Summer Intensive Masterclasses 2026

Classical & contemporary training for ages 9+. Focus on technique, artistry, stage presence. Final stage presentations included. Menus available, medical support, individual advisory. Releasing 2027: official ADC making-of / video documentary for participants included.

The teachers

Maria Gerasimou, international soloist and choreographer, brings her expertise in contemporary ballet to this intensive workshop. Train musicality, dynamics, and expression through high-level technique and creative exploration. Suitable for advanced dancers seeking artistic growth.

Minea Kropf, professional dancer and founder of IntelliDance (HU), blends contemporary, show dance, and Art Jazz. With a Master’s in dance pedagogy, she teaches coordination, musicality, and expression – supporting ballet dancers in expanding versatility and stage presence.

Melinda Szitt, Associate Professor at the Hungarian University of Dance, offers expert training in classical ballet, pointe, and methodology. Her workshop focuses on biomechanics, alignment, and refined technique.

Doreen Windolf, former Staatsballett Berlin dancer and Head of Classical Ballet at Staatliche Ballettschule Berlin, offers precise, high-level training focused on clean technique, alignment, strength, and injury prevention.

Thoriso Magongwa, Ballet Master at National Theatre Brno and former Principal, offers elite coaching in classical repertoire, musicality, and stage presence for advanced dancers aiming at an international career.

Michael Kropf, former Ballet Director and President of the Austrian Dance Council, brings extensive expertise in classical ballet and stage practice. His workshop focuses on technique, musicality, and professional standards.

Schedule

Group C: ages 9–12 · Group B: ages 13–16 · Group A: ages 17 and above

Morning classes

The morning schedule is identical each day from Monday, July 13 through Sunday, July 19.

Lunch break (12:15–13:15)

Each day two menus will be offered, one of which is vegetarian. Participants are asked to select their preferred menu in advance; meals must be paid in advance. Price: € 11 per meal.

Afternoon schedule

The afternoon program on July 13, 14, 17, 18 and 19 follows the same structure each day.

Key components

The Austrian Dance Council organizes an international Summer Masterclass for children, teenagers and young dancers in classical ballet from 13 to 21 July 2026. The program combines high-level training with public performance and international media visibility.

1. Dance Festival in St. Pölten – 16 July 2026

The participating children and young dancers present selected works developed during the workshop. The event highlights St. Pölten as a vibrant cultural and dance-oriented city and brings ballet to a broader audience.

2. Professional Dance Film Project – filming 20 & 21 July 2026

At the conclusion of the Masterclass, the Austrian Dance Council produces a professionally realized dance film. All participating students who wish to take part – approximately 40 to 60 children and teenagers – are included and visibly featured. The project is deliberately inclusive: every participant has the opportunity to be seen.

Purpose and use of the film

• as an international New Year’s greeting through ballet,
• as a strong artistic statement for dance, youth, and cultural education,
• as a promotional and image film for ballet and dance,
• and, optionally, as a presentation film for the City of St. Pölten and the Province of Lower Austria.

Selected international artists and supporters of the Austrian Dance Council will deliver short New Year’s greetings in their native languages – each reaching approximately 20,000–30,000 followers, creating substantial global visibility.

International reach

The film will be distributed via the Austrian Dance Council’s official channels, the social media platforms of the participating international artists, and the personal networks of the children and teenagers involved.