We, the Ethics Commission of the DTD, in cooperation with the GDBA and the companies of the theaters in Dortmund, Düsseldorf, and Essen, cordially invite you to the "Ethics in Stage Dance - First Constituent Congress," a space for exchange, participation, and shared responsibility for the future of our profession.
The event will take place on May 30, 2026, at the Ballettzentrum Westfalen Dortmund with invited guests.
To ensure that the congress truly reflects the perspectives of all dance professionals, we want to make sure that at least two dancer representatives from each company participate, as well as, ideally, ballet masters and ensemble directors. The dancer representatives should be appointed by the ensemble itself so that they can authentically represent the interests of their colleagues.
'Bring what matters to you, because the congress lives through your input.'
The content is intended to be created and shaped by as many dance professionals as possible.
To offer some initial inspiration, here are a few possible topics:
• Responsibilities and roles in leadership
• Protection from abuse of power and clear agreements
• Shared values, ethics, and respectful collaboration within the ensemble
• etc.
These are just suggestions. The guests themselves will decide which topics will be the focus.Everything that concerns in professional life deserves attention, and that is exactly what this
congress is meant to provide space for.
That is why we will send the participants a short survey in December. We especially encourage all dancers to participate. In the survey, they can prioritize topics, share their own concerns and
goals, and tell us what ethics in stage dance means to them.
The results will be evaluated anonymously and discussed in a joint Zoom meeting with all interested participants. The Zoom meeting will take place on April 10, 2026, at 6:30 PM. Based on this, we will define the main topics and structure of the congress.
Let us come together to discuss, learn from one another, and develop ideas on how we can move stage dance forward, through dialogue, mutual respect, and a clear vision for the future.
We look forward to the congress!
To ensure that the content of the congress truly reflects the reality of dance professionals, we would like to involve them directly in the selection of topics. This anonymous survey is primarily aimed at all dancers and, in addition, at other dance professionals from rehearsal and management areas at public theatres. It only takes a few minutes to complete and can easily be filled out between rehearsals or during your daily work routine.
In the survey, you can:
prioritise the most important topics for the congress,
share concerns, ideas and experiences,
highlight what moves you in your everyday work.
For us, ethics in stage dance means: responsible cooperation, respect for boundaries, transparent communication and working conditions in which everyone can work in a protected and valued environment. In order to achieve these goals together, we need your perspectives, including those who are unable to attend the congress itself.
Thank you for taking the time to contribute your voice to the further development of the working culture in stage dance.
German link: https://limesurvey.uni-due.de/index.php/891633?lang=de-informal
English link: https://limesurvey.uni-due.de/index.php/891633?lang=en