Born in Germany, Mario Schröder is an internationally acclaimed Artistic Director and Choreographer, celebrated for his visionary storytelling, artistic complexity, and dynamic stage presence.

Mario began his artistic journey at just ten years old at the prestigious Palucca School Dresden – University of Dance and Ballet, where he received comprehensive training in classical ballet and contemporary dance under renowned educators such as Prof. Gret Palucca, Prof. Patricio Bunster, and Prof. Hans Joachim Metz. At the same young age, he created his first choreography, demonstrating early his extraordinary talent, creative drive, and deep artistic imagination.

At eighteen, Mario joined the Leipzig Ballet and quickly rose to become its principal dancer, marking the beginning of an impressive 16-year solo career, ultimately flourishing under the artistic leadership of Uwe Scholz. Alongside his dance career, he pursued studies in choreography and directing at the esteemed Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts in Berlin. The profound impact of Leipzig’s peaceful revolution in 1989 shaped his reflective and dynamic artistic approach.

Following his distinguished dance career, Mario assumed artistic leadership roles as Ballet Director and Chief Choreographer at three prominent opera houses: Ballet Würzburg, Ballet Kiel, and, for over 14 years, the Leipzig Ballet. He has shaped ensemble cultures, creating distinctive artistic identities for each company, and has choreographed over 120 original works performed worldwide.

Mario’s choreographic creations have graced significant stages throughout Germany, including Staatsoper Berlin, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Komische Oper Berlin, Aalto Theater Essen, State Theater Hanover, Theater Dortmund, and State Theater Saarbrücken, among many others internationally.

His artistic vision extends globally, having presented his work across five continents in over 25 countries, driven by his passion for exploring the expressive power of dance and storytelling through movement. Mario’s works have earned numerous accolades, notably the 1st Prize at the International Choreographers Competition in Germany.

Mario Schröder’s distinctive choreographic style is especially prominent in his acclaimed collaborations with Leipzig Ballet and the prestigious Gewandhaus Orchestra Leipzig. Notable works include:

• "Chaplin" and "van Gogh"

• "St. John Passion," "Magnificat" (J.S. Bach)

• "Lobgesang" (Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy) combined with Poulenc’s "Figure humaine"

• "Mozart Requiem" (W.A. Mozart, texts by Pier Paolo Pasolini)

• "Carmina Burana," "Catulli Carmina" (Carl Orff)

• "Paradise Lost" (Joseph Haydn / David Lang)

• Innovative reinterpretations of "Le Sacre du Printemps," "Petrushka" (Igor Stravinsky), and Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto

His modern adaptations of classic ballets like "Giselle," "Swan Lake," and "Othello" have become audience favourites, earning widespread critical acclaim. Mario also innovatively crosses artistic boundaries, blending ballet with rock music ("The Wall" by Pink Floyd), poetry ("Murder Ballads" by Nick Cave), myths ("Jim Morrison" set to The Doors), and integrating science and AI with dance ("Fusion" featuring Harry Yeff aka Reeps One).

Mario draws inspiration from literary masterpieces, choreographing pieces such as "Fight Club," "A Christmas Carol," "Narcissus and Goldmund," "The Castle," and "Good Morning, Beautiful."

His creative collaborations include prominent composers and contemporary sound artists such as Grammy-winning Antonio Sanchez, Harry Yeff (Reeps One), vocal ensemble Sjaella, percussionist Xizi Wang, and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Lang, among others.

Throughout his career, Mario has collaborated with iconic figures such as Ruth Berghaus, Uwe Scholz, Ohad Naharin, Meryl Tankard, Maguy Marin, Johan Inger, Christopher Bruce, José Udaeta, and Thierry Malandain.

He has served as a juror for international competitions in Barcelona, Beijing, Brisbane, Seoul, and Germany. Mario has also been an influential board member of the Federal Conference of Ballet and Dance Theatre Directors (BBTK) and is currently a member of the Saxon Academy of Arts.