Requirements

In addition to bringing a strong sense of professional responsibility to Bluebox, candidates should be technically proficient, curious, collaborative, and committed to pursuing excellence in dance in all its forms.

Participants must be at least 18 years old by the start of the programme. Due to the professional level at which Bluebox operates, applicants are expected to have previous movement training, professional experience, or completed dance education.

Programme Structure

Bluebox follows an 8-month residency structure based in Vienna, bringing together a small group of dancers from around the world. Throughout the season, participants engage in a shared artistic process shaped by weekly encounters with outstanding guest artists, choreographers, and companies.

Rather than following a fixed curriculum or promoting a single artistic aesthetic, the programme evolves through direct artistic transmission, repertoire, creation, performance opportunities, and continuous physical practice. Each guest artist contributes their own methodologies, creative perspectives, and working processes, offering participants insight into the diverse realities of today’s contemporary dance landscape.

Designed as a professional artistic environment, Bluebox encourages dancers to take an active role in their development while building meaningful connections with an international community of artists.

Language

All classes, workshops, rehearsals, and creative processes are conducted in English.

As Bluebox welcomes artists from around the world, English serves as the common working language both inside and outside the studio. We do not require a specific language certificate or exam.

Payment & Admission

Following the audition process, selected applicants will be contacted regarding the next steps of the admissions process. A place is officially secured once the contract has been signed and the registration fee has been paid.

Registration Fee: €1,350 (incl. VAT)

Tuition Fee: €5,450 (incl. VAT)

Certificates

At the end of the season, participants receive an official Certificate of Participation documenting their engagement with the programme.

The certificate includes the names of guest artists, teachers, choreographers, and workshops completed throughout the season.

Scholarships & Funding

As Bluebox currently receives no regular public funding, we are unable to offer an internal scholarship programme. However, many participants have successfully joined Bluebox through Erasmus+, national mobility grants, cultural institutions, private foundations, and regional funding schemes. For accepted participants, we are happy to provide supporting documents, confirmation letters, invitation letters, and other materials required for funding applications whenever possible.

Why Vienna?

Bluebox is based in Vienna, Austria — a city consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities and one of Europe’s most important cultural capitals. Located in the heart of Europe, Vienna serves as an ideal base for artists wishing to travel, network, and engage with the wider European dance landscape.
Beyond its historic legacy, Vienna is home to a vibrant contemporary performing arts scene, internationally recognised festivals, theatres, opera houses, museums, and independent cultural institutions. The city offers regular access to performances, exhibitions, auditions, workshops, and artistic encounters throughout the year.
For dancers specifically, Vienna provides access to a diverse professional landscape that includes institutions such as ImPulsTanz, Tanzquartier Wien, brut Wien, WUK, Wiener Staatsoper, as well as a wide network of independent artists, choreographers, festivals, and project-based initiatives. Throughout the season, participants have the opportunity to experience not only Bluebox but also the wider artistic ecosystem of the city.

Accommodation

Bluebox collaborates with The Social Hub, conveniently located near the studio, offering participants a comfortable and well-connected living environment throughout their stay.

Participants benefit from discounted rates on fully furnished rooms with private bathrooms, alongside access to shared working spaces, gym facilities, laundry services, bike sharing, and 24-hour security.

Alternative accommodation options such as shared flats, student residences, and private rentals are widely available throughout Vienna.

Transportation

Vienna’s public transport network is considered one of the most efficient in Europe. The city is easily navigated through underground lines, trams, buses, and trains, making daily travel simple and affordable.

All regular Bluebox activities take place within Vienna and are easily accessible by public transport. 

Safety & Healthcare

Austria consistently ranks among the safest countries in the world and is known for its stable legal framework, reliable public infrastructure, and exceptional quality of life.

Moving to a new country, and often a new continent, is a significant step. Austria offers a highly developed healthcare system with accessible emergency services, modern medical facilities, and comprehensive medical care throughout the country. As a member of the European Union with strong international diplomatic relations, Austria also provides international participants with access to extensive legal, healthcare, and consular support networks.

Vienna hosts a wide range of embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions, allowing participants to access support from their country’s representation should the need arise during their stay.

Community

Each season brings together dancers from a wide range of cultural, educational, and professional backgrounds. Beyond the studio, participants become part of an international community of artists living, creating, and navigating a season together in Vienna.

While Bluebox is an intensive programme, many participants describe the relationships, collaborations, and professional connections built throughout the season as one of its most valuable aspects.

Visa Information

If you are applying from outside the European Union or Schengen Area, we strongly recommend researching your visa options as early as possible. Visa regulations differ depending on nationality, and participants should always consult their local Austrian embassy or consulate before applying.

Can Bluebox Help With My Visa Application?

Yes.

Once accepted, participants can receive invitation letters, acceptance confirmations, accommodation confirmations, and other supporting documents required for visa applications.

While obtaining a visa remains the responsibility of the participant, Bluebox has welcomed dancers from a wide range of countries and is happy to share practical information based on previous experiences whenever possible.

International Funding Opportunities

Over the years, many participants have joined Bluebox through Erasmus+, national mobility grants, cultural institutions, private foundations, and regional funding programmes.

For accepted participants, we are happy to provide supporting documents, invitation letters, and other materials that may support funding applications.

6-Month Bluebox

For selected applicants, Bluebox also offers a 6-month version of the programme.

This option has been developed for artists who face visa restrictions, professional obligations, financial limitations, or personal circumstances that make a full season difficult. If you believe this option may be suitable for you, please contact us directly.