become a student at DANCEWORKS
Choose your program
At DANCEWORKS berlin you can start with an intensive program or go straight into full-time dance training if you have the appropriate dance skills.
You can find all information about the structure, subjects and costs on this page.
You can also apply directly for the audition (live or online) or reserve your place in the intensive training when filling out the registration form.
3-years education in contemporary dance
You can start our professional dance training in the winter semester (October) or the summer semester (April).
The training is designed as a three-year full-time program and takes place Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In addition to a comprehensive schedule of dance and theory subjects, you can expect inspiring masterclasses, practice-oriented workshops, and collaborative community events.
The prerequisite for admission is passing an entrance exam (audition), in which we would like to get to know both your technical skills and your artistic expressiveness.
D7
Dance Intense Program
Our intensive program lasts seven months, starting in September and ending with a public closing event at the end of March.
Classes take place from Monday to Friday:
Two dance classes daily from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. These training times allow for continuous, structured development at a high technical and artistic level.
You will become part of the DANCEWORKS campus, interact directly with the students of the professional stage dance training and experience everyday life in a lively training environment.
At the end of the program, you will receive an official certificate of participation – as proof of your intensive engagement with dance and your continuous development throughout the program.
Performances
Our education in contemporary dance
1st year of training: Foundation & Development
In the first year of training, you will lay the foundation for your dance and physical development. You will strengthen your technique, strength, endurance, and body awareness – and specifically expand on your previous dance experiences. Your schedule will include classical ballet classes, modern dance techniques such as Horton and Limón, contemporary classes, core work, improvisation, and composition.
In addition, you'll take time for artistic research and begin to discover your own creative voice. In personal discussions, we'll reflect on your goals together and help you set individual priorities for your training. This first year offers you space to try new things, experiment, and gain your first experiences on stage. You'll work with various choreographers and already present yourself in several performances.
2nd year of training: In-depth Study & Diversity
In the second year, you will further develop your technical and artistic skills – with greater nuance, precision, and independence. Your ballet training will be expanded to include contemporary influences, and in modern dance, you will also work with techniques such as Graham and Cunningham. The contemporary classes will become more intensive, complemented by partnering, repertoire work, and new choreographic approaches.
You'll get to know different teachers, styles, and creative approaches. Two consecutive composition blocks allow you to further develop your individual artistic language. The number and variety of your stage performances will increase—you'll dance in different venues and in different formats. You'll also gain insights into production: from lighting and sound design to costume and set design, staging, and production.
3rd year of training: Profile & Professionalization
In your final year, your artistic identity takes center stage. You'll bring together all your accumulated experiences, refine your expressiveness, and develop a clear profile as a dancer. You'll work with various contemporary and modern techniques, receive individual mentoring, and be specifically prepared for your professional career.
A central element is the development of your own final piece – supplemented by an artistic thesis, which can also serve as the basis for scholarships or funding projects.
You'll present your work in a variety of contexts and formats and learn how to position yourself professionally on and off stage. This year will prepare you intensively to gain a foothold in the dance scene—confident, reflective, and empowered by your training.
Students with outstanding dance performance and special artistic potential can be accepted into our DANCEWORKS Company – regardless of their year of training.
Throughout the year, the company regularly offers projects, each with an audition. These include additional stage projects, exclusive performance opportunities, a piece of our own as part of our annual performances, or in-depth workshops and productions with changing guest lecturers.
We place great value on supportive interaction. Collaborative learning, mutual inspiration, and continuous exchange are central components of our educational philosophy. Therefore, we teach many subjects in groups and encourage dialogue within the group as well as with external experts.
International Input &
real experiences
We regularly invite renowned guest lecturers and choreographers from Germany and abroad, each with a diverse stylistic background. This way, you not only develop your artistic flexibility but also actively expand your network. After the workshops, there will be time for personal discussions, professional feedback, individual tips, and targeted questions.
We also prepare you for real selection procedures with mock auditions – practical, realistic and with valuable input.
Examples of interdisciplinary workshops & additional modules:
Contemporary Partnering · Urban Styles · Acting · Somatic Work · Musical Theater Dance · Voice Training · Physical Theater for Dancers
Theory meets practice
A comprehensive understanding of dance requires more than physical training. That's why we place great emphasis on linking theory and practice. You'll be actively involved in our theoretical courses—with group work, discussions, and reflective assignments that deepen your artistic thinking and ground your stage work.
Theoretical content that will accompany you:
Dance History · Musicality · Dance Management · Anatomy & Nutrition · Context Studies · Self-Analysis · Performance Screening · Artistic Research
Mental strength & functional training
To dance at a high level, you need more than technique:
Regeneration, body awareness, and mental balance are equally important. That's why we supplement the curriculum with subjects that increase your physical resilience, promote your body awareness, and strengthen your inner balance.
Supplementary subjects on physical and mental health:
Gyrokinesis · Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT) · Conditioning · Yoga Dance · Outdoor Training
Community, exchange & inspiration
In addition to intensive training, togetherness also plays a central role for us – be it as a creative enrichment, to strengthen team spirit or simply to switch off together and recharge our batteries.
FREIdance - Showings
We regularly host internal shows in our largest studio – Studio 2, which can be converted into a studio stage with a grandstand, lighting equipment, and a new sound system. Here you have the opportunity to present your work: be it your own choreography, initial sketches and ideas, solo experiments, or group work.
Whether you are on stage yourself or are there as a spectator – you will gain important experience in presenting, observing and reflecting.
Insights into the dance scene
To broaden your perspective on dance and get to know the scene better, we'll visit open rehearsals, theater performances, venues, and cultural centers together. Afterwards, there are often opportunities to exchange ideas with choreographers, dancers, or production managers—for inspiration, networking, and valuable input for your own path.
Berlin, as a dynamic metropolis, offers a wealth of insights into different styles, formats, and international projects. Excursions to other cities and collaborations with partner universities (e.g., HZT) and training centers are also part of our program.
Celebrating is also part of it!
Whether it's the end of the semester, Christmas, the graduation show, or just anytime in between – we always find a reason to celebrate. The Vagabund Brewery, located right in the backyard, is a particularly popular spot – a cozy meeting place with a relaxed atmosphere and fair prices.
Training fees and contract conditions
A brief overview:
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The tuition fees are €2,880 per semester (equivalent to €480 per month) for EU students.
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We grant a discount of € 260 for full annual payment (two semesters).
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There is an additional fee of €30 for participation in the company class.
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The school contract runs for three years, whereby the first year is a trial year and can be cancelled with three months' notice to the end of this year.
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The fees can be paid monthly or in one lump sum.
International students (outside the EU) are requested to contact us in advance to discuss individual financing options. We will be happy to assist you with visa matters and other organisational steps.
Insurance, BAföG & benefits
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Valid health insurance is compulsory throughout the entire period of study.
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You are insured with the employers' liability insurance association for accidents during your time at school.
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Our training programme is BAföG-recognised.
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Our student ID card entitles you to discounted tickets for local public transport (BVG / student ID card II).
Admission & application
A successful entrance examination is required for admission to our dance training programme.
This consists of the subjects ballet, modern dance and contemporary dance.
You are also asked to present a short solo (approx. 2 minutes).
Please send us a CV with details of your previous dance experience in advance.
You can register for the exam online via our registration form - either for participation on site or via video.
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On-site participation: €30
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Video option: €50
Once you have registered, you will receive all further information by email.
We will take the time for a thorough assessment and a personal feedback session.
Intensive program 'D7 Dance Intense'
Why D7?
Do you love dancing – and want more?
Do you dream of training more intensively, developing your dance skills, or preparing specifically for auditions? Do you have previous dance experience and are looking for a new challenge in a motivated group?
Then our program “D7 – Dance Intense” is just right for you!
Training times & subjects
Our seven-month intensive program begins every year in September and is aimed at anyone who wants to deepen their technique, strengthen their expressiveness, and take their dance skills to a new level. The cycle culminates with a large public performance in March – a true highlight where you can showcase your talent. Participation is also possible multiple times.
What awaits you:
Daily training (Mon-Fri) with two 90-minute classes: from 10:30–12:00 & 12:15–13:45
Lessons parallel to professional stage dance training in a campus
Subjects: Contemporary Dance, Floor Work, Ballet, Modern, Jazz Dance, Urban Contemporary, Improvisation, Creative Work, Stretching/Conditioning & Yoga Dance
Individual support from experienced lecturers, many of whom are also from our vocational training team
Possibility, depending on previous experience, to participate in additional training classes (after consultation)
Final performance
At the end, you'll present your development on stage – both as part of the group and with your own solo or duet. And: You'll receive an official certificate (with at least 75% participation).
If you would like to take the step into our professional stage dance training, we will support you intensively through the application process.
Direct entry in April is possible!
Organizational matters + costs
Start: September
Costs: €390/month or a one-time payment of €2,600 (including approx. 5% discount)
Duration: 7 months
This is how the application process works
We welcome anyone who wants to dance intensively and deepen their passion. Experience in at least one of the offered dance styles is required.
The application process is straightforward and personal:
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Online application with a short video (1–2 minutes) showing your dancing skills
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Selecting a workshop day on which you participate in regular school life
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If no date suits you, then select "by appointment" and we will contact you
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In exceptional cases, an online option is possible
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After the workshop day we will have a meeting about your goals, motivation and expectations
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If everything fits – you’re in!
Join us for an intense, inspiring, and dance-filled time – and grow beyond yourself!
Register now and secure your place!
