"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.

OUR GOALS

The goal of the RDP is to help dancers succeed in their professional transition at the end of their performance career. It aims moreover to make them aware of how their sector of activity works and to provide them with tools to manage their career.

The RDP works towards improving social recognition as well as recognition by the authorities of the career of dancer and of its specificities. In collaboration with the authorities, the professional community, patrons and sponsors, the RDP locates funding for the dancer’s career transition.

On a national and an international level, the RDP collaborates with associations concerned with the dance profession. It is closely linked with the Schweizerische Stiftung für die Umschulung von Bühnenkünstlern (a Zurich-based foundation that supports the professional transition of dancers in the German- and Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland), Danse Suisse and the International Organization for the Transition of Professional Dancers (IOTPD).

Download the articles of the association (in French)

OUR VISION

Throughout their training and their professional career, dancers develop qualities such as to be demanding with themselves, determination, the capacity to surpass oneself and professional commitment. Their skills, talents and resources have to be put to good use in new professional prospects for the benefit of the dancer and for society as a whole

OUR ACTION

The TPD accompanies dancers in the steps to be taken. It helps them to become aware of their knowledge. It provides them with tools and means to achieve their goals.