First Step

This information is for parents and legal guardians exploring an introductory dance programme for their child. First Step offers a foundation for young dancers at the beginning of their formal dance education.

First Step provides a structured and age-appropriate foundation in theatrical dance. Both participation options include ballet-based fundamentals, age-appropriate strengthening, and basic modern and contemporary dance movement, alongside coordination, musicality, body awareness, expression and safe training habits.

Additional elements, such as jazz dance, musical-theatre movement and floorwork, may be introduced according to the group’s age, level and development.

This programme is intended for:

• Primarily for children aged 10–13
• Beginners or young dancers with limited prior training
• Students who demonstrate curiosity, motivation, and openness to structured learning
• Young dancers who enjoy movement, music, and creative expression and would like to build a stronger foundation
• No previous dance experience is required

First Step is designed for young dancers who are ready to begin formal dance training in a supportive yet structured environment.

Rather than encouraging early specialisation, the programme builds a broad foundation for theatrical dance through ballet-based fundamentals, musicality, coordination, body awareness, expressive movement, and age-appropriate physical development.

Jazz dance, musical-theatre movement, floorwork and performance-related activities may be introduced progressively as the group develops, supporting confidence, creativity and a broad foundation for further dance training.

Entry Requirements

• Age: primarily 10–13.
• Training Background: no previous dance experience required.
• Admission: the child’s development and suitability for the group are considered before admission. Any preliminary placement assessment is separate from regular programme sessions.
• Application & enrolment: an authorised parent or legal guardian completes and submits the application and agrees to enrolment separately. Your child is welcome to contribute their interests and thoughts.
• Health and preparation: participants need health insurance valid in Austria and a medical fitness certificate. The academy confirms the submission deadline before training. Additional accident insurance is recommended. Please do not upload medical records with the online application.

Programme Period

Applications are welcome throughout the 2026–2027 programme year.

New students may join at an agreed starting point, subject to availability and suitable group placement. The participation period is agreed individually.

• The two-day option ends on 23 June 2027.
• The three-day option ends on 25 June 2027.

Academic Structure

First Step is a structured small-group foundation programme designed to complement students’ school commitments.

Both participation options follow a shared educational framework. The additional weekly session in the three-day option provides further opportunities for practice and development within that framework.

Weekly Participation Options

• Two days per week: Monday and Wednesday.
• Three days per week: Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

A change between the two-day and three-day options is possible by agreement, subject to availability.

Regular Timetable

• Monday: 17:30–19:30
• Wednesday: 17:30–19:30
• Friday: 14:30–15:30, for the three-day option only.

The regular weekly training blocks total approximately four or five hours, depending on the selected option, including short supervised breaks.

On 16 and 18 November 2026, the Monday and Wednesday sessions will take place from 18:00 to 20:00.

Programme breaks and special scheduling arrangements are set out in the annual calendar supplied with the participation agreement.

Training in Dance Fundamentals – First Step includes:

Core Dance Principles

Movement principles such as body awareness, spatial orientation, rhythm, coordination, balance, and safe use of the body.

Fundamental Ballet Technique

Basic ballet vocabulary, posture, coordination, alignment, balance, and musical awareness as a foundation for broader dance training.

Modern and Contemporary Movement Fundamentals

Both participation options include an introduction to movement fundamentals from modern and contemporary dance, supporting coordination, body awareness and expressive movement through age-appropriate training.

Conditioning and Flexibility

Age-appropriate physical preparation, mobility, flexibility, and strengthening exercises adapted to developing bodies and safe training habits.

Floorwork, Rolls and Safe Movement Skills

Basic floorwork, rolls and floor transitions may be incorporated into the training. Activities are adapted to the group’s age, level and readiness, with an emphasis on coordination, body awareness and safe movement.

Theatrical and Expressive Movement

Introduction to expressive movement and performance awareness, supporting creativity, artistry, and confidence on stage.

Jazz Dance Foundations

Elements of jazz dance may be introduced to develop rhythm, coordination, musicality and expressive confidence, according to the group’s age, level and development.

Musical-Theatre Movement

Musical-theatre movement may be introduced through age-appropriate activities connecting music, movement, expression and stage presence. Its timing and emphasis depend on the group’s development.

Classes balance clear guidance with encouragement, creativity and enjoyment of movement.

The focus, sequence and balance of training are adapted to the group’s age, level and development. Both participation options share the same core foundations, with additional practice opportunities in the three-day option.

First Step serves as a preparatory stage within SADA’s educational framework.

The programme supports young dancers in building the technical, musical, physical, and expressive foundations needed for future progression in dance. Development is guided by the faculty team and is based on each student’s individual growth, consistency, motivation, and readiness.

For students who demonstrate the appropriate commitment and development, First Step may open a pathway towards SADA’s higher-level training options, including the Professional Programme: Dance Vision. This allows motivated students to continue their dance education within a structured framework, whether towards advanced training, dance-related studies, or a possible future professional pathway.

Progression does not imply automatic admission to professional programmes. Suitable next steps are advised individually by the faculty team.

Performance opportunities may be offered by separate agreement. Choosing not to participate does not disadvantage a child’s regular First Step training.

Tuition follows the academy’s standard fee structure for the 2026–2027 programme. The applicable fee depends on the participation option, agreed participation period and payment plan.

Full fees and participation terms are provided before enrolment is confirmed. Dancewear and personal equipment are purchased separately.

Phoenix is a separate, optional summer programme for First Step participants. It is not included in the First Step fee and requires separate registration and agreement, with additional fees disclosed in advance.