STAR BALLET Anniversary Gala — 20 Years

Dance schools play a central role in German dance culture: they teach classical and modern dance techniques to children, adolescents, and adults, train aspiring professionals for the dance scene, and serve as cultural meeting points with their own stage productions. In its 20 years of existence, STAR BALLET Mainz has established itself as one of Mainz's leading dance schools, with a focus on classical ballet, modern dance, and jazz dance. Generations of Mainz children and adolescents have acquired their foundational dance skills here; some have gone on to professional dance careers, while many others remain connected to the school as hobby dancers, parents, or supporters.

The 20th anniversary in 2026 will be celebrated on a grand scale. The choice of the Rheingoldhalle as the venue underscores the significance of this special evening: the Rheingoldhalle is one of the largest event venues in Mainz city center, with seating for over 1,000 spectators in the main hall, professional stage technology, and a prime location directly on the Rhine. It is typically used for Mainz Carnival events, major galas, classical concerts, and congresses — a stage befitting the importance of this anniversary.

The program's centerpiece will be an excerpt from "Don Quixote" — one of the most famous classical ballets by Marius Petipa and Ludwig Minkus (premiere 1869). This choice is fitting: "Don Quixote" offers a wide range of solo, pas de deux, and ensemble scenes that cater to different skill levels, providing performance opportunities for both professional dancers and younger students. Character scenes with Spanish flair, virtuosic pas de deux variations (especially the famous Kitri-Basilio pas de deux), and group dances with fans and castanets — all elements that lend a celebratory gala the necessary variety and stage presence.

In addition to "Don Quixote," the gala will feature other choreographies from the dance school's classical and modern repertoire. Students of all ages — from preschool ballet to advanced adolescents — will perform in age- and skill-appropriate pieces. Alumni who are now professional dancers or teachers will return as guest performers, and professional dancers will enrich the program with top-tier choreographies. For STAR BALLET Mainz, the gala is the culmination of 20 years of dance work; for the Mainz dance audience, it is an exceptional occasion to experience a dedicated local dance school in its full breadth.