Mission

The focus of our educational programme is the individual with all their individual abilities and skills. 

The curriculum is built upon the three pillars ballet, contemporary/modern dance, and improvisation. Our goal is to find a common approach with which the barriers between these diverse techniques are dissolved. The three pillars are continually developed during a student’s entire period of study and are supported by a broad choice of complimentary subjects. The combination of theory and practice empowers the pupils and students to develop into independent, creatively thinking individuals who profit from these techniques, as they open the doors to artistic freedom.

Three Pillars:

Ballet is traditionally very hierarchal in character. It is perceived as having highly standardised physical demands and often a rigid technical structure, both in the choreographic processes and in the mentality in the genre.

In its early period, the Palucca University of Dance Dresden initially offered a pure Vaganova-based ballet training, as did many of the institutions in Eastern Europe in those times. Today, the focus is on developing our own unique approach to ballet. The ballet training is built upon those aspects which are complementary to contemporary/modern dance and improvisation. This approach is dialogue-based and is influenced by the current demands and developments in today’s dance world. Principles of movement such as tension - relaxation, the use of a spiral dynamic and the work with resistance now have a permanent place in ballet training.

Throughout all class levels there are extensive classes on point work, pas de deux, and variations.

Contemporary dance represents a broad spectrum of different techniques and styles. In general, these stem from dance pieces and techniques which were developed in the 20th century. The roots of contemporary/modern dance at the Palucca University of Dance Dresden can be found in free dance. As the dance scene has evolved, the contemporary/modern dance that is taught at the University today reflects the school of Humphrey/Limon and release techniques. These techniques follow a very individual and mixed approach. This method is unique among universities of the arts. It is supported by an international teaching staff and is oriented towards the current developments within the dance scene and dance science.

TTI (dance/technique/improvisation) is taught to our younger students. This is a combination of contemporary/modern dance and improvisation. Later, TTI is divided into two separate subjects and is complemented with instruction in floor work, repertoire and partnering.

During the training, different sources of inspiration are examined, among which are the dimensions of time, space, weight and surroundings. Large or small, fast or slow, dramatic or neutral are just a few examples of elements which can serve as a basis for improvising. Through improvisation, students learn to express their personalities. In the University curriculum, different techniques are examined through which the students are encouraged to use their entire body, intellect, and spirit.

Our younger students are taught TTI (dance/technique/improvisation), a combination of contemporary/modern dance and improvisation. Later, TTI is divided into two separate subjects. In addition, the students’ improvisational skills are trained through courses in composition, Laban, movement analysis, Forsythe Improvisation Technologies, partnering and contact improvisation jams.