PreProfessionals Summer Academy 2026

Ten young dancers, three choreographic styles and a shared journey into the world of professional dance – the moment between setting out and arriving: MIND THE GAP – Edition II is dedicated to that exciting phase in which young dancers take the step from training into the professional world of the stage. Here, curiosity, energy and artistic hunger meet experience, choreographic vision and the everyday life of a company.

Over five intensive weeks, ten up-and-coming international talents work together under professional conditions. Through daily training, rehearsals and creative processes, three choreographies emerge, opening up different movement languages and artistic perspectives. The audience experiences a dynamic evening of dance and encounters a new generation of dancers on their way to their future.

This support programme, unique in Switzerland, is aimed at outstanding graduates of professional dance schools from Switzerland and abroad who are in the transitional phase (‘gap’) between training and professional engagement.

The success of the first edition in 2024 speaks for itself: three participants were cast in the main production of “Carmen” at the Königsfelden Dance Festival. Following the programme, all participants secured engagements with international companies, including Ballet Ireland, Ballet du Rhin, Ballett Leipzig and Ballett Theater Magdeburg.

Edition II brings together three distinct choreographic voices: Filipe Portugal is creating a new work, Heinz Spoerli’s ‘Goldberg Variations’ are being rehearsed, and the internationally active choreographer Caroline Finn is developing a new piece. At the premiere in the Kurtheater, the Tanz und Kunst Königsfelden dance prize will once again be awarded to one of the dancers.