<p>German-born Tanja Rühl began her apprenticeship in 1999 as a stage manager at the Frankfurt Opera. After graduating, she joined the Frankfurt Ballet in 2002, then under the artistic direction of William Forsythe, as assistant lighting designer. She was appointed Head of Lighting Design in 2005, when the Forsythe Company was founded.</p><p>In 2006, she completed her diploma in theatrical engineering with a specialization in lighting design. Since 2014, she has also been working freelance, collaborating with visual artists, choreographers and companies around the world.</p>