Shall we dance?

Bundesjugendballett - John Neumeier

Sat 13.6. 19:30 Tickets via organizer
Sun 14.6. 19:30 Tickets via organizer
Tue 16.6. 19:30 Tickets via organizer
Wed 17.6. 19:30 Tickets via organizer
Thu 18.6. 19:30 Tickets via organizer
Fri 19.6. 19:30 Tickets via organizer

An exciting choreographic journey through time, between hope, glamour, and the pressing question: Can one dance when the world is faltering? "Shall we dance?" is a reflection on the interwar period – an era filled with hope for lasting peace after the First World War, marked by artistic flourishing and social awakening.

May one dance when the world is faltering?

A Ballet Revue by John Neumeier

Concept, direction, choreography, and set design: John Neumeier
Eine Koproduktion des Ernst Deutsch Theaters mit dem Bundesjugendballett – John Neumeier

World Premiere: National Youth Ballet / Hamburger Kammerballett / a.o., Ernst Deutsch Theater, Hamburg, June 19, 2025

The Production

Venue Ernst Deutsch Theater
Duration 180 m
Break 1 intermission
Age recommendation from 13 years on

This new creation is based on a work by John Neumeier from 1986. At the time, Neumeier developed a ballet revue to music by George Gershwin for the Hamburg Ballet, which was performed around ten times at the Kampnagel venue in Hamburg and then never restaged. Almost four decades later, the young company takes up this material once again – with a new concept that goes far beyond a simple revival.

A total of 29 performers are involved: the dancers of the Federal Youth Ballet, the Hamburg Chamber Ballet, four guest artists, and a musical ensemble. Together, they create a multifaceted portrait of that era, in which dance, music, and literature intersect. Live music plays a central role in the production, bringing the works of George Gershwin and Maurice Ravel to the stage.

References to the Harlem Renaissance, to writers such as Edna St. Vincent Millay and F. Scott Fitzgerald, as well as to the Ballets Russes and dance icons like Anna Pavlova and Isadora Duncan are intricately woven throughout.

Historic Data − +

WORLD PREMIERE:
National Youth Ballet / Hamburger Kammerballett / a.o., Ernst Deutsch Theater, Hamburg, June 19, 2025

Music Info − +

Musik

Girl Crazy - Rialto Ripples

"They can take that away from me" und "Shall we dances?" - Fred Astaire

"Swanee"
Al Jolson, George Gerschwin, Jay Wilburn, Judy Garland

Marilyn Miller
Broadways Pawlowa - Ein Imaginäres Porträt
Somebody loves me
Who cares?
Nobody but you
Do it again
Fascinating Rhythm
Liza
The Man I love
Ella Fitzgerald

Second Rhapsody

Three Preludes

Lady be good! - Budy Lee and "The Gilt Edged Four"
Ella Fitzgerald

Lullaby - Lullaby for String Orchestra
Has Anyone seen Joe?
Barbara Hendricks, Katia und Marielle Labèque

Summertime - Introduction aus "Porgy and Bess"
Summertime
Roberrta Alexander, Ella Fitzgerald und Louis Amstrong

Rhapsody in Blue

I got Rhythm - Klavier, Ethel Merman,
Variations for Pianos and Orchestra

Stichworte zu "Shall we dance?"

Shall we dance?

Drop that long face,
Come on, have your fling.
Why keep nursing the blues?
If you want this old world on a string,
Put on your dancing shoes,
Stop wasting time,
Put on your dancing shoes
And wateh your spirits climb.
Shall we dance?
Or keep on moping?
Shall we dance and walk on air?
Shall we give in to despair -
Or shall we dance with never a care?
Life is short.
We're growing older.
Don't you be an 'also ran'.
You'd better dance, little lady,
Dance, little man,
Dance when ever you can.

Anchor Links

Shall we dance?

May one dance when the world is faltering?

The Production

Shall we dance?

Bundesjugendballett - John Neumeier

All Dates