Vladimir Malakhov

DEAR FRIENDS OF DANCE AND THE BALLET!

What constitutes quality? What do we want to be judged against? In my opinion, quality finds expression in an interesting and wide-ranging repertoire: although our company is extensively based on the classics, we also want to explore new avenues involving a certain amount of risk. In addition, quality is based on a responsible ensemble policy which allows young talented dancers to grow. And, finally, quality makes itself felt at the most important time, namely during the performance, in which you are directly involved, hopefully as an enthusiastic audience reflecting the energy coming from the stage.

In order to achieve our objective and ensure that we have the best possible working conditions, we are increasingly linking up with other Berlin institutions. We have secured support and patronage from experienced partners from the worlds of commerce and science.

I am also particularly proud of the growing popularity of the Staatsballett Berlin’s education programme, which is also being supported by the “Tanz ist KLASSE” [“Dance is GREAT”] Association. It is, after all, important to not only attract tomorrow’s audience members, but also to appeal to them in their own world of experience.

Four premieres and one revival are scheduled for the 2007|2008 season. We are showing a production on the Berlin Comic Opera’s stage for the first time: “Alice’s Wonderland” is a dance piece for children aged 12 and over and adults. With our production of “La Sylphide” we are remembering one of our roots as a classic company, since this ballet marks the birth of dance on points and romantic ballet. The production “With/out Tutu” sees the works of three contemporary choreographers, who work against a classical background, coming up against one another and, finally we will dedicate ourselves to the romantic ballet: with “La Sylphide” and “Glories of the Romantic Ballet” we will be returning to one of the most glorious eras of our history. In addition, John Cranko’s “Onegin” is returning to our programme. This is an important piece for our repertoire, as the company grows with this dramatic challenge.

The Staatsballett Berlin is thus remaining true to its guiding principle: “Preserve tradition – show the present – promote the future”.

Kind regards,
Vladimir Malakhov

***