W2-Professorship for Contemporary Dance (tenure-track)

About the Open Call

The Palucca University of Dance Dresden, a public art university in accordance with the Saxon Higher Education Act (Sächsisches Hochschulgesetz), is Germany’s only university exclusively for dance. Currently, about 200 students are enrolled in the Dance (B.A.), Dance Education (M.A.) and Choreography (M.A.) Programmes as well as in the Artistic Master Class and the Apprentice Programme. The university offers a comprehensive education: with its orientation classes and the Young Talents Programme the integrated secondary school provides dance training alongside with school and a pre-B.A. dance education. The modern infrastructure of the Palucca Campus includes the university’s library and archives as well as the Palucca boarding school and an in-house specialized Health Team offering physiotherapy treatments and nutrition counseling. Palucca University’s educational approach is a modern, value-oriented one focusing on mutual respect and on the principle of equal terms in communication and social interaction. Encouraging soft skills, increasing health awareness and provide health support are equally important as imparting practical and theoretical dance skills and knowledge. The university’s teaching methods aim to develop and expand the students’ individual potential and to prepare them in the best possible way for a sustainable artistic career. For the professorship for Contemporary Dance Palucca University is looking for an internationally renowned personality in the field of dance education with extensive professional experience in contemporary dance. Responsibilities: Teaching contemporary dance to different age groups across all degree programmes. Connecting one’s teaching to current artistic and educational discourses, incorporating research themes and aspects of artistic research. Networking of the study programmes through projects within and outside of the university. Developing and cultivating professional networks and partnerships in the field of contemporary dance. Participating in the academic self-administration tasks of the university. Participating in university examinations and student recruitment procedures. Participating in staff recruitment procedures. Mentoring emerging artists and researchers. Promoting the professional and didactic development of assigned staff members and colleagues. Contributing to the strategic development of the university, curriculum reforms, and quality assurance measures. Providing reports. Contributing to the creation of the annual teaching report. Participating in the development of digital learning formats.

What is Offered

Professional Development

Requirements

A university degree in the relevant field or proven pedagogical aptitude with exceptional professional achievements in contemporary dance (in accordance with SächsHSG §59 (6)). At least five years professional dance career in contemporary dance. At least five years of experience teaching contemporary dance, preferably including university level. An established international network in the field of contemporary dance. Ability to teach in English. Experience teaching dance with different age groups. Desired qualifications include a university degree in Dance Pedagogy and/or outstanding artistic achievements in coaching and staging, experience as choreographer, leadership experience in artistic processes, experience in organising study programs and/or in administration, strong social competencies (particularly integrity, teamwork, and a contemporary understanding of leadership), and good German language skills (written and spoken).

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a letter of motivation, a detailed CV with educational, professional, and pedagogical experiences, and relevant certificates. Two external recommendation letters (in German or English, not older than three years) from qualified experts are required. A teaching concept (approx. 6,000 characters) in German or English, addressing teaching competence in contemporary dance techniques, connection to the professional field, and the role of contemporary dance for the university and student development, must also be submitted. Applications are to be sent via the online application portal. All applications received by November 16, 2025 will be given full consideration. Travel and accommodation costs and/or any other costs related to the application will not be covered or reimbursed by the Palucca University of Dance Dresden.