My year 2024

20 Dec

This year is coming to an end, and as such, comes an irrepressible need to reflect on it—evidenced by the countless commemorative posts and playlists flourishing here and there. Overall, it has been a very good year, tiresome but thrilling, artistically and humanly rich.

First and foremost, there was the creation of two major ballets, “A Streetcar Named Desire” with the Cottbus Ballet and “QiXi” (“Magpie Bridge”) with the Liaoning Ballet. Both could not be more opposite in terms of scale and theme but I am very proud of them - two strong works, I believe, that I hope will continue to shine for a long time. Following “A Streetcar…”, “tanz” magazine published a big article and a critique, both written by Dorion Weickmann, about the production. You can find it here (in German).

Aside from it, there was also the collaboration with the Gymnasium Essen-Werden, for which I created two short works for the 11th grade; a collaboration that I very much cherish and is continuing this season for their annual dance evening.

What I praise the most with creations are the human correlations from which a ballet comes into existence, from the dancers that defend it on stage to every artist, technician and person I collaborate with along the way. To all of you, you have my deepest gratitude.

Among those (but not exhaustively) are the dancers of Ballet Cottbus and Liaoning Ballet, Eleanor Freeman, Ann-Kathrin, Thomas Mika, Alain Lagarde, Aleksandar Noshpal, Tanja Rühl, Victor Jacob, Dongdong, Lucas Simon and the 11th Grade of the Gymnasium Essen-Werden and their teachers.

Additionally, how can I not mention my nomination for the Benois de la Danse with Giselle? While it is complicated to celebrate this specific nomination due to the current political situation (see Statement), I can’t help but feel proud of it. It is an outstanding recognition not only for my work but also for the work of my team and the talented dancers who brought this ballet to life.

On a more personal level, my wife has officially become ballet master for the Ballett am Rhein. This is a significant accomplishment in her career and marks the beginning of a well-deserved new chapter, and I couldn't be prouder of her. As for my sons, they are growing beautifully and gaining confidence with each passing day. This year was also a year of many nice encounters; happy to meet with old acquaintances and friends and to get to know new faces.

2025 looks very promising, but right now, for all of the reasons above, I am grateful for the year that is ending.