Semperoper Ballett is one of the oldest and most distinguished ballet companies in the German-speaking world, with roots stretching back to the first permanent engagement of dancers at the Dresden Court Theatre in 1825. Based at the iconic Semperoper — one of the most celebrated opera houses in Europe — the company has shaped the history of German dance for two centuries.
Under the long tenure of Artistic Director Aaron S. Watkin (2006–2024), the company built a reputation for exceptional classical standards and a bold contemporary programming strand, commissioning works from leading international choreographers. In 2024, Swiss-Canadian choreographer Kinsun Chan was appointed as Artistic Director, beginning a new chapter as the company marks its 200th anniversary in 2025.
Semperoper Ballett's repertoire encompasses the great 19th-century classics alongside an ambitious range of contemporary and neoclassical works. Performing on the Semperoper's historic stage — rebuilt after its wartime destruction and restored to its original splendour — the company draws audiences from across Europe and beyond. Its bicentenary celebrations have reinforced its status as a cultural institution of international importance.