THE WIENER STAATSBALLETT
Since September 1, 2010, the new title of the Vienna State Opera ballet company is the Vienna State Ballet. It is directed by Manuel Legris, and provides the ensembles at both the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Volksoper. Manuel Legris is the former principal dancer of the Paris Ballet, and is a fixed star in the world of ballet. He has repeatedly been the guest soloist at the Vienna State Opera.
An unusually high number of premieres occur in the first season of the new ballet director, beginning with the four performances of Juwelen der Neuen Welt (Jewels of the New World). This is a tribute to the American contribution to dance in the 20th century. It is followed by Schritte und Spuren (Steps and Traces) with works from Jiří Kylián and other choreographers representing this generation. Classical ballet is embodied with Don Quixote, a performance created by Rudolf Nureyev especially for the Vienna Ballet. In Hommage an Jerome Robbins (Tribute to Jerome Robbins), Vienna will host the world premiere of an exclusive evening showcasing only the works of this outstanding choreographer. A gala in honor of Rudolf Nureyev, which will be an annually occurring event, will complete the season. The premieres of Marie Antoinette by Patrick de Bana, Le Concours by Maurice Béjart, and the production Junge Talente des Wiener Staatsballetts (Young Talent in the Vienna State Ballet) will take place at the Vienna State Ballet at the Volksoper.
