The Dean of the Dance Academy, assist. prof. dr. Svebor Sečak presented the first years of operations of the Dance Academy. He was joined by assist. prof. dr. Rosana Hribar, Chair of the modern dance department. Both also announced the end-of-the-year production of the Dance Academy that is planned for 20. 6. 2018, at 20.00 in the Dance theatre in Ljubljana.

The press conference participants were critical about the government and respective ministries that show no interest in co-financing the study programme. Students themselves have contacted the ministries several times, but without success. ”Macedonia is way ahead of us. They have a faculty of dance, co-financed by the government. They are also well connected with Russia. We literally dance behind, even though we as well host prominent dance teachers from Russia, Hungary, Croatia and the Netherlands. But all without financial help of the government. All this wouldn't be possible without the help of Alma Mater and prof. dr. Ludvik Toplak, who helps financing us through AMEU-ECM, because the Alma Mater's Dance Academy cannot survive on scholarships alone. If it weren't for Alma Mater ECM, Slovenia would not have a Bachelor programme in Dancing. It is really a shame for the country, not to be able to arrange financing, and that the students have to beg for co-financing themselves,” says the dean, dr. Svebor Sečak. He also mentioned the idea of creating a Master study programme or activation of other accredited programmes, such as popular dance, sports dance, Latino, jazz and the possibility of opening a section on ethnic dances.

Press conference participants also agreed that teachers who work with children should also have a bachelor’s degree in dance, especially because of safety issues.

Dance Academy Ljubljana that joined Alma Mater Europaea received reaccreditation for further 7 years in 2016, as well as extended accreditation for Ballet at Bachelor level. Accreditation was obtained for the locations Maribor and Ljubljana. Before accreditation, Slovenia was the only country in Europe without a higher education programme in dancing. Our dancers thus had to study at foreign universities. In cooperation with established cultural institutions from neighbouring countries, the Ballet study programme includes domestic and international professors and artists. Dance Academy students also have a chance for international exchange in order to get international experience. More at: www.almamater.si

Image gallery