Foundation studies

Foto-Impression: Aufführung der Tanz Akademie Zürich

Daily classes in classical ballet and pointe work are the primary focus of the foundation study programme for children and young people (from 11/12 to 15 years old). The educational programme is complemented by subjects such as contemporary dance, variations, repertoire and strength & conditioning.

    Admission: Requirements and Procedure

    A physical aptitude for ballet, strong work ethic and clear talent for dance and music are the key requirements for admission. 

    1. To be accepted onto the first year of the foundation study programme, applicants have to pass the two-part admissions examination in January and February (aptitude test and entrance examination).

    2. To be accepted onto the second and third years of the foundation study programme, it is possible to arrange an individual audition during the school year. This takes place during a regular class in the relevant age group and aims to assess the applicant’s level of dance training. 

    With appropriate physical aptitude and dance development, a transfer to the Professional Stage Dance Apprenticeship EFZ offered at taZ may be possible. In Nov/Dec of the third year of the Foundation Studies, an internal audition takes place for the transfer to the Advanced Studies/Professional Stage Dance Apprenticeship EFZ. Passing the audition is a prerequisite for transferring to the Advanced Studies/Professional Stage Dance Apprenticeship EFZ.

      Two-Stage Admissions Examination

      Admissions requirements and procedure

      The two-stage admissions examination for foundation studies at Zurich Dance Academy (taZ) is aimed at girls and boys aged 11 to 12. The examination consists of two stages: (1) aptitude test; (2) entrance test. Candidates who pass the aptitude test will be admitted to the entrance test. The aptitude test examines candidatess physical suitability for dance studies. A further requirement is the completion of primary school in the summer of 2025, in order to ensure transfer to secondary school.

      The two-stage admissions examination of for the 2025/26 school year will take place as follows:
      Aptitude test: Saturday 18 January 2025.
      Entrance test: Saturday, 25 January 2025.
      Application deadline is Monday, 13 January 2025.

      The tests will be held on Level 7, Toni-Areal, Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK).

      Please complete the registration form (here for download) and enclose 1 passport photograph (3,5 x 4,5 cm) and 1 full body photograph (10 x 15 cm) in tightly fitted ballet or gymnastic suits. Application documents must be sent per e-mail to info.tanz@zhdk.ch or per mail to the following address: Zurich University of the Arts, Zurich Dance Academy (taZ), Toni-Areal, Pfingstweidstrasse 96, P.O. Box, 8031 Zurich. 

        Visiting and Taster Afternoon

        For our Visiting and Taster afternoon, we invite girls and boys between 11- and 14 - years-old, who are passionate about dance, to visit Zurich Dance Academy, where they get a chance to learn from our experienced instructors.

        During the first part, the participants are invited to watch different classes (classical dance, pas de deux, modern dance) and gain an insight into the training programme offered at Zurich Dance Academy. Visitors can move freely between lessons, all parents are welcome to join. During the second part, the participants are split by age group and receive the opportunity to be taught by taZ faculty in different disciplines. These workshops are closed for visitors and parents.

        Our Visiting and Taster afternoon takes place Friday, 8 November 2024.
        The application deadline for this year has passed.

        Please send completely filled application forms and the signed conditions (below for download) to: Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, Tanz Akademie Zürich, Toni-Areal, Pfingstweidstrasse 96, Postfach, 8031 Zürich. For further questions please call the secretary office at +41 43 446 50 30 or info.tanz@zhdk.ch.

          Costs

          For students from Canton Zurich the tuition fee for the foundation study programme amounts to CHF 1’000.-- per semester. Non-cantonal and international students pay CHF 1’100.-- per semester. Fees are subject to the parents’ place of residence.
          The fee is invoiced at the beginning of each semester for a full six-month period.

            Compulsory Education

            In order for students to maintain their compulsory education, Zurich Dance Academy works with the Zurich Art and Sport School. Students are also free to attend secondary education at another state school. This depends on the goodwill of the respective school directors.  

            The Zurich Art and Sport School requires all students to undergo its own method of evaluation in the form of an audition (in addition to Zurich Dance Academy’s two-part entrance examination). Information on the application procedure can be found on the school’s website. 
            Contact: Zurich Art and Sport School, Schulhaus Hohl, Mr René Scheidegger, Principal and Director of Dance, email. 

            To obtain information about private or foreign language schools, please contact our sectretay office.

              Holiday dates