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.

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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.

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Two-Stage Admissions Examination

Admissions requirements and procedure

The Entry Test, which is the admission procedure for entry into the first year of the three-year Foundation Studies, is aimed at 11- to 12-year-old girls and boys who will complete primary school in the summer of 2026. Please complete the registration form and include all requested documents as specified on the registration form.

All applications will be answered - regardless of the outcome. Only applicants who receive a positive response to their submitted documents (registration form, photos and video) will be invited to the entry test on site in Zurich. The Entry Test will take place on the 7th floor of the Toni-Areal building on the Zurich University of the Arts campus.

All important information regarding registration can be found at the following link: https://www.zhdk.ch/en/taz/two-stage-admissions-examination-foundation-studies-7671 

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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.

The next open house and taster afternoon has not yet been scheduled. As soon as a date has been set, all information will be published in this section.

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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.

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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.

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Holiday dates