"It is only on stage that I can express certain things.
What I am looking for, what I am feeling, what it represents to me,
I believe there is nothing that can describe it." Pina Bausch

Guidance and career transition

“Artistic work is conceived as the model for work that is not alienating
and through which the subject reaches fruition in the fullness of his freedom
by expressing the forces that make up the essence of his humanity.” Pierre-Michel Menger

Professional dancers have neither a trainer, nor do they have a manager.
They alone are in charge of their careers.

“The professional regime is one where you work to earn your keep,
whereas the vocational regime is one where you earn money
in order to be able to freely exercise your need to create.” Nathalie Heinich

On average, a dancer’s performance career lasts 15 years.

Dance is a profession that requires demanding training and a vocation
that involves the whole being, which is driven by an intimate necessity.

Transition of professional dancers

A non-profit organisation founded in 1993, the RDP guides professional dancers in French-speaking Switzerland during their performance career and at the moment of their professional transition. The organisation has developed expertise regarding the dance profession on which is based its vision and commitment. From this perspective, it helps dancers to become aware of their skills and their potential. It gives them the tools and the means to reach their professional goals. It offers the following services:

study grants and subsistence grants as part of retraining studies
skills assessment allowing to determine a professional transition objective
coaching on how to set up a professional project
mentoring aimed at streamlining a vision and reflection regarding further career development
career management classes for the professional improvement of dancers

AGENDA

--- WORKSHOP CANCELLED --- RDP's first 2010 workshop will be "Preparing your transition". The objectives are to raise dancers' awareness to the stakes of transition, to provide them with advice and information in order to help them anticipate this moment.
More details here.

The next session for allocating transition Fernando et Rose Inverni-Desarzens grants will be held on September 28, 2010. Applications must be submitted before August 31st, 2010 to the organisation’s office. Next dates can be found here.

RDP's presidency changes! Susanne Jaillet, founder of the RDP, retired as President after being at the head of the association during 17 years. Olivier Mayor is now the new President, assisted by Caroline Olivier as Vice President.