Hamburg Ballet makes Chinese return after 13 years

Thirteen years ago, the Hamburg Ballet captivated Beijing audiences with Mahler's Third Symphony and Neumeier's ballet, Nijinsky. The company is now returning with another dazzling performance, marking Neumeier's first visit to China in his new role as choreographer since stepping down as artistic director last year. This tour is also the beginning of a new era for the company under Volpi.

"It is an honor to lead the Hamburg Ballet into a new chapter. This is my first visit to China as artistic director, and I deeply value the role of tradition in ballet. Art is never created in isolation — it is a continuous dialogue between the past and the future. Our company has always been known for its creativity, and we will continue to evolve by reimagining existing work, including Neumeier's, while also creating new ones together," says Volpi.

For the company's principal dancer Lin Xue, who was born in Beijing and graduated from the Beijing Dance Academy and the School of the Hamburg Ballet, this performance is particularly meaningful.

"Returning to Beijing as a principal dancer is an emotional moment for me. Thirteen years ago, I was a young dancer just starting my journey with the company. Now, I return with a sense of homecoming," says Lin, who has been a member of the Hamburg Ballet since 2011.

"China's ballet scene is flourishing, and artistic exchanges like this inspire all of us. I am excited to share this extraordinary production with the audience here."