Celebrating Excellence: The German Dance Award 2026 Recipients Announced
The vibrant landscape of German dance is set to celebrate its brightest stars wiht the proclamation of the 2026 German Dance Award recipients. Presented by Tanz Deutschland e.V., the prestigious award recognizes exceptional contributions to the art form, spanning artistic leadership, pioneering scholarship, and a lifetime dedicated to innovation.
Acknowledging Artistic Vision: Christian Spuck Honored
Christian Spuck, the acclaimed choreographer and director of the Staatsballett Berlin, will receive the coveted German Dance Award in 2026. This recognition acknowledges his dynamic leadership and the compelling artistic direction he has brought to one of Germany’s leading ballet companies. Spuck expressed his gratitude, stating the award is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Staatsballett Berlin, emphasizing that the success is a collective achievement.His work with the Staatsballett berlin has been particularly noted for its contemporary interpretations of classical repertoire and its commitment to commissioning new works. Germany currently boasts over 60 professional dance companies, contributing significantly to the nation’s cultural identity, and Spuck’s leadership is demonstrably shaping the future of ballet within this thriving ecosystem.
Honoring a Legacy: Tadashi Endo’s Posthumous Recognition
The award for Lifetime Achievement will be posthumously bestowed upon Tadashi Endo, a visionary figure whose groundbreaking work in Butoh dance left an indelible mark on the international stage. Endo’s intensely physical and emotionally raw performances challenged conventional notions of dance, influencing generations of artists. butoh, originating in post-war Japan, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity globally, with workshops and performances increasingly common in major European cities. Endo’s pioneering spirit remains a vital source of inspiration for contemporary dancers.
Recognizing Scholarly Impact: Professor Dr. Gabriele Brandstetter’s Contribution
Professor Dr. Gabriele Brandstetter,a distinguished Professor of Dance Studies,will be honored for her outstanding contributions to the growth of dance as an academic discipline. Her rigorous research and insightful publications have significantly advanced the understanding of dance history, theory, and practise. With a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to the arts, Brandstetter’s work bridges the gap between academic inquiry and artistic creation, fostering a deeper gratitude for the complexities of dance.Recent studies indicate a 15% increase in university programs offering specialized dance studies over the past decade, reflecting a growing recognition of the field’s intellectual value.
Gala Festivity and engagement Opportunities
the award ceremony will be held during a special dance gala on Saturday,February 28,2026,at 7:00 PM at the Aalto Theater Essen. The detailed program will be unveiled in fall 2025. Tickets will be available for pre-sale starting June 14th through the Theater and Philharmonie Essen Ticket center. The event will be fully accessible, with interpretation provided in German Sign Language.
Prior to the gala,on Friday,February 27,2026,Tanz deutschland e.V.will host the “Dance Prize culture Lounge,” offering a unique opportunity for attendees to engage in conversation with Christian Spuck and other honorees.
Further details regarding the recipients, including jury statements and biographies, can be found at www.deutschertanzpreis.de/presse/aktuelles.
Contact Details
For press inquiries, please contact:
Alexa Junge / Michael Freundt
Mobile: +49 (0) – 176 764 984 75 / +49 (0) 163 / 26 16 343
Phone: +49 (0)30 / 37 44 33 92
presse@dachverband-tanz.de
Award Association
The German Dance Award is organized by:
Tanz Deutschland e.V.
Kunstquartier Bethanien, Mariannenplatz 2
D-10997 Berlin
www.dachverband-tanz.de
The award is generously supported by the City of Essen, the ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia, the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, the Essen Culture Foundation, the Norbert Lammert Foundation, and numerous other donors and sponsors.