The prominent guests were Tatjana Christelbauer, founder and director of the Agency for Cultural Diplomacy in Vienna, and Alice Siu, a researcher at Stanford University and assistant director of the Stanford Laboratory for Deliberative Democracy.

Coppélia's book Consideration, Truth, Trust and Hope was the starting point of their presentation. “We explore the complex relationship between tradition and innovation in the field of dance art, supported by the transformative capabilities of AI tools, with an emphasis on ethical aspects based on sincerity. By recognizing the pervasive influence of art in various scientific and social spheres, we delve into the catalytic power of artistic engagement, nurture interdisciplinary cooperation and holistic understanding," Christelbauer summarized.

Drawing inspiration from the captivating story of the ballet Coppélia, we delved into the evolving interplay between the human, natural and artificial worlds, illuminating the nuanced dynamics within this complex relationship. “Employing a deliberative pooling method, we aim to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue highlighting the seamless integration of tradition, innovation, and the evolving landscape of AI-driven artistic expression,« says Alice Siu.

»Through our discourse, we seek to reimagine traditional narratives and push the boundaries of artistic exploration, emphasizing the distinctive interplay between artificial replication and the profound authenticity of human expression,« adds Professor Christelbauer. As a collaborative decision-making process, deliberative pooling encourages harmonizing diverse perspectives and expertise, fostering a collective consensus.

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Yoriko Maeno, a Japanese dance theatre director and choreographer based in Berlin, has blended dance with other art forms and engaged with local communities for the past 15 years. In her talk, she discussed her recent projects focusing on the culture of the Ama in Japan and dementia, as well as the advantages of digital technology during the pandemic. Maeno also explored the potential for dance theatre to address global issues like societal divisions, sustainability, and the use of AI.

Professor Simona Somacescu, I.L. Caragiale National University of Theatre and Cinematographic Art analyzes both the specific structure of classical ballets, the socio-cultural context of the 19th century, which represents the peak of their creation, as well as their universal value that crosses the centuries until now, even in the conditions of the augmentation of the choreographic vision with effects specific to modern technology multimedia.

Ballet Educator and Researcher Simona Noja-Nebyla underscored the imperative to broaden the academic foundations for investigating ballet, positioning it as a dynamic field bridging art, science, and lifestyle.

“Contemporary times require continuous learning abilities and request contemporary teaching-learning approaches where the focus turns to the how instead of what the students will learn. The teacher, therefore, has to use different modes, approaches, and teaching styles to create situations in the class for different kinds of learners, personalities, and interests,” says Ana Germ, a Student at Alma Mater Europaea Dance Academy. 

Choreographer and dance pedagogue Jerneja Omahen Razpotnik presented her contribution to the study and evaluation of the field of dance teaching by analyzing the educational process, the relationship between student and teacher, and various pedagogical styles in connection with the peculiarities of dance technique and the body. She outlined the purpose of a broader dance education and showed why in-depth professional dance education is essential in higher education.