Program
2025|26
PROGRAM NAME AZA – dance program for pre-professionals dancers
TARGET PARTICIPANTS Pre-professional dancers from 18 years old.
DURATION October to July (10 months)
FREQUENCY 5 days a week (Monday to Friday)
PROGRAM OBJECTIVE The primary objective of AZA is to prepare pre-professional dancers for successful careers in the dance industry. Through a comprehensive curriculum that combines technical training and artistic development, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery and skill enhancement
Key
Features
A PRE PROFESSIONAL BRIDGE
A structured program designed to support the transition from academic training to the professional dance world.
INTENSIVE FULL-TIME TRAINING
Daily training from Monday to Friday (10:00–16:30), combining technical classes and creative processes.
CREATION AT THE CORE
Continuous involvement in choreographic work through artistic residencies, collaborations with guest choreographers, and creations with the artistic director Inês Pedruco.
INTERNATIONAL GUEST ARTISTS
Monthly access to 2–3 national and international guest artists, bringing diverse artistic perspectives and repertory.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Direct engagement with national companies, international partners, and regular performance opportunities.
ARTISTIC RESIDENCIES & PERFORMANCES
Stage experience through residencies and public presentations throughout the program.
INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT
Personalized support including solo creation, portfolio building, and video materials.
AUDITION & CAREER PREPARATION
Dedicated guidance and time to prepare for auditions and enter the professional field.
EXCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
A selected group of dancers ensures focused, tailored training and close artistic mentorship.
FLEXIBLE STRUCTURE
Dancers may leave the program if professional opportunities arise.
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
Opportunities to connect with choreographers, directors, and companies.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY
A partial scholarship is awarded annually to one dancer, based on the audition process.
Program
Structure
The AZA Dance Program runs from October to July, offering a 10-month immersive pre-professional experience.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Training takes place Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 16:30.
Each day is structured to balance technical development and creative practice:
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Morning classes focus on technique, including contemporary, classical ballet, improvisation, Gaga-based practices, and physical conditioning
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Afternoons are dedicated to contemporary work, repertoire, and choreographic creation
TECHNICAL TRAINING
Dancers engage in consistent daily training to strengthen versatility, physical awareness, and technical precision across different movement languages.
CREATIVE PROCESS & CREATION
Creation is a central part of the program. Throughout the 10 months, dancers:
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Work in artistic residencies with national companies
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Develop creations with the artistic director Inês Pedruco
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Collaborate with invited choreographers
GUEST ARTISTS PROGRAM
Each month, dancers work with 2 to 3 guest artists (national and international), exploring repertory and diverse creative approaches.
PROFESSIONAL EXPOSURE
The program includes:
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Public performances
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Artistic residencies
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Workshops, masterclasses, and lectures
These experiences place dancers in a real professional context.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Alongside training, dancers receive support in:
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Audition preparation
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Solo creation
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Portfolio and video material development
FINAL PRESENTATION
At the end of the program, dancers present their work to choreographers, company directors, and industry professionals.
Outcome
By the end of the AZA Dance Program, dancers will have developed a strong technical foundation, a deeper artistic identity, and the tools necessary to navigate the professional dance world. Through continuous training, creative processes, and direct contact with choreographers, companies, and guest artists, participants gain valuable stage experience and a clear understanding of professional dynamics.
Throughout the program, dancers build their own portfolio, including video materials and solo work, preparing them for auditions and future opportunities. The immersive nature of the training fosters autonomy, adaptability, and confidence, allowing each dancer to grow both individually and within a collective environment.
The program culminates in a final presentation to industry professionals, creating real opportunities for visibility and professional integration. By the end of the experience, dancers leave with not only enhanced technical and artistic skills, but also with a stronger sense of direction and readiness to enter the professional field.
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