PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM
PROGRAM AUDITIONS
Year-round professional training and mentorship in Basel for dancers preparing for a professional career.
Key details
• Ages: 12–22
• Location: Basel, Switzerland
• Minimum training commitment: 10 hours per week
• Program includes: daily training (ballet + contemporary + complementary styles), mentorship, and performance opportunities
• Tuition: CHF 5000/year (scholarships available)
Apply by audition form
Auditions are submitted online through our official application form below.
Audition timeline
• Next intake start: August 2026
• Application deadline: Rolling admissions
• Application review response: within 14 business days
• Private appointment / placement class (if required): scheduled individually
AUDITION PROCESS
Auditions for the Pre-Professional Program are completed through our online application form.
Step 1: Complete the audition form
Applicants submit their materials through the official audition form on this page.
Step 2: Prepare the required materials
The audition form requires:
• A link to a short video of a classical OR contemporary solo
• A recent dance photo
• A CV
Step 3: Review and next steps
After reviewing your submission, we will contact you with the next steps. This may include a private appointment or placement class in Basel.
All audition materials must be submitted through the form.
The Pre-Professional Program is supported by
Issac Dreyfus Bernheim Foundation Stiftung
Beat Fuchs Stiftung
Scheidegger Thommen Stiftung
SCHEDULE
• Minimum 10 hours/week of structured training
• Classical ballet and contemporary classes
• Participation in at least two additional dance styles per year
• Tailored schedules based on level
PPP Level 2
PPP Level 1
CREATION LAB PERFORMANCE
Sunday, August 16th, 2026
6:30 PM
at the Braswell Arts Center
Step inside the creative process of the Dance Basel Creation Lab with young choreographer Skylar Buser. After two intensive weeks of exploration and collaboration, the participating dancers will share the original work they have created together.
Join us on Sunday, 16 August at 6:30 PM at the Braswell Arts Center.
Suggested donation: CHF 40.
Places are limited.
From The Students Perspective
"I improved my technical skills thanks to good training, caring teachers and supportive colleagues. I also notice that I have less pain and injuries than before. - Mohena
"Two things I learned at the Braswell Arts Pre-Professional Program is to not look down and to believe in yourself." - Flurina
"I learned to focus more on expressing myself when I dance. I also discovered core stability." - Flurin
"I learned the about finding the balance between enjoying dancing and working on technique. At the PPP we have a big variety of teachers. I also enjoyed working with the professional choreographers." - Julia
"What I liked about the PPP was the students got the opportunity to choreograph! I learned to ask for what I want and to be more self sufficient." - Skylar
Our Dancers' Next Steps
The Braswell Arts Center Pre-Professional Program is designed to prepare students for the next stage in their artistic journey. We are proud to see our dancers continue their education at world-renowned universities and programs, including:
- Peridance School (NYC)
- American Ballet Theater (NYC)
- The Ailey School (NYC)
- The Joffrey School (NYC)
- Ballet Academy East (NYC)
- Zürcher Hochschule der Künste (Switzerland)
- Institute of the Arts Barcelona (Spain)
- Universitetet i Stavanger (Norway)
- DART Dance Company
Our holistic training, international network, and commitment to excellence provide the foundation for a successful future in dance and the performing arts.
Marco Goecke Workshop
Master Workshops
Preparing young dancers for dance companies of today. In addition to our weekly schedule, the Pre-Professional dancers are invited to our holiday workshops which take place every 3 months. During these workshops, the students will have the opportunity to work with special guest teachers from all over the world.
Tech / Lighting
Introducing Tech & Lighting at Braswell Arts.
We are thrilled to announce the addition of a comprehensive tech and lighting module to our Pre-Professional Program. This new component offers dancers hands-on experience with stage lighting, sound design, and technical production, providing a holistic understanding of performance environments. Guided by industry professionals, students will learn to collaborate with technical teams, enhancing their adaptability and versatility on stage. This integration ensures that our dancers are not only artistically proficient but also equipped with the technical skills essential for today's dynamic performance landscapes.
PERFORMANCE
Photos by @mikhau.imagery
We are preparing the students for company life.
With the Braswell Arts Pre-Professional program, our goal is to prepare young dancers for performance and company life. We are lucky to have multiple professional opportunities for the students to perform, including an end-of-year concert. Learning efficient and productive ways to collaborate with other dancers and choreographers is a vital part of a successful dancer's career, and is precisely the reason why we offer repertory as a permanent part of the program.
More importantly, our program focuses on repertory styles currently seen on stages all over the world in order to equip our students with the necessary tools and techniques needed for a successful career as a dancer of today.
CAREER PREPARATION
Our Pre-Professional Program goes beyond technique:
• 1-on-1 mentorship with expert staff
• Career guidance including résumé building, networking, and professional attitude
• Workshops and guest lectures to inspire and broaden perspective
• Support in navigating contracts, auditions, and international opportunities
Scholarship Program
Apply for the Pre-Professional Scholarship by filling out the audition application form on this page.
Submit your dance video, short statement, and supporting info through the form.
Scholarships will be awarded based on talent, fit, and (if applicable) financial need.
At Braswell Arts Center, we want talented dancers to succeed regardless of financial background.
Our Scholarship Program offers both full and partial awards to support training in the Pre-Professional Program.
Who is eligible?
• Ages 12–19
• Demonstrates strong dance ability and potential for a professional career
• Accepted into the Pre-Professional Program
• (If applying for financial need support) Proof of financial circumstances
• Open to local and international students
What the scholarship covers
• Full or partial tuition support (up to 100% of CHF 5000)
• Access to performances and exclusive masterclasses
• Individual mentorship from expert faculty
How to apply
Submissions are made through the audition application form on this page.
You may be asked to provide:
• A dance video link showing technical ability and expression
• A short personal statement about your goals in dance
• Optional: proof of financial need
• Optional: a recommendation from a current teacher or mentor
Scholarship recipients are selected by our faculty panel based on talent, commitment, and fit with the program.
Rolling Deadline
PROGRAM TUITION
PRE-PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
To be a part of the Pre-Professional Program, you must train a minimum of 10 hours per week, but you are welcome and encouraged to join any other classes on our schedule as often as you like. For Sportklasse Students, daytime classes are also offered twice per week.
1-Year Pre-Professional Membership
CHF 5000/year for all students
To register, or if you have any questions, please send an email to admin@braswellarts.org.
Parents & Students FAQ
How do students apply?
All auditions are submitted through the online application form on this page.
What materials are required for the audition?
• A video link (classical or contemporary solo)
• A recent dance photo
• A CV
What is the weekly time commitment?
Students are required to train a minimum of 10 hours per week.
Where does the program take place?
All training takes place in Basel, Switzerland at Braswell Arts Center.
Can training be combined with school?
Yes. Braswell Arts Center is a partner school of Basel Talents Leistungssportförderung. Eligible students may combine professional dance training with academic education through the Sportklasse.
What is the tuition?
CHF 5000/year for all students.
Are scholarships available?
Yes. Full and partial scholarships are available. Please see the Scholarship Program section below.
Who do we contact with questions?
admin@braswellarts.org
OUR PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Armando Braswell
Daniel Mulligan
Barbara Handschin Lic.phil.
Nathalie Guth
Max Zachrisson
Carlos Kerr Jr.
Julian Nicosia
Dmitry Khamzin
Panathlon Prize Recognition
Awarded The Panathlon Prize 2025
The Pre-Professional Program at Braswell Arts Center has received the Panathlon Prize, an award recognizing institutions that demonstrate exemplary commitment to ethics, education, and the well-being of young athletes and artists.
This recognition reflects our ongoing focus on responsible training, mentorship, and the holistic development of each student.
Code of Conduct
At the Braswell Arts Pre-Professional Dance Program, we are deeply committed to creating a safe, positive, and nurturing environment for our aspiring dancers. Our program operates under a comprehensive Code of Conduct that outlines the expectations and standards for our students, parents, teachers, and staff. This Code of Conduct is designed to foster a respectful and supportive community within our institution.
We are proud to announce that our Code of Conduct is registered with the Basel Talents Leistungssportförderung and Danse Suisse. We share our documents to further validate our commitment to upholding the highest standards of dance education and ethical behavior.
Director of Rehabilitation and Prevention
In addition to our Code of Conduct, we have taken a significant step to prioritize the mental and emotional health of our young dancers. We have appointed Barbara Handschin Lic. phil., an independent psychologist, as the Director of Rehabilitation and Prevention at our program.
Ms. Handschin brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this role. Her primary responsibilities include:
- Providing psychological support and resources to our students,
- Developing and overseeing a comprehensive prevention and rehabilitation program within our institution,
- Acting as an independent resource for our young dancers, ensuring that their mental, emotional, and physical well-being is consistently supported and prioritized.
Our students’ well-being is at the heart of everything we do at the Braswell Arts Pre-Professional Dance Program. We believe that this commitment, reflected in our Code of Conduct and the appointment of Ms. Handschin, sets a standard of excellence and care that defines our program as a leader in dance education.
For more information about our Code of Conduct or our commitment to student well-being, please feel free to contact us.
Ready to apply?
Auditions for the Pre-Professional Program are submitted through our online application form.
For questions, please contact:
admin@braswellarts.org
AUDITION FORM
Before you apply please ensure that:
• Video links are accessible (Vimeo, YouTube, or similar)
• Photos are recent and clearly show the dancer
• The CV includes training background and experience
Incomplete applications may delay the review process.
How can you support us?
We hope to give all young dancers an opportunity to come to train, no matter their income. We need support for scholarships and our end of the year performance.
