In 1993, Susan Quinn’s vision was to create Salzburg Experimental Academy of Dance (SEAD) as a centre for training contemporary dancers and choreographers as well as a vibrant space that provides the public performances and education in contemporary dance art. At that time SEAD became one of the first places to offer professional-caliber training for contemporary artists in Austria. Over the last decade, Susan’s visionary concept transformed into reality: SEAD today is an accredited academy with more than 120 international students and artists in residence, a theatre that has a monthly performance series which also includes lectures and theoretical debates, and a very successful dance education-program for children and adults.

In 2001, SEAD’s professional training program was honored with the recognition from the Austrian Government as a program of university equivalency. SEAD is a meeting point for experimental collaborations, residencies, and performances.