Launched in 2006, the Apprentice Programme offers young dancers the opportunity to gain practical experience with the Semperoper Ballett for an entire season while studying at the Palucca University of Dance Dresden.

Since the academic year 2018/19, the joint programme of Semperoper Ballett and Palucca University of Dance Dresden  has been implemented as the first certificate course nationwide.

The apprentices are integrated into the performances of the company and benefit from a complete training programme organized in conjunction with the Palucca University of Dance Dresden. Through a combination of professional experience and intensive training, the programme is designed to help the young dancers enter the professional dance world. Both in the company and at the university, the young dancers benefit from specially tailored courses, workshops related to the repertoire, as well as coaching, counseling and courses in other subjects such as contemporary dance, improvisation, pointe work, pas de deux and partnering. In addition, theory classes on the contents of the programme as well as the established tutoring positions both in the company and at Palucca University to provide the young dancers with a well-rounded education and to be able to provide them with intensive artistic supervision. They also participate in performances and activities at Palucca University and can be specially prepared for competitions or similar. In 2011, the Apprentice Programme was awarded the prize of the Semperoper Foundation – F?rderstiftung. The Apprentice Programme is a cooperation between the Semperoper Ballett and the Palucca University of Dance Dresden.

_{Photos: ? Costin Radu}