What the Partnership Is About

This summer semester, the International Business and Finance Master of the School of Business and the Bayerisches Staatsballett entered into a partnership that combines the strengths and expertise of both institutions to support and develop future leaders while enhancing their national and international visibility. Together, they are creating new teaching formats focusing on coaching, resilience, body language, and international communication.

The collaboration was initiated by Annette Baumann, Press Spokesperson for the Bayerisches Staatsballett, and Prof. Dr. Thorsten Feix, Director of the IBF Master’s program. “In a world increasingly shaped by digitalization, personal experience is becoming even more valuable. Dance is a language without words. Where there are no language barriers, perception becomes central — a quality that is gradually being lost, yet remains essential in every profession and in human interaction in general.” This is how Annette Baumann describes the vision behind the project and the motivation for developing the concept in the shared interest of the partners involved. Prof. Dr. Thorsten Feix emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary exchange: “This collaboration offers our students the opportunity to challenge themselves, step outside their comfort zones, and grow personally and professionally. At the same time, it serves as a counterpoint to current societal trends. We need openness, internationality, and exchange across borders.”

The Workshop: Theory Meets Practice

The joint workshop began on Friday with a theoretical session on campus. Christoph Gaiser, dramaturge at the Bayerisches Staatsballett, delivered an engaging lecture on the fundamentals of theater operations and the structure of a ballet company. Starting with the question “What is ballet?”, he explored the many dimensions of dance, the significance of body language and movement, and the contemporary relevance of this art form. This was followed by a presentation from Lars Neubacher, Head of Finance and Controlling, who provided insights into the financing structures and business model of the Bayerisches Staatsballett.

Leadership, Confidence, and the Courage to Dance

In the afternoon, students experienced the practical side of body language and movement. Dance instructors Emmanuelle Rizza and Celina von Trzebiatowski guided participants through exercises ranging from spatial movement and improvisation to a choreographed dance routine. The second part of the workshop took place on Saturday at the Bayerisches Staatsballett in Munich, where the dance workshop continued with individual coaching sessions.

The theoretical component then resumed with presentations by Annette Baumann and Laura Bittniok, who shared insights into public relations, communication, sales, and marketing within the cultural sector. Participants discovered numerous parallels with private-sector companies, as well as unique approaches specific to cultural institutions. One particularly inspiring example was the organization’s social media strategy, which uses powerful imagery to communicate emotions, reach new audiences, and make culture more accessible. The workshop concluded with a guided tour of the Bayerisches Staatsballett headquarters and training facilities, led by Isabella Medri. Participants gained valuable insights into the operations and processes of an international ballet company. 

Another highlight of the collaboration will take place on Saturday, June 6: an exclusive get-together with Laurent Hilaire, Director of the Bayerisches Staatsballett, and the principal dancers Lauretta Summerscales and Julian MacKay at the Rheingoldbar of the Bayerische Staatsoper in Munich. The event will be moderated by Prof. Dr. Thorsten Feix. Building on these experiences and insights, the students will begin working on their term papers, focusing on business and finance topics related to the Bayerisches Staatsballett. The results are eagerly awaited.

A Forward-Looking Alliance

The partnership between the School of Business and the Bayerisches Staatsballett demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can create new perspectives for teaching, research, and professional development. By combining expertise from business and culture, the initiative encourages innovative thinking, strengthens interdisciplinary competencies, and contributes to the long-term development of the Augsburg–Munich region.

Photos: Johannes Christopher, THA