The ballet ensemble at the Theater Hof is comprised of six female and six male dancers. The company covers a diverse repertoire, from involvement in musicals, operetta and operas to the creation of its own ballet evenings on the large stage or in the more intimate setting of the studio. Thus, the dancers must be flexible and variable, as well as mastering techniques that range from pointe shoe to contemporary dance. The way in which the dancers mix these styles is the special attraction. The company also expands its horizons through regular work and exchange with guest choreographers. Thanks to the small size of the ensemble, every dancer also has the opportunity to perform as a soloist.
Recent seasons have featured a variety of world premieres, among them “A Streetcar Named Desire” and the rock ballet “Beatles – The White Album”, performed with a live band and singer on stage. The big project for the 2014/15 season is a unique “Hof” interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake”.

On the ensemble’s history

The Ballett am Theater Hof has been dancing under the guidance of ballet director Barbara Buser since 2007. Up until this point, the ensemble’s emphasis was on a classical style; since 2007, it has been developing in a modern direction without forgetting its classical roots. The objective is to use a mix of the various dance languages. Since 2007, Barbara Buser has been working to an increasing extent with guest choreographers who shape the ballet evening in the Großes Haus; among them Antonio Gomes, Ricardo Fernando and Marc McClain, to name but a few. This serves to guarantee exchange, inspiration and a regular “breath of fresh air”.

Barbara Buser

Barbara Buser, born in Ormalingen (Switzerland), studied at the Theatertanzschule St. Gallen (Switzerland) and her first contract as a dancer was at the Theater St. Gallen. In 1987, she toured Argentina with the Paraguay Junior Company. In the years that followed, Barbara Buser was a member of the Kammerballett Schweiz ensemble (1988-92) at Theater Stralsund (1992-94) and Theater St. Gallen (1994/95). She has been working at the Theater Hof since 1995 – first as a choreographer and assistant to the ballet director, and then as the ballet director from 2007 onwards.

“The Ballett am Theater Hof mixes classic and modern styles, letting both flow into and inspire one another.”

Barbara Buser