Dialog is The Royal Danish Ballet's new concept that combines contemporary ballet with open public discussion. Each evening begins with three short ballets touching on provocative and timely themes, after which the audience is invited to debate the works with invited guests.
The first edition features three separate pieces. Choreographer Emma Portner presents islands, a duet for two women that deconstructs ballet's traditional gender roles, which have for centuries granted male choreographers authority to define femininity. Portner describes her intent as taking ballet history and 'respectfully hitting it with a hammer'.
Koreograf Eukene Sagues follows with a world premiere, Homo Sapiens Sapiens, exploring human evolution through movement and asking where we come from, what our bodies are capable of, and how the human brain has developed. Sagues gained recognition in 2024 with her interpretation of Lorca's Blood Wedding.
A third ballet is yet to be announced. The post-show discussion is open to all audience members and invited commentators, conducted with respect for the artists and the perspectives expressed on stage. Recommended for ages 10 and up.