Code of Conduct

Our Responsibility

The contemporary dance company Sasha Waltz & Guests brings together people from diverse artistic, technical and organisational backgrounds who work together on the creation of productions and projects – in varying working contexts in Berlin and internationally. As a result, we are connected both professionally and personally through intensive working processes.

The artistic work of Sasha Waltz & Guests engages with social, political and human issues. This engagement does not end on stage, but is also reflected in our daily work and interactions.

In concrete terms, this means:

We treat one another with respect, appreciation and openness – regardless of gender, origin, language, religion, worldview, age, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientation or social and hierarchical position.

Discrimination, harassment, bullying and any form of abuse of power have no place here. Our aim is to create a working atmosphere in which people enjoy working and in which artistic processes can flourish.

1 Artistic work and responsibility

We have professional respect for artistic decisions, which by their very nature cannot always be democratic.

At the same time:

Artistic freedom does not justify hurtful behaviour. Belittling, humiliation and any form of overstepping boundaries by those involved cannot be excused by artistic vision, time pressure or production conditions.

The physical and psychological integrity of all those involved is always paramount. Staff should always experience the workplace as a safe place and be assured of the protection afforded by respectful treatment. Personal attitudes, particularly regarding contentious issues, are discussed openly and without judgement.

2 Collaboration and conduct in everyday life

We share responsibility for the way we work together.

This means:

we communicate respectfully, clearly and transparently

we deal with hierarchies in a conscious manner

we foster a working environment characterised by trust and support

we take responsibility for our own behaviour and its consequences

we strive to use language that is sensitive to diversity and gender-inclusive

We do not expect unquestioning obedience, which encourages the abuse of power.

Instead, we see solidarity and moral courage as part of our everyday working lives.

3 Workplaces and working contexts

This Code of Conduct applies to all physical and digital workplaces of Sasha Waltz & Guests:

Offices

Studios and rehearsal spaces

Storage and technical areas

all locations where we work, both in Germany and abroad

digital work contexts, such as emails, video conferences, telephone, etc.

in particular, spaces where we work with minors and those in our care, such as the children’s and youth dance company

Everyone involved helps to ensure that these spaces are safe, respectful and professional working environments.

4 Collaboration with guests and international partners

Our way of working is characterised by international cooperation. Therefore:

we treat guests, partners, local teams and our audience with respect and openness

we take into account different cultural backgrounds and working styles

we communicate expectations and framework conditions clearly

we create a safe and respectful working environment for guests as well

Conduct during guest performances

During guest performances, everyone involved represents Sasha Waltz & Guests to the outside world. This means:

treating organisers, local teams and structures with respect

Adherence to the relevant house rules

behaving responsibly in a professional context

actively contributing to a respectful working atmosphere, even outside our own premises

5 Dealing with boundary violations

People who experience or witness discrimination, harassment, bullying or other forms of boundary violations are encouraged to contact designated contact persons. These include:

Artistic Director and Management of the Company

The Company’s confidential advisors

External counselling services

All reports are taken seriously and treated confidentially. We see it as a shared responsibility to be vigilant, to take action and to support one another.

The option of supervision or mediation by an external party is a good way to resolve conflicts and is offered by Sasha Waltz & Guests.

6 Shared commitments

Our collaboration is based on mindfulness, mutual support and responsibility. This Code of Conduct serves as a shared foundation that is regularly reviewed and further developed.

Sasha Waltz & Guests is committed to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals and bases its actions on these sustainability objectives. The company aims to set a positive example in this regard, which is also specifically reflected in this Code of Conduct.

Berlin, October 2026

Sasha Waltz & Jochen Sandig

Sasha Waltz & Guests

Company Management & Artistic Planning