Students autumn semester 2025

  • Quint Bijl

    Hi, I’m Quint, I’m 22 and from the Netherlands. I took my first dance class when I was 19, almost 20, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I love gaga and ballet in a very contemporary way. Before coming to ZHdK, I studied Dance in Education at Codarts, but decided I wanted to focus on performing first, and later on start teaching and choreographing. I’m really looking forward to growing in this space, working with inspiring teachers, and sharing the experience with all the amazing people here at ZHdK.

    Quint Bijl

  • Elisabetta Brau

    Ciao! I'm Elisabetta, born in 2006 in Turin, Italy. My parents tell me that I started dancing before I could walk, which is why I enrolled in a dance school at age 5. I tried different styles, from ballet to modern to contemporary to hip hop, but the style that suited me best was contemporary. I fell in love with contemporary immediately, for the freedom it gave me to express myself, especially through improvisation. As I grew up, I realized that I wanted to dedicate myself fully to dance, so at 14 years old I moved to attend a school where I specialized primarily in ballet. Then, at 18, I moved again to study contemporary dance to prepare for my audition. Being at Zhdk is a dream come true for me, where I can study every day to improve my technique and test my creativity, and above all, be inspired by so many talented people who work here.

    Elisabetta Brau

  • Giuseppe Frega

    Hello, my name is Giuseppe. I was born in Italy in 2006. I started dancing at the age of 8, almost by chance. Over time, I realized that I wanted to continue my training in a more professional and indepth way, so I moved to Rome to study in a contemporary program. Afterwards, I decided to continue as a freelance dancer for a year, moving to Stuttgart and building both my personal and professional life between Italy and Germany.Throughout the years, I have understood that dance is what I truly want to pursue professionally, turning it into my career. I have also realized that in life we should never stop dreaming, because working consistently toward our goals is what allows us to achieve our greatest aspirations. I am grateful to be studying here in Zurich, where I can further expand my knowledge and experience in the artistic world.

    Giuseppe Frega

  • Hannah Galli

    Salut! My name is Hannah, and I was born in Zurich in 2007. As a child, dance didn’t interest me at all. When I was eight, my mother decided to send me to ballet. And as you can imagine, I fell in love with it. My passion exploded when I discovered contemporary dance. In that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue it for my whole life. The BA Contemporary Dance at ZHdK had been my goal for many years. Being here fills me with deep joy and gratitude, and I couldn't be more proud to learn, create, and grow alongside so many inspiring, talented people from around the world. With this short biography, I officially begin my chapter at ZHdK.

    Hannah Galli

  • Sara Guri

    Hi! My name is Sara. I was born in 2005 in Siena, Italy. I discovered my passion for dance at the age of 4 through ballet, and since then, I have always tried to explore new styles such as modern, contemporary, and hip-hop. Dance is my way of communicating what I’m not able to express with words, especially how I feel. I couldn’t imagine a life without it. I define myself as a curious and creative person, always ready to challenge my limits. I’m very grateful to have the opportunity to develop my artistry at ZHdK, and I can’t wait to begin this exciting new journey.

    Sara Guri

  • Kaho Kanazawa

    Konnichiwa! I’m Kaho Kanazawa from Japan. My journey in dance began at the age of five at a local ballet studio. As my passion for ballet deepened, I pursued my high school education at Académie de Ballet de Kyoto, where I discovered contemporary dance and was captivated by its freedom of expression. This encounter sparked my aspiration: to become a professional dancer who honors ballet’s foundation while expressing myself beyond artistic boundaries. After graduating, I trained at Ballettschule für das Opernhaus Zürich, gaining invaluable experience and connecting with inspiring individuals who motivated me to embrace new challenges. Now at ZHdK, I continue to learn from exceptional teachers and choreographers, surrounded by peers from around the world, as I move steadily forward on my dance journey toward my dream.

    Kaho Kanazawa

  • Flurin Knapp

    Hi! My name is Flurin, I’m from Basel and was born in 2006. I took my first ballet class at the age of four, without knowing how important dance would one day become to me. Later, I discovered contemporary dance, and my passion for dancing has been with me ever since. Dance allows me to express myself freely and explore new movements. I’m looking forward to developing my technique, bringing in my creativity and gaining many new experiences.

    Flurin Knapp

  • Agnès Kupferschmid

    Hi! My name is Agnès, and I’m a 19-year-old living her childhood dream. I started dancing at the age of four in a small ballet school, where I discovered my passion for dance—a passion that has never left me. I then continued my training as a student-athlete for nearly seven years at a Dance Academy in Vevey. My dance background is primarily rooted in ballet, but during my teenage years I was introduced to contemporary dance. Since then, I’ve become eager to explore this way of moving further, to gain precision, experience, and deeper knowledge. Being at ZHdK, pursuing the dream I’ve held for so many years, is an incredible privilege. I feel thrilled, deeply grateful, and excited to be part of such an inspiring community. I look forward to living, learning, and sharing this intense yet extraordinary three-year journey.

    Agnès Kupferschmid

  • Jan López Cortina

    Hello! My name is Jan López Cortina and I’m from Barcelona. Dance has always been a part of me since I was born, I felt like this world shouted my name and, when I was 11, I told my mom that I wanted to dance and my journey as a dancer began. My training at first was mostly ballet and jazz and at the age of 17 I started diving in the contemporary world and falling in love with it. I am thrilled to be in ZHdK. I just started and it’s already being life changing. I cannot wait to create beautiful memories with my new classmates, learn everything I can from the teachers and work with new choreographers in order to expand my knowledge.

    Jan López Cortina

  • Giosuè Manili

    Ciao, I’m Giosuè from Terni, Italy. Since I was born, in 2006, I can’t remember a single day spent without having the urge to dance. I started taking classes with my older sister Emma at about 3, although my professional training started at 16. I can speak 4 languages and I‘ve been part of a scout community for the past 10 years. Having big dreams while growing in a small town is tough, not only for the lack of opportunities but also for the sense of hopelessness deeply rooted in the community. If it weren't for my friends and family, who allowed me to unapologetically be who I am, I wouldn’t be here, enjoying this once in a lifetime experience. Right now my head is full of thoughts and my heart is full of gratitude; I don’t know exactly what my future will look like but one thing is for sure, I could never stop dancing, even if I tried.

    Giosuè Manili

  • Jonah Martensen

    Hello, I'm Jonah. Before fully committing to dance, I studied Fine Arts in Weimar, Germany. I am excited to soon enter a diverse dance field full of things to discover. To me this is dance: above all, relentless and infinite discovery. I am thankful for joining ZHdK as an exchange student from MUK, Vienna, and appreciate the teachers and facilities tremendously! I know the time here will make me a stronger dancer and artist. Whenever I don’t dance, I turn to writing, singing, or knitting. Without any of these I feel incomplete.
    I care less about perfection than daring to fail.

    Jonah Martensen

  • Mylène Morard

    Hello! My name is Mylène and I come from Switzerland. Dance has always been part of my life since I started taking ballet classes as a child. In my teenage years, I felt the urge to take dance more seriously. Therefore, I joined the Conservatoire cantonal du Valais, where I trained ballet but mostly contemporary dance. Today, I feel truly grateful to be part of ZHdK, a place where I can explore new horizons, find inspiration, and continue to grow as an artist. I can't wait to pursue my journey in the dance world!

    Mylène Morard

  • Keiya Narukawa

    Hi, my name is Keiya Narukawa and I am from Japan. When I was 8 years old, I watched the Prix de Lausanne on TV and was immediately fascinated by the beauty of ballet. That moment led me to start dancing. In middle school, I discovered contemporary dance for the first time, and since then it has become the core of my artistic journey. At the age of 16, I received a scholarship from YAGP and joined a short program in New York, where I experienced Gaga and performed a work by Ohad Naharin. In that moment, I felt deeply that contemporary dance is where I truly belong. For me, dancing is not only a way of expressing myself, but also a way of being my most authentic self. I am very grateful to be part of ZHdK, and I look forward to growing, exploring, and creating together with my inspiring classmates and teachers!

    Keiya Narukawa

  • Isa Navarro

    Hi! My name is Isa and I’m from Los Angeles, California, USA. I began dancing when I was 3 years old, training in various styles such as Ballet, street styles, jazz and contemporary. Once I graduated highschool it became clear to me that my passion was to be an artist and not just a dancer. Dance is a universal language that anyone can understand and be touched by, it feeds the soul because it comes from the soul. I’m most looking forward to building connections with my peers and eager to work with new choreographers to further develop and expand my vocabulary in movement here at ZHdK.

    Isa Navarro

  • Shona Neuweiler

    Hello, my name is Shona. I was born in Switzerland in 2008 and grew up here. I started ballet at the age of six at a small dance school near my home. From my very first lesson, I realized how much I loved expressing myself through dance. Over the years, I added more and more dance styles, including contemporary dance, which I immediately fell in love with. At the age of 15, I transferred to Tanzwerk 101 in Zurich, to take part in the basic stage dance training and since then I can't imagine a life without dance. For the first time, I was supported and encouraged by professional teachers and choreographers, which enabled me to pursue my dream and apply to the ZHdK. I am very grateful to be here now and I am looking forward to working with many different choreographers and developing my artistic education further.

    Shona Neuweiler

  • Scarlett Ott

    Hello there! My name is Scarlett Ott (2007). I am from Switzerland, and my greatest joy is dancing. When I was little, my sister and I would put on a full dance performance for every guest who visited our home-my grandparents, aunts, and uncles. It was always the most fun. First, I started with ballet at the age of 4, and at the age of 13 I realized my passion for contemporary and jazz dance. More and more, the world of movement captivated me in every style of dance, until I was completely swallowed up by it. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to deepen and add to my knowledge at ZHdK in such an amazing, caring environment and around such inspiring people!

    Scarlett Ott

  • Ivet Pineda

    Hey! My name is Ivet and I was born in 2007 in Barcelona, Spain. I discovered dance at a very young age, and I still remember how fascinated and joyful I was the first time I stepped into a studio. What began as ballet lessons quickly became the way through which I express myself and connect with the world. As I grew older, I found myself drawn more and more to the freedom and creativity of contemporary dance. Last year I graduated from the Professional Dance Conservatory at Institut del Teatre in Barcelona, and now I am truly excited to continue my journey at ZHdK, where I hope to grow both as a person and as a dancer through new experiences and challenges, while sharing my passion with others.

    Ivet Pineda

  • Gabriele Rizzotto

    My name is Gabriele, I am 19 years old and originally from Catania, Italy. I began dancing at the age of three with breakdancing, later expanding my training to classical and contemporary dance. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to study with various teachers and to take part in performances and workshops that have enriched my artistic journey. Dance has always been my way of expressing myself and connecting deeply with others. I am truly grateful to continue developing my artistry and professionalism as part of this inspiring experience here in Zurich.

    Gabriele Rizzotto

  • Ashton Smith

    Hi! My name is Ashton and I’m from Melbourne, Australia. Throughout my high school years, I studied ballet, contemporary and jazz. After graduating high school, I had the hard task in choosing which dance style to major in. The creative freedom and the constant evolution of what contemporary dance looks like has motivated me to continue my exploration in dance. I am ecstatic to continue my training in contemporary dance at ZHdK, I also look forward to working with new choreographers and learning from the staff at ZHdK. 

    Ashton Smith

  • Iraida Vila

    Hi! I’m Iraida, and I was born in 2005 in Vic, a town near Barcelona. My journey with dance began at the age of three, and since then, art has been a constant presence in my life. Over time, my passion continued to grow until, almost without realizing it, dance became part of my everyday life. I began my training in my hometown, and at 18, I decided to focus on contemporary dance and joined a professional training program in Madrid. Last year, I had the opportunity to be part of Valencia Dancing Forward, where I worked with renowned choreographers, performed on stage, and gained artistic and professional experience. I am truly excited to continue exploring and growing as a dancer, and I believe that ZHdK will give me the opportunity to do so.

    Iraida Vila

  • Tslil Yellin Panov

    Hi everyone, my Name is Tslil Yellin Panov. I was born in Israel, Tel-Aviv, in 2007. My heritage is mostly Lithuanian. I got born in to a Jewish, non religious, family. My Mother is Lithuanian and my father Belarusian. My family has a really complicated background with many different Story, so do I. When my mother died in 2009, I came with my grandmother to Switzerland. A lot of things happen after that. Since 2016, I live in a guest family in Lucerne. I have a connection to dance since I’m a baby. My father is a famous ex-sowjet-ballet dancer. Now he has an own ballet school and compagnie in Ashdod, Israel. My mother also finished a professional balletschool in Germany. With the time I started to go my own way in dancing. I started with Hip-Hop 2018, came at 2020 to ballet and contemporary. And now I’m here in Zürich and hope for a good career.

    Tslil Yellin Panov

  • Lorenzo Zarra

    Hi, my name is Lorenzo. I was born in 2006 and I come from Italy. My passion for dance began when I was 7 years old: for the first two years, I only studied hip hop and later, by watching my little sister’s classes, I started exploring contemporary dance, Graham technique, and eventually ballet. Over time, I realized that dance is a way for me to express what my personality doesn’t allow me to say with words, and for this reason I couldn’t imagine leaving it out of my life. So last year, I left my small local dance school to begin an intensive program that would help me improve my technique and prepare me to audition for the university. Being here fills me with joy, and I am deeply grateful. I can’t wait to study and dance alongside my new classmates, to work with many choreographers, and to discover dance in all its different facets!

    Lorenzo Zarra