Back to all apprenticeships

Design & Media · EFZ

Stage Dancer EFZ

Perform classical and contemporary dance on stage.

About this profession

Perform classical and contemporary dance on stage. Over 3 years you learn this profession in a host company, at the vocational school and in inter-company courses. At the end you receive a nationally recognised Federal VET Diploma (EFZ).

Day-to-day responsibilities

  • ›Rehearse classical and contemporary choreographies
  • ›Perform on stage effectively
  • ›Continuously improve posture and technique
  • ›Participate in all rehearsals and shows

Skills you'll need

Dance techniqueBody controlMusicalityExpressivenessDisciplineTeamwork

A typical week as an apprentice

Host company

3 days/week — you learn the trade hands-on alongside experienced professionals.

Vocational school

1–2 days/week — general education plus job-specific theory.

Inter-company courses (üK)

Several blocks per year — practise core techniques together with other apprentices.

Where you'll work

Design studios, agencies, in-house creative teams or as a freelancer.

Entry requirements

  • Completed compulsory school (Sek A or B, depending on profession). Strong school report in relevant subjects helps.
  • A 'Schnupperlehre' (1–5 day taster) is the best way to find out if the profession suits you.

What you earn at the end

Federal VET Diploma (EFZ) — a nationally recognised qualification that opens doors to higher VET (HF), the vocational baccalaureate (BM) and universities of applied sciences.

Apprentice wage

Typical monthly gross wage (CHF). Actual wages vary by sector and region.

Year 1

CHF 700 – 900/ Mt.

Year 2

CHF 900 – 1’200/ Mt.

Year 3

CHF 1’200 – 1’600/ Mt.

Future-readiness

Score 3/5
SolidSolid
Demand trend3/5
Adaptability3/5
Automation risk2/5

Our take

Demand for stage dancers is stable, but requires continuous development and adaptability to new styles in a competitive, physically demanding profession.

Early contract endings in this field

Across Design & Media apprenticeships, roughly 18–26% of contracts are ended early, compared with about 23% nationally. Most of those apprentices continue their training elsewhere.

Further education & career

  • Specialization in specific dance styles
  • Advanced Federal PET Diploma in Dance Education
  • Vocational Baccalaureate and University of Applied Sciences
  • Joining professional dance companies

Learn more

Official sources and further information about this profession.