Budapest Circus Arts and Contemporary Dance College (BCDC)

The Budapest Circus Arts and Contemporary Dance College (BCDC), officially named Budapest Cirkuszművészeti és Kortárstánc Főiskola in Hungarian, is an institution of higher artistic education located in Budapest, Hungary. Specializing in professional training in circus arts and contemporary dance, it offers university programs for future artists, performers, creators, and teachers of the performing arts.

The institution combines the traditions of Hungarian circus training with contemporary approaches to artistic creation. Its teaching is based on a combination of intensive practice , physical research , technical development , theoretical reflection , and stage experiences .

The BCDC is distinguished in particular by the diversity of its training programs, which cover aerial acrobatics, equestrian acrobatics, clowning, circus dance, contemporary dance and circus arts pedagogy.

An institution dedicated to higher artistic education

The history of the institution is part of a tradition spanning several decades dedicated to contemporary dance and the training of performing artists.

Initially focused on teaching contemporary dance, the college has gradually broadened its scope to include circus arts in its higher education offerings.

This development has notably enabled the creation of university courses specializing in different circus disciplines.

In September 2023 , the institution launched two three-year, full-time programs dedicated to clowning and equestrian acrobatics. These programs represented a significant step in the development of higher education in circus arts in Hungary.

In September 2024 , a new university course in aerial acrobatics was added to this offering.

The college's objective is to train artists capable of evolving in an international professional environment, combining technical mastery , creativity , autonomy and theoretical knowledge .

Advanced training in aerial acrobatics – Aerial Acrobat BA

Training in aerial acrobatics is one of the specialized courses offered by the BCDC.

This Bachelor of Arts level university program is designed for artists wishing to develop a professional practice in aerial disciplines.

The teaching is based on the physical and artistic requirements specific to aerial acrobatics. It aims to develop strength , coordination , flexibility , balance and body awareness .

Students delve deeper into the techniques necessary for performing acrobatic movements and work on their ability to integrate these skills into an artistic creation process.

The training also places great emphasis on interpretation , the search for movement , and the construction of a stage identity .

This specialization prepares future artists to work in different professional contexts, including contemporary circus companies, traditional circus shows, and multidisciplinary productions.

Equestrian Acrobat Training – Equestrian Acrobat BA

BCDC also offers a university course specializing in equestrian acrobatics.

This historical discipline of circus arts combines acrobatic techniques with working with horses, in a search for balance , precision and coordination .

The training aims to develop the skills necessary for the performance of circus acts integrating acrobatic movements and the specificities of equestrian work.

It is part of the tradition of circus arts while encouraging an artistic approach adapted to the demands of contemporary shows.

Students are prepared to develop their technical skills, stage presence, and ability to work in a specialized professional environment.

Clown Art Training – Clown BA

The art of clowning is another important specialty of the institution.

The Bachelor's degree program dedicated to clowning allows students to explore the different dimensions of comic performance, physical expression, and the relationship with the audience.

The training focuses on the development of artistic personality , creativity and performance techniques specific to clowning.

The work of a clown relies in particular on stage presence, rhythm, listening, improvisation and the ability to create a direct relationship with the spectators.

This specialization prepares students to design characters, develop their own artistic universe, and participate in circus, theatre, or live performance productions.

Circus Dance Training – Circus Dance BA

The BCDC offers a three-year full-time university course dedicated to circus dance.

This training program is situated at the intersection of choreographic techniques and circus arts.

Students develop their movement skills, coordination, body awareness, and ability to interpret stage compositions.

The program covers different dance styles and encourages the acquisition of a versatile technique, allowing future artists to adapt to varied productions.

The teaching includes movement work, body isolation, physical preparation and choreographic research.

The professional practice periods are organised in collaboration with the Great Circus of Budapest , also called Fővárosi Nagycirkusz , as well as with other partner circuses and theatres.

This proximity to the professional world allows students to discover the demands of the stage and to participate in concrete artistic experiences.

Contemporary Dance Training – BA

Contemporary dance represents one of the historical foundations of the institution.

The three-year university program prepares students to become professional dancers and performing artists.

The training program favours an open approach to dance, combining body techniques, improvisation, choreographic composition and artistic research.

Students are encouraged to develop their own body language and explore the different possibilities of expression offered by movement.

The teaching places essential importance on the creative process, collaboration between artists, and exposure to diverse choreographic approaches.

Regular practice and stage projects allow students to acquire the skills necessary for a career in contemporary dance and live performance.

Training future circus arts teachers

The Budapest Circus Arts and Contemporary Dance College is not limited to the training of performing artists.

The institution also offers a Master's degree dedicated to teaching circus arts, entitled Circus Arts Teacher MA .

This higher education program is aimed at people wishing to pass on their knowledge and develop specialized teaching skills in circus disciplines.

It is part of a process of professionalizing circus teaching, combining artistic expertise and reflection on learning methods.

The college also offers a Master's degree in contemporary dance teacher training.

These courses demonstrate the importance given to the transmission of know-how, the support of students and the development of teaching practices adapted to the performing arts.

A pedagogy based on creation and experimentation

BCDC's educational approach is based on the idea that the training of an artist is not limited to the acquisition of technical skills.

Students are encouraged to develop their autonomy , creativity , and ability to reflect on their own practice.

The teaching combines physical and technical fundamentals with a personal exploration of movement and artistic expression.

Research, improvisation, composition and collective work play an important role in this approach.

The college promotes exchanges between different artistic disciplines, allowing students to compare their working methods and enrich their experience.

This multidisciplinary approach prepares future professionals to work in diverse artistic contexts, where the boundaries between dance, theatre and circus are increasingly open.

Shows and artistic projects

Public presentations and creative projects are part of the artistic life of the institution.

Students participate in performances, choreographic works and collective projects allowing them to put into practice the skills acquired during their training.

These experiences offer the opportunity to develop stage presence, audience relations, and the ability to work within an artistic team.

The creations can be presented in various cultural venues and performance spaces, in collaboration with professional partners.

The completion of artistic projects also allows students to become familiar with the different stages of production of a show, from the initial research to its presentation in front of an audience.

An international and European opening

The Budapest Circus Arts and Contemporary Dance College is developing a significant international dimension.

The institution participates in the European Erasmus+ program, which allows students to undertake periods of training or internships abroad.

These mobility opportunities promote encounters with other teaching methods, the discovery of new artistic environments, and the creation of international professional links.

The college also hosts artists, teachers and speakers from different countries.

International exchanges constitute an important dimension of its pedagogy, allowing students to compare their practice with diverse artistic traditions and approaches.

The degrees offered are part of the European Higher Education Area , facilitating their recognition and the possible pursuit of studies abroad.

Preparatory programs and guidance activities

In addition to its university courses, the BCDC organizes various activities for prospective students and people interested in the performing arts.

These programs include orientation days , audition preparation training , and support mechanisms .

The institution also offers an online mentoring program, allowing candidates to benefit from guidance in their artistic preparation.

Meetings are being organized with dance schools and studios, in Hungary and abroad, to present the training programs offered and career opportunities in the performing arts.

These initiatives allow prospective candidates to better understand the requirements of higher artistic training and to prepare their professional project.

A selection based on skills and motivation

Admission to university programs is based on a selection process comprising several stages.

Candidates are assessed in particular on their physical and artistic abilities , their technical skills and their motivation .

The tests may include an aptitude test , an oral interview and a practical assessment .

The interview allows the academic staff to better understand the candidate's background, artistic interests, and professional goals.

Practical tests are used to assess the knowledge and skills already acquired in the chosen discipline.

This process aims to identify candidates with the necessary skills and commitment to undertake intensive artistic training.

An establishment at the crossroads of circus and dance

The Budapest Circus Arts and Contemporary Dance College occupies a special place in the European landscape of higher artistic education.

By bringing together circus arts, contemporary dance, acrobatic disciplines and pedagogical training, it offers a cross-disciplinary approach to the performing arts professions.

Its recent development in the field of circus arts demonstrates a desire to strengthen the academic recognition of these disciplines and to promote the professionalization of artists and teachers.

The institution is therefore an attractive destination for students wishing to pursue higher education in circus arts, deepen their artistic practice or prepare to pass on their knowledge.

Thanks to its degree programs, professional collaborations and international reach, BCDC contributes to the training of new generations of artists, creators and educators of contemporary circus.

Official website: https://bcdc.hu/en/