Kimono, sari or sombrero: the seniors of Awo Ballet are not allowed to appear in these costumes at the Federal Garden Show in Mannheim. The dance group reacts in conversation with the star shocked. Is that cultural appropriation? Social scientist Lars Distelhorst classifies the discussion.
Is that cultural appropriation or just a harmless show? A costume show by the Awo-Ballett Rheinau, which was actually planned for several performances at the Federal Garden Show in Mannheim, is causing discussions. The seniors of the Awo Ballet have planned a 25-minute “world trip with the dream ship” for a total of seven performances at the Mannheim Federal Horticultural Show. “We travel from port to port, from country to country,” says the founder of the troupe, Erika Schmaltz. Each country has its own costumes. And six of these 14 are not allowed to present the women in their show. This includes Mexican sombrero hats, Spanish flamenco dresses, Indian saris and Japanese kimonos.