Dance

Filled with beauty, invention and energy, John Neumeier’s choreography has made Hamburg Ballet a world-class ensemble. His Nutcracker transforms a winter-holiday fairytale into a heartwarming story for all seasons and audiences of all ages, as a young girl’s birthday gift of pointe shoes fires her imagination she dreams of becoming a great ballerina.

An enthralling spectacle for all seasons and audiences of all ages

“Probably the most convincing, charming and beautiful version of The Nutcracker”
klassik-begeistert.de

Celebrating John Neumeier’s forty-five year reign, the company’s Festival programmes thrillingly showcase Neumeier’s genius. Originally choreographed by Marius Petipa to Tchaikovsky’s much-loved score, The Nutcracker remains the world’s favourite ballet, charting a young girl’s transition from childhood to adolescence. Neumeier’s interpretation – a jewel in the repertoire of ballet companies across the globe – transforms a winter fairytale for children into a ballet for all seasons and audiences of all ages.

Twenty years since first dazzling Hong Kong audiences Hamburg Ballet makes its fourth visit to the Festival. At the helm of the company in 1973, John Neumeier is one of the world’s longest serving artistic directors. His astonishing creativity has produced more than one hundred and fifty ballets. He has led the company to more than three hundred tours on five continents and is the recipient of innumerable awards and distinctions all over the world. With its updated versions of classic repertoire and ballets exploring human dramas, Hamburg Ballet epitomises this year’s festival theme、 truly a company for every stage.

The Ballet brings another two thrilling programmes: Beethoven Project, Neumeier’s ode to the composer’s beloved music、 and The World of John Neumeier, a celebration of Neumeier’s creations from his four decades with the Hamburg Ballet, each one a milestone in a glittering career.