Undergraduate
The four-year undergraduate program "Artist in Process" combines intensive artistic practice with personal development. The academic year is divided into six modules, each lasting between four and six weeks. Upon successful completion of the program, students are awarded a diploma with a specialization in Choreography or Performance.
At the heart of the program is daily practice, where dance, artistic research, reflection, and professional preparation are closely integrated to support the development of an independent artistic voice.
From the very beginning, students gain valuable stage experience by participating in the school's monthly productions. Not only as performers, but also in roles such as stage management, lighting, and production. This hands-on approach provides a comprehensive understanding of every aspect of the professional dance environment.
Structure of the Sessions
Classes take place five days a week and are led by experienced faculty members as well as internationally renowned guest artists. The curriculum is regularly enriched by additional workshops and seminars.
Practice is at the core of the program. During each session, students work on artistic projects and present their work in a variety of formats, ranging from informal showings to large-scale performances.
In-depth seminars with renowned artists and experts provide valuable insights into a wide range of topics while fostering artistic dialogue and exchange.
Academic Calendar
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6 modules, each lasting 4–6 weeks
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1 week break between modules
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3 week break during the Christmas period
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1 to 2 week break at Easter
Daily Schedule
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Contemporary dance and ballet training every day
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Yoga several times a week
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Classes in Pilates, Gyrokinesis, somatic practices, and alternative movement techniques
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Workshops in choreography, improvisation, theatre, movement research, contact improvisation, and partnering
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Dance analysis and history, repertoire, anatomy, and production offered through weekly classes and/or workshops
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Rehearsals for school-based and independent choreographic projects, some of which may extend into the evening hours
Curriculum
The Grounding Year and Locating Year form the first two-year block of the program, followed by a second two-year block consisting of the Refining Year and Going On Year.
SEAD is committed to an organizational structure that is both flexible and clearly defined. If specific needs or wishes arise within the daily life of the school—whether from faculty members, individual students, or entire year groups—the program seeks to respond to them while remaining open to change. This approach allows unexpected opportunities to be embraced throughout the year and ensures that decisions are always made in the best interest of the students.
Year 1
Grounding year
In the Grounding Year, students are encouraged to absorb information with an open mind and body in order to expand their knowledge of contemporary dance techniques and prepare themselves for performance and choreography.
Foundations:
Yoga, ballet, contemporary dance
Focus of the academic year:
Theatre, introduction to choreography and composition, repertoire, movement research, improvisation, creation, music, anatomy, artistic research, partnering, dance history, as well as a variety of workshops
Year 2
Locating year
In the Locating Year, students engage with a deeper understanding of the material and approaches introduced by their teachers and mentors, and begin to establish themselves as performers and choreographers. By the end of the academic year, students choose their area of specialization: Performance or Choreography.
Foundations:
Yoga, ballet, contemporary dance
Focus of the academic year:
Movement research, improvisation, artistic research, partnering, composition, creation, anatomy, dance history, music, as well as a variety of workshops
Year 3
Refining year
In the Refining Year, students take increasing responsibility for their own artistic development by identifying their strengths and areas for growth, clarifying their individual interests, and exploring their own understanding of what it means to be an artist.
Foundations:
Yoga, ballet, contemporary dance
Focus of the academic year:
Choreography concentration, improvisation, composition, dance theory, creative projects, as well as a variety of workshops
Year 4
Going on year
In the Going On Year, students are expected to be highly self-motivated and to independently pursue their personal interests within the wide range of possibilities offered in performance and choreography, with the aim of developing their professional practice as dancers and artists.
Foundations: Ballet, contemporary dance
Yoga: Optional for all Going On Year students
Focus of the academic year: Solo project, improvisation, partnering, movement research and composition, theatre, repertoire, independent creations, as well as a variety of theory- and practice-based workshops
exchange
SEAD is connected with international and European partners and provides a clear image of Salzburg to the world as an innovative, contemporary city of art and culture. Auditions take place in more than 15 international cities yearly. New York University Tisch School of the arts In 1998, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts dance department and SEAD began a collaborative project. Every year, students from SEAD spend six weeks in New York to broaden their horizons and enrich their dance practice.
Academy fees
Modes of payment for all study programs
Annual payment—1 payment due Sep. 1 € 4.500
Semi-annual payment in two installments
First installment due Sep. 1 € 3.000
Second installment due Feb. 1 € 1.700
*Note that paying in two installments adds a fee of 200 euros.To guarantee a place in SEAD the student must send the signed school contract and a deposit of € 750.
School deposits are not refundable.
The balance of all administration fees must be paid by 1st August.
Administration fee
A one-time fee covering the duration of the contract that must be paid in full before the start of the student’s education.
Undergraduate Program Artist in Progress — € 2.250 (for Grounding Year)
Postgraduate Program Artist in Practice — € 750
1- year-intensive training program FIRE — € 750
The mode of payment must be communicated in writing and is binding for one entire school year.Scholarships: Students are encouraged to apply for grants and awards by their local (municipal, regional, national) authorities.