Aalto Ballet Essen

The Aalto Ballet Essen, as it exists today, has its roots in the rich ballet tradition of the city of Essen, particularly from the ballet company associated with the Grillo-Theater. Founded in the early 20th century, the Grillo-Theater’s ballet company was a prominent cultural force in Essen. During the 1960s, the Städtische Bühnen Essen, often referred to as the Essen Ballet, was a key predecessor to the Aalto Ballet Essen. This company played a significant role in the post-war cultural revival in Germany, performing a mix of classical and modern works.

The modern incarnation of the ballet company emerged in 1988 with the opening of the Aalto-Theater, a landmark building designed by Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. The establishment of the Aalto Ballet Essen marked a new era, with a broader repertoire that combined classical traditions with contemporary choreography.

Under the artistic direction of Ben Van Cauwenbergh since 2008, the Aalto Ballet Essen has continued to thrive, gaining international recognition for its innovative performances and educational outreach programs. The company’s commitment to both preserving the classical ballet heritage and embracing modern, experimental works has solidified its position as one of Germany’s leading ballet institutions.

Source: Aalto Ballett Essen