Course content.
The holistic approach of this minor prepares you for a long-term career as a dancer. “Health, Excellence and Career Development” offers you a mixture of theoretical and practical tuition on the topics of performance and profession. Examples of HEC subject matter include an introduction to the importance of physical and mental health for dancers, functional anatomy and physiology, strategies for injury prevention and management as well as strengthening and conditioning of mind and body. This module also covers techniques for body awareness, nutritional science, performance psychology, and teaches students how to improve their overall awareness. Moreover, students learn practical skills such as sleep and time management. Finally, this minor integrates personal career planning, content and structure of a curriculum vitae, financial independence as well as the related lifestyle of future dancers.

The minor, offered by the Dance discipline, is taught in English and aimed at Bachelor’s students. It is compulsory for students undertaking the Bachelor Contemporary Dance degree programme, and offered once a year.

Skills acquired in the course.
–  Acquire a variety of strategies for injury prevention and basic knowledge of applied anatomy and biomechanics
–  Develop awareness and self-responsibility in relation to your body and mind, learn a variety of coping strategies and how to improve your communication skills
–  Explore and develop in-depth knowledge of nutrition in the high performance area
–  Learn and apply practical training methods such as conditioning and strength training principles
–  Learn about professional perspectives and plan your own career for a successful transition into the working world

Admissions requirements.
This minor is compulsory for all students undertaking the Bachelor Contemporary Dance and an integral part of the Bachelor Dance curriculum.

Language skills required.
You need the following languages to take this minor:
–  English: to be able to follow a discussion
–  English: to actively participate in a verbal exchange
–  English: to understand a text
–  English: to write a text

Benefits of studying at ZHdK.
–  Balanced and comprehensive minor tailored to the needs of future dancers
–  Group tuition, individual tuition and mentoring from lecturers to help students fulfil their potential
–  Benefit from innovative education in the context of contemporary dance

→ More information about this minor (PDF download)

Minor Coordination

At ZHdK, students choose a Major. In addition to this core subject, they can choose one or two Minors to deepen or expand their major skills and knowledge across various disciplines. This wide choice of courses is unique in Europe and enables students to develop and sharpen their individual profile.