Dance Intensive Program Berlin - with Performance Lab | Balance 1 Academy

🚀 Make Berlin Your Stage - Your 5-Month Intensive Dance Program with Certificate

Looking to elevate your dance technique, prepare effectively for upcoming auditions, or fulfill a creative gap year in Berlin? The 5-Month Dance Intensive Program at Balance 1 Academy offers the ideal environment for your artistic growth: demanding daily training, professional guidance, and a highly motivating, creative atmosphere in the heart of Berlin.

This exclusive compact track runs twice a year, beginning in early February and early September, and concludes with a Dance Certificate.

🤸‍♂️ Who Is This Program Designed For?

  • Your Technical & Mental Preparation:The ideal stepping stone for entrance exams (auditions) at state or private academies for contemporary dance and stage performance. Participants showing strong potential and progress can qualify directly for our 3-year professional dance education program. 
  • Your Dance Gap Year: Perfect for anyone wishing to spend an intensive gap year focusing on contemporary dance after finishing school or during a sabbatical.
  • Open to Diverse Backgrounds: Dancers and artists from various dance styles and genres are warmly welcome—what matters most is your passion, dedication, and motivation.
  • No Audition Required: You do not need to pass a audition to join the Dance Intensive Program.
  • Consistent Group Dynamics Instead of Anonymous Drop-ins: No assembling of scattered open classes! You train within a dedicated, supportive group and receive individual feedback and continuous guidance from our international faculty.

🏫 An Inspiring Creative Home: Villa Balance

The Dance Intensive Program is more than just daily classes—it is a dedicated journey. Our home, Villa Balance, provides the perfect setting for your growth. Combining historic architecture with spacious, sunlit studios and modern dance facilities, it offers an environment where you can fully immerse yourself in your craft. You won't be training in an anonymous commercial gym, but in a warm, inspiring, and creative home in Berlin.

Wish to meet us personally before applying? We invite you to join our Open Days we hold twice a year in May and November! You can watch classes, feel the inspiring atmosphere at Villa Balance and arrange a personal consultation.

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📋 Curriculum, Subjects & Performance Lab

From Monday to Friday, a multi-faceted, professionally structured curriculum awaits you, designed to deepen your technique, expand your stylistic range, and sharpen your artistic expression:

  • Classical Ballet & Floor-Barre: For precise alignment, body control, core strength, and a solid technical foundation.
  • Contemporary & Modern Dance: Repertoire, modern techniques (e.g., Horton principles), and fluid movement.Modern Dance technique (Horton), Fluidity and individual movement vocabulary.
  • Jazz Dance: Dynamics, musicality, isolations, and clean coordination.
  • Body Conditioning: Mobility, Flexibility and injury prevention tailored specifically for dancers.
  • International Faculty & Bilingual Instruction: All classes are taught bilingually in German and English. Our international faculty ensures that all dancers—regardless of their native language or background—feel fully supported and engaged throughout the program.

🎭 The Highlight: Performance Lab & Studio Stage

A key element of your program is learning, rehearsing, and developing choreographic material under real-world conditions:

  • Choreography & Repertoire: Work intensively on pieces and creative concepts alongside our international faculty.

  • Stage Feeling in Our Own Studio: Experience authentic black-box atmosphere in our Studio 3, fully equipped with professional stage lighting to simulate real rehearsal and performance settings.

  • Artistic Growth: Enhance your spatial awareness, stage presence under spotlight conditions, and ensemble work.

📜 Dance Certificate

To receive the Dance Certificate you must not miss more than 25% of the entire program.
If you miss more than 25% you will receive a confirmation of participation.

🏷️ Tuition & Payment Options

Regular Tuition: €1,750

(Monthly installment: €350, due by the 10th of each month)

Your Discount Options:

  • 💰 5% Early Bird Discount: Sign your contract at least 4 months prior to the program start to reduce your monthly installment to €332.50 (instead of €350).

  • 💳 5% Full Payment Discount: Pay the total amount in full at the start of the program and save immediately, paying only €1,662.50.

  • 🔄 8% Returning Student Discount: Want to join for a second round to refine your technique for upcoming auditions? Pay only €1,610 (or €322 monthly).

    > Your Stepping Stone: Depending on your aptitude and technical progress during the first 5 months, a direct transition into our 9-Month Pre-Education Program is also possible.

📝 Apply Now and Secure Your Spot inside Villa Balance

Because we prioritize a focused and intimate group dynamic, available slots for each semester are limited.
Applications are welcome in English and German.

  • Your CV / Resume: Highlighting your previous dance background and experience.

  • A short Motivation Letter: Tell us why you want to join the Dance Intensive Program in Berlin.

  • A current Portrait Photo: A clear, well-lit headshot is perfectly fine.

📧 Send your application documents directly via email:

👉 Apply via email

⚡ Ideal for working professionals and students

Daily classes take place in the afternoon starting at 4:45 PM (to 8:00 PM). This makes the program exceptionally easy to combine with your job, university, or daily routines.
Note for school students: If you are still in school and cannot attend all classes due to your schedule, we offer tailored, reduced program options.
  • Beginning of February until end of June (2 weeks Easter vacations)
  • Beginning of September until end of January (2 weeks Christmas vacations)
  • two 90 minute dance classes per day

There are no classes on public holidays, we reserve bridge days.

Would you like to join us, but can't take part on all 5 days? Get in touch with us, so we can work out an individual schedule for you!

🌎 International students and Relocation to Berlin

We warmly welcome applicants from across Germany, Europe, and all over the world!
Please check in advance if you have to apply for a Visa.

🛏️ Accommodation in Berlin

Please note that the Academy does not offer on-campus housing or dormitories. As the housing market in Berlin moves fast, we recommend starting your search early.

🏫 New from October:  Balance 1 Emergency Student Housing (Temporary Stay)!

To make your transition to Berlin as smooth as possible, here is some essential information regarding housing and visa requirements:

🔗 You can find all the information about housing, visas, and life in Berlin here ➔

✨ Exclusive for DIP-Alumni: Rejoin the Dance Intensive Community!

Completed our 5-month Dance Intensive Program but missing the professional training, the mentors, and the studio energy?
Here comes your new exclusive opportunity: The Dance Intensive 10-Class Card for Alumni.

Why rejoin as an Alumnus?
  • Seamless Integration: You already know the faculty, the facilities, and the curriculum inside out. 
  • Maximum Flexibility: Use your 10-class card for selected ongoing classes in the current block whenever it fits your schedule.
  • Preserved Standards: keep refining your contemporary, modern, ballet, or jazz skills with our faculty.
To ensure the focus and quality of the ongoing program remain perfectly balanced, this offer is strictly limited to alumni of our program.
How to get back into the studio:
Simply send us a short message via our contact form or email with the subject "Alumni 10-Class Card". Can't wait to see you back in the studio!

💬 Some answers to frequently asked questions

  • How much previous experience do I need?

Participants in the Dance Intensive Program come from a wide variety of backgrounds. On average, the technical level is intermediate/foundational with prior experience. Some dancers bring extensive experience but want to refine their technical alignment; others join us with backgrounds in yoga, fitness, or urban dance styles.

You are very welcome to apply even if you do not have experience in every single style (such as ballet). What counts most is your dedication and willingness to grow.

Are you already at an advanced technical level?

If you train intensively and are looking for a higher technical challenge, we invite you to check out our 9-Month Pre-Education Program. It requires advanced prior experience and admission is based on an audition.

  • Is there an application deadline?

We do not set a rigid application deadline. Since many of our students travel from across Germany, Europe, or overseas, you decide your own preparation timeline.

Please keep in mind that you may need time to find accommodation in Berlin or arrange visa procedures. We recommend submitting your application early to ensure a smooth transition.

(Once your application is accepted, we will provide you with all necessary details regarding administrative steps prior to the start of the program.)

  • What does the weekly schedule look like, and when are the holidays?

As soon as your enrollment is complete, you will receive access to our internal student portal. There you will find up-to-date timetables as well as official holiday dates.

A standard training week (afternoon schedule) typically includes:

  • 3x Contemporary Dance

  • 2x Classical Ballet

  • 2x Modern Dance (e.g., Horton)

  • 2x Jazz Dance

  • 1x Body Conditioning (including theoretical insights into dancer wellness)

  • Dedicated sessions in the Performance Lab (rehearsal and creative work in our studio stage)

  • Are there exams or final performances at the end of the program?

We do not conduct traditional exams. The focus of these 5 months is your personal technical progress, body awareness, and artistic development.

The Highlight at the End:

Instead of a large theater production, you will work on choreographic pieces within the Performance Lab. At the end of the program, we present these results in a public closing showing on our studio stage (Studio 3), where you can invite friends, family, and guests.

  • When is the first payment due? Can I pay the total amount in advance to secure my spot?

Monthly tuition fees are due starting from the official beginning of the program (payable by the 10th of each month). Paying the full amount in advance is not necessary—your place is firmly secured once your contract is signed and confirmed.

  • Is there a dress code?

No, there is no strict dress code for the Dance Intensive Program. You can initially use the dancewear you already own. If you need specific items (e.g., for ballet or floorwork), you can discuss this directly with your teachers during the first week.

  • Can I connect with the other participants before the program starts?

Due to data privacy regulations, we cannot share contact details in advance. However, shortly before the program begins, we set up a group chat (with everyone’s consent).

Through daily intensive training, the group bonds very quickly. The Academy and your fellow dancers will feel like a second home in no time!

📩 Send application for the next DIP

💡Further tips if you are taking part in the DIP

  • Arrive early and warm up properly before each class to prevent injuries and prepare your body for the demands of dance.
  • Take care of your body: Prioritize self-care and injury prevention. Get enough rest, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy diet. Listen to your body and give yourself time to recover when needed.
  • Pack essentials: Make a checklist of dance essentials to pack for the intensive. This may include dancewear, proper footwear, water bottle, snacks, and any necessary accessories or equipment. Being well-prepared will allow you to fully focus on your training without any distractions.
  • Stay positive and motivated: The dance intensive can be physically and mentally demanding, but it’s important to stay positive and motivated. Surround yourself with supportive peers, and remind yourself of your love for dance and your goals.
  • Stay focused and engaged during classes. Participate actively in discussions and exercises.
  • Be open-minded: Approach the intensive with an open mind and a willingness to learn and grow. Embrace new challenges and be receptive to feedback from your teachers. Remember that the intensive is an opportunity for personal and artistic development. So stay open to feedback and corrections. Learning from your mistakes is an essential part of growth as a dancer.
  • Stay motivated and inspired by immersing yourself in the dance community. Attend performances, watch dance videos, and connect with other dancers.