The Staatsballett Berlin is an artistically and economically independent company of the Stiftung Oper in Berlin. It was founded in 2004 through the merger of the former ballet ensembles of Berlin's three opera houses: the Deutsche Oper Berlin, the Komische Oper Berlin, and the Staatsoper Unter den Linden. With 114 employees from around 30 nations – including 80 dancers – the Staatsballett is the largest dance company in Germany.
Each year, approximately 90 performances are presented in repertory at the three opera houses, including three to four premieres of new creations or revivals by relevant choreographers that expand the Staatsballett’s repertoire. This repertoire spans classical, neoclassical, and contemporary ballet.
Young choreographers from within the company receive special support, with opportunities to explore and develop their individual styles. In addition, the Staatsballett’s education programme reaches around 6,000 children, young people, and adults annually through a comprehensive outreach programme including training visits, workshops, dance classes, school visits, and performances.
Discussion formats addressing current social issues and future-oriented questions offer space for reflection and broaden perspectives.
Mission and Vision
The Staatsballett Berlin is a source of inspiration and a catalyst for new choreographic works—a contemporary ballet company that embraces the unknown in order to reimagine the future of ballet and dance.
Dance, like ballet, is a living art form that exists in the moment. The Staatsballett Berlin is therefore a space for connection, exchange, and collaborative creativity, rooted in Berlin’s values of diversity, tolerance, and openness. It is a place where creativity can unfold, where one can pause and cultivate new patterns of thought. The Staatsballett sees itself not only as a site of artistic production but also as one of cultural and social education.
The development of diversity shapes the organization of the Staatsballett Berlin. This includes fostering diversity among staff and developing varied approaches to engage with different audience groups.
Audience
The perception of the Staatsballett—locally, nationally, and internationally—as well as the desire for and identification with the company, should be continually strengthened.
The Staatsballett should be accessible to everyone. Both tangible and intangible barriers are critically examined and removed wherever possible. We appeal to a diverse audience and seek to enable artistic experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Partners
The artistic partners of the Staatsballett Berlin are committed to excellence and maintain a respectful, appreciative relationship with all participants in the creative process.
Supporting partners of the Staatsballett assume social responsibility and contribute to the company’s artistic work both in spirit and materially. They support cultural education, enable innovation and excellence on stage, and foster broad participation in urban society. Partnerships are marked by mutual appreciation, respectful interaction, and shared values.
Media partnerships are carefully selected and based on mutual trust, respect, and win-win agreements. Aimed at communicating the Staatsballett’s programme, promoting ticket sales, and establishing its brand, these partnerships include both widely recognized media and niche outlets, ensuring the Staatsballett reaches the entire population of Berlin.
Values and Code of Conduct
We share fundamental social values, which are the protection of human dignity, integrity and mutual respect. We expect all individuals associated with our organisation to treat others with fairness, dignity, and respect – regardless of their ethnicity, social background, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic. We have a responsibility to ensure that these values are upheld in our interactions with each other.
Staatsballett Berlin is dedicated to providing a safe and inclusive space. We recognise and appreciate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and talents of all our employees and partners. We are committed to nurturing an environment, in which each person's individual values and self-worth are respected. Everyone should be given adequate and equal opportunity for growth, and their contributions should be acknowledged and valued.
Communication is one key factor to convey our values. We encourage all individuals to engage in dialogue, listen attentively, use constructive feedback and express their thoughts and concerns with professionalism, kindness and empathy.
We all follow basic principles
- We do not tolerate any kind of deprecating, degrading or suggestive remarks, jokes and/or gestures. We have a zero-tolerance-policy towards any kind of discrimination.
- We speak up or intervene if we witness violations of the CoC.
- We will support comprehensive and open-ended investigation in cases of discrimination or assault.
- Addressing each other by name is self-evident. This may take time to learn – asking frequently is no problem.
- During introductions, we welcome to declare one's pronouns. Do not hesitate to ask in a kind manner, or to introduce yourself with your pronouns in the first place. («Hello, I’m Peter and I go by the pronouns he/him. How would you like to be addressed?»)
- We acknowledge the presence of everyone we meet in the building and encourage people to greet one another.
- Dealing with feelings of pressure, anger, disappointment etc., can be challenging. Before you shout and lose your temper, try to label your emotions and self-reflect upon the situation. You can take a step back to reframe and re-establish a calmer dialogue by excusing yourself and asking for feedback.
- Physical contact requires explicit consent. This must be agreed on beforehand. If you do not feel comfortable, empower yourself and speak for yourself.
- Feedback takes place on a factual level and in an appropriate, ideally confidential setting, to retain the privacy and dignity of the recipient. We believe in feedback, which is mindful, constructive and goal-oriented. A helpful rule might be that a «feedBACK should always be accompanied by a feedFORWARD» (an alternative or a solution).
- To protect the safe space and copyrights, private social media content taken during classes, rehearsals and performances is prohibited.
- Each of us is responsible for reading, understanding and complying with this Code of Conduct. We equally expect professional behaviour from our guests and simultaneously guarantee the same protection.
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct is taken seriously and can result in disciplinary action.
Artistic Freedom
Artistic freedom is a fundamental element of our work and informs all of our creative processes. With this freedom comes the responsibility to approach artistic decisions and processes with professionalism, transparency, and care—and to carry them out in alignment with the social values we represent.
Sustainability and Climate Protection
We strive for sustainability by focusing on long-term goals and considering the needs of future generations. This includes using renewable resources and practicing environmentally responsible management. In addition to promoting sustainable individual behaviours, we also aim to make our production practices more eco-friendly—for example, by using environmentally responsible materials and reusing decorations and costumes.