In 2025, Palucca University of Dance Dresden marks a remarkable milestone – 100 years of shaping the future of dance. Since its founding in 1925 by modern dance pioneer Gret Palucca, the university has established itself as a global leader in dance education and artistic innovation. As we celebrate this centenary, we look back at the legacy of Palucca’s vision, which continues to influence the institution’s approach to teaching, creativity, and the evolution of contemporary dance.
In this special Q&A with Palucca University, Renata Ogayar from Dance Informa explores how the university has maintained its commitment to artistic excellence while looking ahead to the next 100 years. The conversation offers insights into how Palucca’s trailblazing ideas remain at the heart of the university’s mission, inspiring the next generation of dancers and choreographers.
Join us as we delve into the past, present, and future of Palucca University of Dance Dresden, a beacon of dance innovation and artistic expression.
Palucca University has evolved significantly over the last century. What do you think has been the most important factor in maintaining the school’s global reputation and innovative spirit throughout the years?
“The Palucca University of Dance Dresden has always been known for its unique profile in dance education. Next to ballet and contemporary dance, improvisation is another key subject we focus on. At Palucca we consider improvisation as part of the creative process of the individual to play a vital role in developing a strong artistic voice. In our Master Programmes Dance Teacher and Choreography, importance is placed on refining one’s own skills and craft while preserving one’s own identity. Thus, Palucca University contributes to paths of innovation in dance.”
Gret Palucca’s pioneering vision in modern dance continues to influence the university today. How do you see her legacy shaping the current and future generation of dancers at the institution?
“For our recent event Palucca bewegt – one of several events celebrating Palucca University’s 100th anniversary – we opened up our Campus for everybody and invited the public to improvise with us. It was interesting to see the different methods of improvisation people were offering. Therefore, reaching out to the community is also a means of sharing one’s heritage.
At the same time, it was important to provide a space for all generations of Palucca alumni and students to reflect together on how improvisation has evolved over the years and how it became an important factor of their own creative process and a tool for understanding their own body.
To master instant composition within improvisation, to connect with senses and the mind, to communicate with music and space, these abilities make our students strong partners for today’s much more diverse choreographic practices and styles.
Palucca was the first to say, ‘Don’t copy me,’ so it’s about finding your own voice and refining your improvisation skills within the vast range of movement vocabulary.”
The anniversary year kicks off with a number of exciting events, like Palucca bewegt and the guest performance at Theater Görlitz. Which upcoming event are you most excited about, and why do you think it will resonate with the community?
“We are very grateful for the chance to work with many partners, such as the Semperoper Ballet, the Bauhaus Foundation and HELLERAU – European Centre for the Arts. It is important for us to be part of the ongoing dialogue within a wide range of dance creations and artistic visions. This year, in addition to galas, coop-projects and our yearly Soirée performance – June 2025 in Dresden and Leipzig – we are going to explore the public space of Dresden. On 30th of August, we are looking forward to presenting a performance of our annual Palucca Dance Festival on Hiddensee. Palucca students will perform and improvise outside in the garden of the Archiv der Avantgarden – Egidio Marzona (ADA) near the Elbe river. As it is our wish to connect with the people and share the passion and beauty of dance, the more important it is to create new spaces and to move towards the community.”
As we look back on the rich history of Palucca, what are some standout moments or performances that have defined the university’s impact on the world of dance?
“Hard to name because so much has happened within the last 100 years. I think our alumni themselves are the true representatives of Palucca. They are part of the history of dance, they are present in books, they continue writing Palucca history and shaping the legacy.”
How has the curriculum at Palucca evolved over the years to reflect the changing landscape of dance, and how do you balance honouring tradition while embracing innovation?
“Dance is living, fueled by passionate and curious artists. So, it is only natural that we are integrating more methods of present contemporary dance, current choreographic practices and improvisational approaches into our curricula.
With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, all doors were opened and that historic event brought the world to Palucca. Today, with about 30 different nationalities present on Campus, Palucca University is a true reflection of cultural diversity and that is not only within the student body, but also in regard to the teaching staff. It was and is a great opportunity for Palucca to welcome international teachers as members of the faculty and thus expand and enrich our expertise.
Particularly in classical ballet, we no longer focus on only one method, as the University did in GDR times. At present, our ballet teaching faculty with their international background and expertise are enriching our classical training, remaining vibrant and versatile, offering excellence through their vast knowledge and experience. This is our strength.”
One of the events this year is the collaboration with the Semperoper Ballet for its 200th anniversary. What does this partnership mean for Palucca, and how does it strengthen the bond between education and professional performance?
“The Semperoper Ballet has always been an important partner for our students, enabling them to practice their artistic skills and to gain extensive stage experience at an early age, e.g. being involved in the annual performances of The Nutcracker and Hansel and Gretel. In addition, our joint Apprentice Programme is a notable format for taking the first steps towards a professional career, and it strengthens the relationship between Palucca University as an institution of higher education and the Semperoper Ballet as a professional company.
Starting this season, the new Artistic Director of the Semperoper Ballet, Kinsun Chan, has been offering even more stage opportunities for our students of the BA Dance Programme – from classical ballet to contemporary creations. This allows us to increasingly integrate pre-professional experiences into our curricula.”
Looking forward, what do you hope the next 100 years will bring for Palucca University, and what are some of the challenges and opportunities you anticipate in the world of dance education?
“We are all part of today’s society, and we are part of the developments which are taking place around us. As active world citizens, everyone, all of us are called upon. So, with our specific knowledge and our skills, how can we turn into partners? How can we play an even more active role in human communication? As long as we have questions, as long as we strive for a better understanding, we will create something that has an influence on the art and culture of dance reflecting our education. Surely, we also might want to think about technology, although right now I cannot imagine what reality will be like in 100 years. Our bodies, where will they be? What kind of relationship will we have with our bodies? Where will dance happen? Maybe it will be dance that will save us from the disappearance of our body knowledge.”
As we celebrate this milestone and the university’s century of excellence, what message would you like to convey to current and future students, as well as the global dance community?
“Dance, dance, and keep on dancing! Believe in the future and be courageous, shape your future and the future of others, stay curious, and be open to new ideas.”
For more information on the Palucca University of Dance Dresden, visit palucca.eu/en.
By Renata Ogayar of Dance Informa.
