Professional Dancers Education: A vision

Kvinna som dansar.

Year one: Foundation

During the first year the student should acquire:

  • Curiosity; the desire to learn and the drive to develop.
  • Knowledge and comprehension of basic techniques and how they inter-relate. Also the ability to relate the techniques to one's instrument.
  • An understanding of how all techniques relate to dance as an Art, in relation to choreographers, choreographies, styles, music, social and political tendencies and circumstances etc.
  • An awareness of the development of dance in relation to the other Arts.
  • Individual experience of other Art forms including written and verbal appreciations and evaluations of performances, productions, exhibitions etc.
  • Acceptance and implementation of the self- discipline, life-style and dedication needed to be a dancer.
  • Awareness of the possibilities and challenges of one's instrument.
  • Knowledge of the network available for support with physical or mental problems.
  • Realization of the necessity of independent work to improve one's body and master techniques.
  • Realization that a career in dance is an on-going process requiring both time and patience.
  • An awareness of the breadth of skills needed for a dancer's training.
  • A successive increase in self-esteem.
  • Insight and awareness of what the Professional Dancers Education at Balettakademien stands for, expects and requires.

Year two: Progress and dept

In addition to the skills and knowledge from the first year, during the second year the student should acquire:

  • Curiosity: A more focused desire to learn and a greater drive towards development.
  • A realization of one's dance talent and the will to cultivate it.
  • An ability to relate oneself to the dance profession and relate that to one's work.
  • A deeper knowledge and a degree of mastery of the basic techniques.
  • A deeper knowledge and critical understanding of one's instrument and how it works.
  • The realization of how technical knowledge and mastery can lead to artistic growth.
  • Experience of working in group and solo choreographies.
  • Some insight into one's own, personal, artistic expression.
  • An ability to work both independently and with guidance.
  • The ability to draw conclusions, experience and inspiration from other art forms and use these in dance.
  • Realization of the value of an extensive professional network. Also the skills necessary to create and maintain it, including national and international contacts and experience.
  • A high level of proficiency in all the subjects "outside" the basic techniques.

Year three: Achievement and professionalism 

In addition to the skills and knowledge acquired in the first and second years, during the third year the student should acquire:

  • The status and attributes of a young professional; an individual artistic identity and the ability to express it.
  • An understanding of the complexity of Balettakademien's Professional Dancers' Education.
  • Mastery of the major techniques leading to freedom of artistic expression and confidence in one's technical ability.
  • The ability to interpret and contribute in varied choreographic production situations and styles.
  • Knowledge and appreciation of repertoire and its role in dance.
  • The ability to present oneself in a professional manner in auditions, interviews etc.
  • The ability to formulate one's own artistic viewpoints, both verbally and in writing.
  • The tools and skills to find or create work within a global perspective.
  • A strong sense of self, both as a dancer and as a person.
  • The assurance that one has the necessary talent, drive, ability, and background to succeed.
  • Pride in one's achievements.