Under the theme »Dancing into the future«, the 2020/21 season marks the 15th anniversary of the Semperoper Ballett under the direction of Aaron S. Watkin. To date 69 world premieres, a total of 1,188 performances as well as more than 30 tours in 15 countries clearly illustrate this successful partnership. Aaron S. Watkin: »I have been fortunate to have had the possibility to not only implement my artistic vison, but also to nurture it long–term. We the Semperoper Ballett have defined our unique identity both nationally and internationally as an ambassador to our house. With the extension of my contract until 2023 by our Intendant Peter Theiler, we have exiting planes for the future artistic development of our company over the years to come!«

From next season, British choreographer David Dawson will become »Associate Choreographer« to the Semperoper Ballett. This title represents the mutual collaboration and commitment between the choreographer and the ensemble over the next seasons. New additions to the company include internationally renowned French Ballerina Sofiane Sylve and Brazilian ballet star Marcelo Gomes, who will join the team as both Ballet Masters and Principal Dancers, as well Carlo Di Lanno, who will joining the rank of the principal men.

The first of two premieres is Johan Inger’s epic narrative work »Peer Gynt«, in which the choreographer parallels his own career with Peer Gynt’s journey through life. Created in 2017 for the Basel Ballet, the Semperoper Ballett is the first company to take on this work which will premiere in November, 2020. George Balanchine’s »Serenade«, Crystal Pite’s »Plot Point« and William Forsythe’s »Playlist (EP)« make up the second premier program under the title »Playlist «, which both will premiere as German premieres in June, 2021. From the classical full-lengths the company will perform »La Bayadère«, »The Nutcracker« & »Swan Lake« as well as the mixed bill »Four last Songs« and the award winning full-length creation »COW« by Alexander Ekman. Maria Kochetkova and Dmitry Semionov will be returning to guest with the Semperoper Ballett. Kochetkova will dance Odette/Odile in »Swan Lake« and Semionov will dance both Solor in »La Bayadère« and Prince Siegfried in »Swan Lake«. The Semperoper Ballett will close its season with a tour to Tapei’s National Theatre with a mixed program, including Balanchine’s »Serenade«, Forsythe’s »Playlist (EM)« and David Dawson’s »The Four Seasons«.