The moment when there is no turning back, no “return to what was,” runs through this multi-part ballet evening. Xie Xin and Marcos Morau, two extraordinary and internationally acclaimed artists, are creating world premieres for Hamburg Ballet for the first time. The “point of no return” is explored by Angelin Preljocaj in *Annonciation*, at the moment of the biblical Annunciation by the Archangel Gabriel.

Point Of No Return

Ballettzentrum Hamburg – John Neumeier

It has become a tradition for ballet companies all over the world to perform Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker" at Christmas time. John Neumeier's version of "The Nutcracker", however, avoids direct reference to Christmas. In his ballet, the central character Marie celebrates her twelfth birthday and is drawn by the mysterious ballet master Drosselmeier into the fascinating world of dance. It is, in fact, a ballet about ballet itself.

The Nutcracker

Paris in the 19th century: extravagant balls, visits to the theater, sparkling diamonds, and champagne. Here, Armand Duval, a young man from high society, falls head over heels in love with the courtesan Marguerite Gautier. Marguerite gives up her former life to be with Armand, but his father rejects their relationship as unsuitable and pressures her until sheagrees to give Armand up, which she does out of love for him. Soon after,, Marguerite dies, lonely and destitute. Only after her death does Armand learn the true reason behind their separation.

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Lady of the Camellias

Staatsoper Hamburg

John Neumeier's version of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker presents the ballet as a coming-of-age story. The focus is on Marie, who is introduced by ballet master Drosselmeier to the world of theater. Neumeier combines classic Petipa quotations with autobiographical elements, creating a poetic work about artistic awakening – a modern classic since its premiere in 1971.

Hamburg Ballett

Feb 22 - Jun 25, 2026

Point Of No Return

9 - 11 Oct, 2026

The Nutcracker

Feb 22 - Jun 25, 2026

Point Of No Return

Dec 21, 2025 - Jan 6, 2026

The Nutcracker

Hamburg Ballett