WHY DÜSSELDORF? Demis Volpi
Since the beginning of the season 2020/2021, Demis Volpi (36) has been director of ballet and chief choreographer at the Ballett am Rhein, since early 2020 he has also been living in Düsseldorf. In this short time, the German-Argentinean, who has been awarded numerous cultural prizes, has taken to the city with great affection.
Why did you come to Düsseldorf?
It all started in March 2019. I had just moved to Berlin after having been with the Stuttgart Ballet for more than 15 years, so I was getting my bearings, looking at changes, my bags hadn’t even been unpacked. That's when I got a call from Hans-Georg Lohe, the head of culture for the city of Düsseldorf, who told me about the position of ballet director. A little later I spoke to the artistic director of the Deutsche Oper am Rhein, Christoph Meyer. The job offer was so attractive that after much consideration I applied for the position - and in effect also decided against living in Berlin, which was not easy. My application was finally accepted and I moved to Düsseldorf in February 2020, literally at the start of the pandemic.
My relationship with Düsseldorf
I am impressed by the diversity and also how much importance the city attaches to culture. You can see that, for example, in the way a mayor campaigns for a new expensive opera building in the middle of a pandemic. Personally, I also experience this type of appreciation at my place of work, the Deutsche Oper am Rhein: there is a lot of respect for dance there, which is not the case in every theatre. I am offered an incredible amount of freedom and resources and some of the best international talents to work with. I appreciate all that very much and I feel really understood. The city is also of a highly international nature: we have dancers from over 20 nations here and everyone has been able to settle in well in Düsseldorf. In addition, the city surprises me again and again. For example, I wouldn't have guessed at the beginning how important sport is for many citizens. You can simply see the high quality of life reflected in people's faces.
If Düsseldorf were a dance, what would it look like?
It would start in a very conventional way, like a ballet telling a story. Just when the audience thinks they know where the journey is going, the façade falls - and behind it something completely different emerges, something much more exciting and modern.
Where I find inspiration in Düsseldorf
I find inspiration when walking along the Rhine. When you perceive this huge river and its power, it puts a lot of things into perspective. Its flow also has something meditative for me.
Where I get in a good mood in Düsseldorf
As a former professional dancer, I take great pleasure in movement. This had fallen by the wayside for some time, partly due to the pandemic. Through a friend I have now found a nice group with whom I regularly try out different activities. Sometimes we go rock climbing, sometimes skateboarding or sometimes surfing - through these new experiences I have rediscovered the joy of movement.
Where I meet interesting people in Düsseldorf
I meet them all the time, I can't pin it down to any particular place. That's what's nice and special about this city: you're always surprised and get to talk to nice and interesting people in all kinds of places. •
Words Tom Corrinth
Pictures Andreas Endermann