BALLET PEDAGOGY (BA)

About the Study Program

The three-year undergraduate university program in Ballet Pedagogy at the Academy of Dramatic Art has been offered by the Department of Dance since 2013. It is the only accredited university-level ballet pedagogy program in Croatia and the only one in the region conducted at a public university. The program provides students with a broad, comprehensive, and up-to-date education that, while preserving tradition, incorporates the most contemporary scientific, theoretical, and somatic approaches to ballet instruction, making it relevant within the European context. 

New students are admitted every three years, and the program is available only to full-time students. 

General and theoretical courses are attended together with students of the Contemporary Dance program. 

This study program is primarily designed to equip students with professional dance and/or teaching experience in classical ballet with the competencies necessary for high-quality, safe, creative, and methodologically sound instruction in artistic education and contemporary ballet pedagogy. 

From the first year, the program focuses on the pedagogical foundation of ballet. The methodology is based on the principles of A. Vaganova and, in addition to classical ballet, includes methodologies for character dance, historical dance, and classical partnering. Theoretical concepts from methodological and pedagogical-psychological subjects are applied in teaching practice, which takes place in ballet schools and other educational contexts, where students develop practical teaching skills. These are supported by movement analysis, somatic and kinesiology knowledge, and continuous reflection. Through the lens of contemporary theories, ballet and personal artistic and teaching practices are examined in historical, cultural, and socio-political contexts. The program affirms ballet tradition while simultaneously encouraging students to critically examine it from modern pedagogical and social perspectives. 

Students may choose to expand their artistic interests and dance skills by selecting practical courses from the Contemporary Dance program. In the third year, an extensive Research Project under mentorship provides experience in independent project work in the student's area of interest and serves as preparation for a teaching career or further academic study.

Career Prospects after Graduation

Upon completing the undergraduate Ballet Pedagogy program, students earn the title of University Bachelor of Ballet Pedagogy (univ. educ. bacc. art.) and acquire competencies for work in vocational education, as well as in recreational and amateur ballet education. 

Successful alumni of the Ballet Pedagogy program work as teachers in ballet schools and contemporary dance schools, ballet masters and dancers in national ballet companies, university professors, leaders of recreational dance programs in cultural centers, amateur clubs, and general education institutions. They also work as contributors in media and specialized journals and present at professional and academic conferences.