Bilingual advanced studies

The advanced study programme is a three-to four-year, high-quality training programme taught in German and English.The young dancers are taught practical subjects such as classical ballet, en pointe ballet, classical variations, classical pas de deux, contemporary dance, improvization and strength & conditioning. Classes take place daily from Monday to Friday.
National and international guest teachers complement the demanding training programme with their specialist knowledge. 
The academic curriculum of theoretical subjects includes music history, music theory, dance history, professional studies, anatomy, society, language/communication and English. General subjects and English are taught at the Allgemeine Berufsschule Zürich (ABZH).

    Qualification

    The professional training concludes with the “Stage Dancer EFZ” Federal Certificate of Proficiency in Classical Dance, a professional qualification accredited by the Swiss Confederation. For students completing the Berufsmaturitätsschule (exclusively in German), this is additionally awarded with the Berufsmatur ARTE. 

      Performances

      Gaining experience on stage is one of the central components of our training curiculum. The students are able to work with renowned choreographers who create performances especially for the school. This prepares our young talents for the challenging professional life that lies ahead of them. In addition to guest appearances in Switzerland and abroad, the annual gala performances, including at the Zurich Opera House, represent the highlight at the end of the school year. This gives our students the opportunity to showcase their work on stage in front of an audience.

        Moving onto the next year

        According to the training contract, a three-month probationary period, which can be extended to six months in exceptional cases, is granted upon entry into the first year of the main study programme. Students can only move on to the next school year if they pass the mid-year and end-of-year examinations, without exception.

          Costs

          The advanced study programme is free of charge. 

            Admission: Requirements and Procedure

            The audition workshop for applicants between 15 - 16 years of age for admission to the first year of the Professional Stage Dance Programme 2025/26, will take place Saturday, 22 March and Sunday 23 March, 2025 at Zurich Dance Academy, Toni-Areal, Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). The application deadline is Wednesday, 5 March, 2025. Applicants will be informed within two weeks of receipt of the complete registration documents whether they get invited to the audition workshop.

            Please note that, for admission to the advanced study program, proof of English proficiency at least at level A2 is required.

            Please complete the registration form (available below for download) and send the documents per e-mail to info.tanz@zhdk.ch. For questions, please contact our secretary office by email or at+41 43 446 50 30.

              Holiday dates