A Look Behind the Scenes

A guided tour of the National Theatre offered students the chance to experience the world of opera from a completely new perspective. Annette Baumann, Press Spokesperson for the Bavarian State Ballet, led two student groups through the historic building, sharing fascinating insights into its architecture and the personalities who have shaped the Bavarian State Opera’s 350-year history. She provided an in-depth look into the dancers’ daily routines and the immense effort required before each evening’s performance. Like the IBF cohort, the dance ensemble is an international team: members not only overcome language barriers but also work together toward a common purpose.

Behind every breathtaking stage moment lies years of dedication and relentless practice. The dancers’ schedules are tightly structured, and perfection on stage is the result of decades of discipline. Ms. Baumann explained that a single dancer wears out eight to ten pairs of pointe shoes per month. How do they maintain such endurance? The answer lies in mental strength, clear focus, and resilience—qualities that are becoming ever more essential in today’s fast-paced world.

A Stage Experience of Pure Perfection

When asked about filming, Ms. Baumann declined and encouraged the students to be fully present: “At a time when artificial intelligence takes so much off our hands and so much is shifting into the digital realm, I can only advise you to put your phone away and simply enjoy the evening in this magnificent setting. Experience this performance as a shared, genuine moment—two hours just for yourself.” In the evening, the students were able to witness the result of this hard work firsthand. The performance of The Nutcracker was pure perfection. 

At the end, the students reflected on their impressions: precision, perfection, teamwork, and passion. “It was incredible,” one student shared. “I’m so grateful for this experience and for being able to enjoy such a wonderful evening with my fellow students and friends. I’m already looking forward to the upcoming summer semester and the new module.”