Institute: Institute for Training Dance Artists
Qualification: Dance Artist
Level: first-cycle degree (Bsc/BA)
Language: Hungarian / English
Type of training: Hungarian: full-time/ English: evening training (dance classes with Hungarian full-time students, theory training in blocks)
Financing: Hungarian training: state-financed / English language training: fee-payer
Training period: 6 semesters
Credits to be obtained for the BA degree: 180 credits
Accredited specialization: folk dance, programme launched in every 3rd year!
Special feature: based upon studies in childhood

The aim of the training:

Training dancers who

  • able to evolve their abilities through which they can actively contribute to dance art;
  • are able to play an active role in international dance culture and they will be capable of representing the values of dance art and education on international forums in the possession of their artistic and intellectual background;
  • are able to interpret old and new pieces of dance art by individual procession;
  • play an active role in art institutions or in independent forms of artistic activities using their technical skills and theoretical knowledge;
  • based on their preparations, will possess competent and deep theoretical knowledge and practical skills to continue their studies in an MA training program.

Special requirements before graduation:

Professional practice: Professional practice is acquired through the own performances of the University and in cooperation with professional theatres’ and ensembles’ productions. Important cornerstones of the professional preparation are our “small concerts”, approx. 20 performances annually that help gain stage routine according to age.
Secondary school graduation: Matura, baccalaureat (exam allowing entrance to higher education) is to be passed before graduating in the BA program.
Language requirements: Language requirements: at least middle-level examination (B2) in one living language or equivalent certification in case of Hungarian language training. In case of English language training there is no such requirement.

General overview:

This specialization was first launched at the Dance Artist Department of the University in 2008 and was built on the traditions of the earlier folk dance and folk dance-theatrical dance specializations.
The primary aim of the training is the acquisition of the dances of different nations living in Hungary and of the significant dance traditions of other nations.
Folk dance studies are complemented with other forms of dance (e.g. classical ballet, modern dance and ballroom dance) and theory (ethnography, folk music, acting, history of arts, history of music, history of dance, movement biology, cultural management).
The training and education last for 5 years. Students attending this department begin their education at the age of 14. Preceding the BA studies, in Grade 1 and 2 students have the preparatory student status with HDA. Preparatory training ensures 3-5 dance classes daily and stage experience according to age and talent. Upon completing grade 2 in modern dance one can apply for BA studies. This way the end-term examination of the last preparatory semester will be the entrance exam to dance artist BA training. Those students who are not recommended for further studies at the University by the examining board, finish their professional training at the end of the 2nd grade.
At the mid-term of Grade 5 students take qualifying examination, and at end-term they have a public concert exam. The last year also includes theoretical work for the students; they have to write a degree thesis and defend it during the course of an exam.
Special features of the program for students who are enrolled in the secondary school of the university (with Hungarian language training):
Students who speak Hungarian language may also join the secondary school of the university for theoretical studies. The last two years of secondary education coincide with the first two years of their studies at the University, which means that the students become college students prior to passing their secondary school-leaving exam.