Academy for Contemporary Dance & Ballet

The Academy for Contemporary Dance & Ballet (AZB) at the Institute of Dance Arts is an extramural course of the Anton Bruckner Private University and was especially developed to support young talented dancers.

Compatible with school and classes at private dance schools, young talents are prepared for university dance studies through specific support once a month on weekends.

The program is open to young dancers with an advanced to very good level who wish to study dance at a university or college.

The curriculum focuses on seven areas: Technique, Composition, Improvisation, Repertoire, Body Conditioning, Interdisciplinarity and Stage. Core training in classical ballet and contemporary dance is combined with a focus on the integration of dance technique and artistic processes.

The AZB course spans to a minimum of 4 semesters, with the option to extend enrolment for up to 14 semesters in certain core subjects (for details see AZB study plan). The course includes 20 ECTS upon the completion of four semesters with examinations in core subjects taking place every two years.

Curriculum

Facts

  • For dancers 14 years and older
  • Duration: 4 to 14 semesters
  • The course takes place once a month on a weekend.
  • Completion: minimum of 4 semesters includes 20 ECTS
  • Costs: Information on tuition fees can be found here.

Time required & schedule

The course takes place once a month on weekends. On these Saturdays and Sundays, 3 units of 90 minutes each are taught per day. One unit each of Ballet and Contemporary Dance are supplemented with other subjects for a total of 4.5 hours per day. Additional individual days before performances round off the program.

There are also opportunities for students to present their work. Both their own choreographies and choreographies by faculty members of the AZB will be presented on the stages of Bruckner University. Additional rehearsal days are scheduled before the performance dates.

Curriculum & Completion

The curriculum focuses on the following seven areas: Technique, Composition, Improvisation, Repertoire, Body Conditioning, Interdisciplinary Workshops and Stage. The core training in classical ballet and contemporary dance is combined with a strong focus on the integration of dance technique and artistic processes.

Following the completion of 4 semesters and fulfilling the mandatory subjects, AZB students are required to partake in an examination. Students extending their studies to 14 semesters will undergo examinations in Contemporary dance and Classical Ballet every two years. 

Requirements & Audition

Admission Requirements

  • Dancers who are aiming for a professional career and have an intermediate to advanced level in the areas of contemporary dance and ballet technique.
  • For dancers aged 14 and up.
  • An audition is required for participation in the Certificate Programme. The audition consists of one unit each of classical ballet and contemporary dance.

Auditions

The audition for the Academy for Contemporary Dance and Ballet is held annually in the June. Online registration will be opened from April. 

We are looking for versatile dancers with a good foundation in ballet and contemporary dance techniques, as well as an enthusiastic and open-minded approach to improvisation and creative thinking.

Information about the audition:

  • The audition will take place in the morning and will last about 3 hours in total.
  • It consists of a ballet and contemporary dance class, followed by improvisational exercises.
  • Applicants do not have to prepare a solo.
  • Detailed information about the time of the audition, the studio where it will take place, and what to bring on the day of the audition will be sent to all applicants via email a few days before the audition.
  • Applicants will be informed by student services whether they will be accepted into the programme.