Content and structure

Course content.

The programme focuses on the art of choreography – from conceptual development and corresponding working methods to rehearsal processes and the presentation of your choreography. You engage with various dance compositional methods and explore historical and contemporary choreographic concepts. Communication and conveying your artistic work during training and rehearsal processes are also part of the programme. Artistic research is an important aspect, especially as a reflection of your own artistic work and its implementation.

Dance Master Project

Course structure.

The degree programme consists of seven modules (Dance Reflection, Communication, Inbetween Arts, Project One, Choreography Practice/Teaching Practice, Artistic Investigation, Graduation project). 

Module area 1: Dance Reflection

The module ´Dance Reflection´ focuses on the reflection of dance history and various choreographic and dance-related technical concepts. Through reconstructions, performance analysis, and lecture demonstrations, different styles and genres are compared and examined in detail. Methods of artistic research are addressed and learned. Receptions of theater performances are part of the program.  Practical knowledge about the body and body perception techniques are also discussed. The main focus is on the reflection of one´s own artistic work.

Module area 2: Communication

In the module “Communication” students learn communicative skills such as conversation management and feedback methods. They also engage with rehearsal management, production management and marketing their own work.  Self-management, company management, aspects of marketing as well as the planning, organizing and financing of artistic projects and companies are discussed. 

Module area 3: Inbetween Arts 

In this module artistic themes are explored with an interdisciplinary approach. Experts from different disciplines teach a topic from various perspectives. 

Module area 4: Project One

In this module, students develop their own choreographic project with a public presentation. In teams of two (choreography and teaching), students develop a short choreography, that is then presented to the public. 

Module area 5: Choreography Practice

This module teaches a range of choreographic and pedagogical working methods and delves into different genres of stage dance. Methods of dance composition, choreographic processes and their communication are explored in both practice and theory and reflected upon.
The focus is on analysing choreographic systems and studying the working methods of renowned choreographers invited as guest lecturers. Additionally, practical exercises are used to experiment with dance compositional tools. 

Module area 6: Artistic Investigation 

In this module, students have the opportunity to carry out an internship in an institutional or independent dance company. However, this module can also serve as an artistic research phase, where students work in-depth on a project within a specific time frame. 

Module area 7: Graduation project

Implementation of a choreographic project with public presentation and a Master’s thesis. 

Skills acquired in the course.

You will be able to implement your own artistic profile in practice and position yourself in the dance landscape as a choreographer. You will be able to lead creative processes in planning and implementation. You position your own working fields in research contexts, organize and market your own work, and are able to tap into funding sources. You develop communication skills and are ultimately able to shape current discourses as a reflective practitioner.

Admissions requirements.

Short essay on the basic admissions requirements (prior experience, interests, technical programmes, etc.)

The target group for the Master’s Major in “Choreography” are trained classical and contemporary dancers as well as dance professionals who want to expand their choreographic profile and qualify for work as a choreographer. 

The admissions requirements as well as the admission to the program are regulated in the study regulations (StO).

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.

The Master’s Major in “Choreography” offers you a wide national and international network already during your studies. With a focus on professional dance, you can work at a high level of dance technique and carry out your choreographic projects. In addition, the program responds to current trends in understanding choreography and training, by providing you with the opportunity to reflect on and rethink your own dance practice, aesthetics and working processes. 

Interdisciplinary projects are carried out in collaboration with the departments of music, theater and film, particularly in the form of dance productions. In addition, connections to the Master programs in Transdisciplinary Studies, Fine Arts and Game Design are encouraged. Various dance companies and dance houses from the institutionalized and independent scene form a broad network as cooperation partners of the Master’s Major in “Choreography”, enabling you to integrate into the professional working world.