The School of Humiliation (Swiss Press Text 2023, by Barbara Achermann) - Swiss Press Award
Die ZEIT Schweiz
Barbara Achermann
The Zurich Dance Academy (taZ) is one of the most renowned ballet schools in the world. An investigation reveals that this elite training center systematically uses pressure, fear, and humiliation. Thirteen former students report on the humiliations they endured at the taZ. For the school's management team—ballet stars in what was then East Berlin—the ultimate ideal of a ballet dancer is the "childlike fairy" with the lowest possible body weight. The prescribed body mass index is between 16 and 18, which is considered underweight. The young people suffered from eating disorders such as bulimia, stress fractures occurred, and other serious consequences included lack of menstruation, growth disorders, and suicidal thoughts. Due to the media coverage, the Zurich University of the Arts, to which the taZ is affiliated, is launching an administrative investigation. The rector was already aware of individual cases.
Interview with Barbara Achermann
