Poznań Opera Ballet Director

 

Poznań Opera Ballet Director – Candidate Application Pack

 

POZNAŃ OPERA BALLET is a company with over 100 years of tradition that has played a key role in the development of Polish dance since its inception. The stage of the Poznań Opera House hosted the Polish premiere of Karol Szymanowski's Harnasie, and the Company was led by the charismatic Conrad Drzewiecki for ten years.

Today, the Poznań Opera Ballet is one of the most important ballet companies in Poland, and it is exceptional also on the international scale. Under the direction of Robert Bondara since 2018, the ensemble has consistently developed its position, presenting a versatile repertoire combining tradition and modernity.

 

Recent seasons have seen the dynamic development of the POB and its repertoire, which includes premieres by outstanding Polish choreographers such as Emil Wesołowski, Jacek Przybyłowicz, Krzysztof Pastor, Conrad Drzewiecki, Katarzyna Kozielska, and Robert Bondara. The repertoire also includes works by internationally renowned artists such as Sol León and Paul Lightfoot, Edward Clug, Marguerite Donlon, Michal Štípa, Martynas Rimeikis, Anne Jung, Daniela Cardim, and Alexander Ekman.

International group of dancers is distinguished by its versatility and top-notch performance skills, which allows them to make a variety of choreographic styles and languages their own. Their talent has been recognised on many occasions – the Ballet's Dancers have won numerous nominations and awards, including Jan Kiepura Musical Theatre Awards in the 'Dancer of the Year' category. In recent years, the winners have included Marika Kucza, Saeka Shirai, Chiara Ruaro, and Jakub Starzycki.

The Ensemble's performances are highly acclaimed by critics and audiences. They have also been honoured with Musical Theatre Awards, including Don Juan (for the best choreography and performance of the year) and The Snow Queen (for the best choreography).

The Poznań Opera Ballet presents full-length ballet performances and mixed bill evenings, offering audiences an unforgettable and inspiring artistic experience, and its performances are significant elements of the Opera House productions. Thanks to the excellence of its performances and the diversity of its repertoire, the Company consistently confirms its leading position on the Polish ballet scene.

Robert Bondara, who has been in charge of the company since 2018, is stepping down from his position as the Ballet Director at the end of the 2024/2025 artistic season; therefore, the Poznań Opera Ballet is looking for a leader whose experience, knowledge, and skills will allow the Company to continue its artistic success.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic direction of the Ballet Ensemble:

  • Creating an ambitious artistic vision for the Company in relation to its history and potential, strengthening its position on the national and international dance scene,
  • Developing and implementing the Ballet's repertoire plans in collaboration with the Management,
  • Planning the ballets premieres,
  • Continuing the ballets repertoire strategy based on full-length ballets and mixed bill evenings , in techniques ranging from classical ballet to neo-classical and contemporary ballet,
  • Recruiting and employing ballet dancers who guarantee a high level of performance and whose skills are appropriate to the needs of the repertoire,
  • Developing talents and enhancing the artistic quality of the Ballet Company
  • valuating activities, creating culture of learning and improvement

 

Management and co-operation:

  • Motivating, inspiring, and improving work efficiency,
  • Creating a positive working environment,
  • Recruiting ballet administration staff, ballet masters, guest teachers and accompanists,
  • Co-operating with the Opera House’s Director and other departments of the Opera House in artistic and organisational matters of the Ballet Company,
  • Co-operating with choreographers, assistant choreographers, and persons involved in planned premieres and the current repertoire,
  • Improving management competences

 

Organisation:

  • Planning, organising, and supervising the rehearsal and production of the Poznań Opera Ballet premieres and repertoire,
  • Effective organisation of the Company's work,
  • Supervision of the physiotherapy department and medical partners,
  • Taking steps to improve the Company’s infrastructure.

 

Communication and representative function:

  • Communicating the artistic vision effectively so that it is understood throughout the Company,
  • Representing the Ballet Ensemble and the Opera House,
  • Contact with the media - Caring for the image of the Opera House and the Ballet Company,
  • Building relationships with other institutions, organisations, and the dance environment.

 

Experience:

  • Experience in dance and ballet in the fields of choreography, production, dance career, and ballet company management,
  • Experience in the commissioning, creation, and production of performances or artistic projects.

 

Skills:

  • Organisational abilities
  • Team management skills
  • Strategic planning skills
  • Communicativeness
  • Ability to motivate

 

Knowledge and education:

  • A diploma in ballet pedagogy/choreography/dance,
  • Knowledge of ballet and the functioning of ballet companies in Poland and internationally,
  • Knowledge of the health and needs of ballet dancers,
  • Knowledge of classical dance and other dance techniques,
  • A degree in management is welcome.

 

HOW TO APPLY?

 

Please send:

  • a letter of intent outlining the candidate's artistic vision for the Ensemble, as well as their skills, experience, and values that they would contribute to the position of Poznań Opera House Ballet Director
  • CV
  • letters of reference

 

The deadline for applications is 2nd March 2025.


Applications should be sent by e-mail to Magdalena Milewska:

sekretariat@opera.poznan.pl
mmilewska@opera.poznan.pl

Candidates selected by Poznań Opera House will be invited to an interview.

 

 

Photos: „Bolero" © Ewa Krasucka, „Stabat Mater" © Maciej Zakrzewski, „Don Kichot" fot. Ewa Krasucka, „Take Me With You" © Maciej Zakrzewski, „Królowa Śniegu © Ewa Krasucka, „Subject To Change" © Ewa Krasucka