The AfD’s electoral success has given rise to a demand—one I find extraordinarily disconcerting—to "dance in a German way." Yet dance—and ballet in particular—defies such national categorization. This art form has evolved over centuries through a wide array of influences: from commedia dell’arte, through France and Russia, to America and far beyond. It has never been the exclusive property of any one nation, but has always been an international cultural asset.
For me, today’s ballet companies are an example of how collaboration across borders can work. People from diverse countries, cultures, and backgrounds work toward a shared goal. Their experiences, habits, and perspectives do not conflict with one another; instead, they enrich the collective effort. The fact that language plays only ...
