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Studying at ZHdK
Dance
BA Contemporary Dance

More: BA Contemporary Dance

Students autumn semester 2023

Giorgia Alberio

Ciao! I’m Giorgia and I grew up in Bern (Switzerland). Since I can remember dance has been a part of my life, either dancing in the living room with my siblings or more seriously when I started dancing ballet in Bern. After a while, I discovered contemporary dance and fell in love with it as it allows me to explore all that my body and the music has to offer. I was able to further deepen my knowledge and improve my skills at ballet cymru (Wales) and at the contemporary school in Copenhagen before starting here at ZHdK. As a person I feel before I know, by that I mean I am aware of the energy around me, more than verbal communication and I believe that is why I connect with movement and dance as an art form. I am keen to improve, learn from the teachers and work with different choreographers, and immerse myself in my studies while enjoying every aspect of the learning process and nurturing the desire to learn more about myself as a person, both as an artist and academic.
Noémie Balzarini

My name is Noémie Balzarini and I come from Zurich. I started classical ballet at the age of four and later discovered contemporary dance as my passion. I find it fascinating how strongly dance can trigger emotions in people, and for me, expression through physical movement is the most honest way of expressing myself. I am very grateful that I can learn to create art with my body at Zurich University of the Arts.
Cassandra Clarke

Hello everyone, my name is Cassandra Clarke and I'm from Zurich. Ever since I was little, I realized that I would choose a career involving movement. I could never stand or sit still and had to move all the time. I had my first ballet lesson when I was four years old. I can still remember how I felt in the very moment when I walked out of my first ballet class. My tummy was tingling with joy and I had a huge smile on my face. I had completely fallen in love with dancing. During my time in various dance schools, I became interested in contemporary dance. I discovered that I enjoy dancing both styles. That's why I want to discover more about my “contemporary” side as a dancer during my time at ZHdK. I am looking forward to learning new things and taking another step towards my goal of becoming a professional dancer.
Berta España Romero

Hi! My name is Berta and I’m from Barcelona. At the age of four, I started dancing at the door of my older sister's dance class, trying to imitate their movements. That was the first time I acknowledged that dance would always be a part of me. Knowing my enormous interest in arts, my family has always provided me with a balanced education, which I’m truly grateful for. I started dancing in the same town I lived in, but then joined a larger dance school called “Madó”, which enabled me to learn different dance styles. Personally, dance has allowed me to face my deepest fears, those you can only experience by researching your own limits. Right now, I’m 17 and just starting my Bachelor in Contemporary Dance at ZHdK with the goal of growing as a versatile, artistic and unique ballerina.
Giuseppe Ferrara

Hi everyone, I'm Giuseppe Ferrara and I come from Naples, Italy. Dance has always been my passion since I was little. I was four years old when I started dancing and have never stopped since. For me being here is a great opportunity to turn this passion into my future job. I will be forever grateful for that.
Lucie Gaude

Bonjour, my name is Lucie Gaude. I was born in Switzerland in 2005. I first started dancing in my hometown at the age of four and have continued right up until I started at ZHdK. It is with nostalgia that I think of my friends and teachers back home, but also with pride, to have made a new beginning here. I think dance is something I need and without it, part of me would be lost. It allows me to express myself without feeling judged, leaving behind all my worries and fears. When I am able to share this freedom burning inside me with an audience, I feel completely at peace.
Nea Janković

Hi! My name is Nea Janković. I was born in 2004 and come from Belgrade, Serbia. I discovered dance at the age of eight. Initially, I did jazz dance, hip hop and modern dance, where I had a lot of success in sport dance. That was the moment when I decided that I wanted dance to become my profession. Later, I continued my dance education at the “Lujo Davičo” High School of Ballet , majoring in contemporary dance, while I was also a member of the Bitef Dance Company and National Theatre in Belgrade. Now, I am here at ZHdK with the desire to expand my knowledge and gain new experiences with different choreographers and artists because I think ZHdK is the perfect place to continue my dance journey.
Miya Kaeser

My name is Miya Kaeser. I was born in Bern in 2004. I am of Japanese and Swiss origin, which is why I grew up in two different cultures. This has had a strong influence on me both personally and artistically. I started dancing at the age of four and since then it has been an element that has accompanied me for most of my life and will continue to do so in the future. I love the fact that you can never be perfect as a dancer. There are always new goals to achieve and new elements to improve. With a lot of ambition, motivation and creativity, you can gradually get closer to perfection, but never completely. I am happy that I can now study at ZHdK. It is a unique opportunity to improve my skills and develop as an artist – as a contemporary dancer.
Adonia Martineau

Hey! My name is Adonia. I grew up in British Columbia Canada, surrounded by beautiful mountains and endless nature. When I think back to my childhood, I have the sense that it was a perfect utopia; simple, nourishing, explorative, and easeful. And dance was always a part of it. I remember the first dance class I went to as if it was yesterday. It was a beginners’ ballet class. We lined up at the bar, little hands gripping its wood. I listened with unwavering interest to every word my teacher spoke. That class had me entranced, and I haven't stopped dancing since. This beautiful and messy world was jarring in contrast to my gentle childhood, I have always turned to movement when I feel overwhelmed by the intensity of life. It is my dearest friend and my favourite therapist.
Florian Mozar

Hello, my name is Florian Mozar. I was born in French Guiana where I discovered dance that I have been practicing since the age of four, with classical, jazz, and modern jazz, as well as doing gymnastics.
Then I moved to Guadeloupe and started learning contemporary dance. For me, dance is a passion that allows me to express my emotions in a non-verbal way and discover myself a little every day through movement. A motto I continually repeat to myself and that motivates me is: Never give up!! I am extremely happy to have come here to ZHdK because it is an incredible opportunity that will allow me to meet other dancers and move towards excellence. I think that the diversity of the activities offered, the approach and experience of the lecturers will help me discover new things and evolve. Finally, ZHdK, is a place where I hope to fully flourish in my studies.
Leann Puma

I'm Leann Puma and I come from Italy. I have been dancing since I was three years old and since then I have always known that dance is my passion and what I want to do in my life. I'm thrilled to be starting this great experience.
Tayane Schurter

Hey there, I'm Tayane. I was born in November 2003 and found my footing on the dance floor in the lively streets of Brazil at the mere age of four, when I started with jazz and then ballet. When I came to Switzerland, I pursued more intensive training at the Zurich Dance Academy and later joined the school at the Zurich Opera House, where I first came into contact with contemporary dance. Beyond dancing, you'll find me immersed in sketches and digital art with vibrant colours. Dance to me is more than physical movement, it's a delicate fusion of artistry and athleticism, a harmonious blend of passion and precision. I'm fascinated by its multifaceted allure, the way it weaves together creativity and physicality into a breathtaking masterpiece. Immersing myself entirely in this world of dance has become my mission. I am excited to be pursuing my passion alongside my classmates with inspiring choreographers and teachers at ZHdK.
Jasmijn Slui

Hi! My name is Jasmijn and I’m from the Netherlands. I was born in 2005. Even from a very young age, I had a hard time sitting still. I always loved to move around, so at the age of six I started dancing. Throughout the years, I have been inspired by many companies, teachers and friends. I decided to turn my passion for contemporary dance into a career, where I can also inspire people and express myself in the most honest way possible. Studying in Zurich feels like a dream come true and I look forward to all the new experiences I will have during these years at ZHdK
Loris Vestuto

Hi, I'm Loris Vestuto and I come from Italy. I have been dancing since I was ten years old, and embarking on this path was one of my goals to turn my passion into my job. Thanks for everything!
Arina Yakimenko

Hi, my name is Arina Yakimenko, I was born on 26 June, 2003. I started dancing when I was six years old and it was love at first sight. Since my very first class, dancing has always been a huge part of me. I competed at the International Dance Organisation as a part of the Russian National Team and became world champion three times. Although competitive dance is very different from the field of contemporary dance, I am glad to have had the opportunity to experience both areas. Studying at ZHdK will be a big chapter of my life, which will open up enormous opportunities in the world of professionals, and I am happy to be making a step towards my dream.