsky Gala LI
BALLET WORKSHOPS
September 15, 2025
November 10, 2025 (Benefit Workshop in favor of the Stiftung TANZ)
February 2, 2026
May 25, 2026
TOURS
Baden-Baden | Festpielhaus | Dance Festival "The World of John Neumeier"
October 26, 2025: Ballet Workshop
October 3, 4 and 5, 2025: Nijinsky
October 6, 2025: Absprung V – Ballettschule des Hamburg Ballett
October 7 and 8, 2025: Colors of Nijinsky – National youth Ballet
More guest performances for the 2025/26 season by the Hamburg Ballet will be announced at a later date.
Tickets for the performances are available from the respective vendor.
YOUNG CHOREOGRAPHERS
The "Young Choreographers" are no longer an insider tip. Dancers become choreographers who create their own pieces with their colleagues.
April 23 and 24, 2026 | Location will be announced at a later date.
THE BALLET SCHOOL OF THE HAMBURG BALLETT
Creativity Workshop XVI
Program I: February 23, 24 and 25, 2026 | Ernst Deutsch Theater
Program II: February 27 and 28; March 1, 2026 | Ernst Deutsch Theater
First Steps
May 29, 2026 | Main House
June 22, 2026 | Main House
NATIONAL YOUTH BALLET
Im Aufschwung XVI
October 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26, 2025 | Ernst Deutsch Theater
Season 2025/26
Brochure 2025/26 to download
Brochure 2025/26 to peek through
Calendar 2025/26 to print
