For the last 40 years now, the Ecole de Danse de Genève has been training dancers capable of joining some of the world’s best companies (see list of companies that have enrolled dancers from the professional course).
The dance-performer course aims to develop in a young dancer, his/her own artistic identity. Contact with working choreographers is made possible through every student’s participation in the school’s company: Ballet Junior de Genève.
Admission to the course is by audition only.
The aims of the dance-performer course is to allow each student to improve their own talents and potential. The work both on a technical and interpretative level will allow them to be responsive to the ever-growing demands they will encounter within the profession
Curr icu lum
This is a 2 year course with an optional 3rd year by invitation.
To train dance performers capable of joining professional dance companies or projects, or continue studies in higher education contemporary dance university-level courses. A certificate is obtained at the end of the 2nd year.
The course is articulated around classical and contemporary dance techniques. At the heart of the training is work on repertoire or creating contemporary works within the activities of the school company: Ballet Junior de Genève. All students from the course are part of BJG.
FIRST YEAR
- – Ballet technique classes
– Contemporary technique classes
– Contemporary dance workshops
– Yoga
– BJG repertoire
- – minimum of 3 works presented on stage (with 1 creation)
- – workshops of repertoire excerpts
Theoretical classes - – Preparation for professional life
- – Dance culture (exchanges around and analysis of dance works)
Training continues to revolve around ballet and contemporary techniques. At the heart of the studies is greater part around repertoire and creation of pieces in the context of the student company.
- – Ballet technique classes
– Contemporary technique classes
– Contemporary dance workshops
– Yoga / core strength work
– BJG repertoire*
- – 5 to 6 works presented on stage in Geneva (with 1 creation)
- – mixed bill programme for touring (Switzerland and abroad)
– Theoretical classes - – Elaboration and nuturing of personal career plan
- – Dance culture (exchanges around and analysis of dance works)
Structured as the second year
personal projects are encouraged
The qualities developped throughout the course are the following:
autonomy
speed and efficiency of choreographic learning
stylistic versatility
creativity in interpretation
team spirit
risk-taking
curiosity for the arts
rigor and regularity in daily work
availability
a personal and commited outlook
physical and mental endurance
FIRST YEAR
Two interviews during the year where reports from each faculty member and the directors are presented to the student. It is a moment where the dance student can evaluate his/her place in their training and development. This exchange also allows the directors to assess the objectives of the student and to review their progress.
Passing into the second year is decided by the directors, taking into account the continual assessment of the teachers.
SECOND YEAR
There is a first interview at the beginning of the year to prepare the student for his/her entrance into a professional environment.
Two personal interviews are held giving an assessment of the dance student’s progress within the course.
A third year can be requested by the student or suggested by the directors. The criteria for admission into a third year are very much based on the individual as well as the student’s previous background, age, development within the course, level, motivation in continuing to follow an intensive training course.
à suivre une année supplémentaire de formation complète.
THIRD YEAR
There is a first interview in the beginning of the year to establish clear working guide-lines and objectives.
An individual session to refine the student’s career plan.
A final assessment interview in the third term with a complete faculty report and discussion around finding work and artistic opportunities.
FAQ
An annual audition is held, you can see all the details on how to apply on the AUDITION page
We are looking for young dancers with a strong technical base in either contemporary or ballet, a good body awareness, physical potential, clarity of movement, an open mind, a desire to confont yourself to the work of a broad range of artists as well as a capacity to observe. Every year we choose candidates from many different backgrounds.
This is an important point: the BJG is not a professional company. The dancers are all students of the Ecole de Danse de Genève and do not receive a salary.
The annual course fees are 5’500 with a CHF 50 registration fee. Possibility of monthly payments.
No, during the audition, it will be decided whether a dancer is to be admitted into the first, second or third year depending on their age, training level, experience and available places.
- Last Updated: 11 January 2023
Exceptionally, under certain circumstances and by written application, a reduction of the course fees can be awarded by the directors. Your application for an arrangement will only be considered when you have provided administration with written proof that all other financial aid attempts by the student in his/her own country have been turned down.
For these requests a full application process will need to be sent to the office of Ecole de Danse de Genève. Even if you are not certain of being accepted to the course, we recommend you begin your funding search in your own country as in most cases replies will only be given after the audition dates of BJG.
The Ecole de Danse de Genève does not provide boarding. Each student is responsible for finding a room or apartment. Our administration can help with your search and put you into contact with other students for possible flat sharing.
Prices vary, but you should allow between 550 and 800 CHF per month (or €600 in neighbouring France)
Auditions are not allowed during the first year. They are permitted from the second year onwards except during the two weeks prior to performances.