The SNDO courses are directed towards the development of a student's potential and range of interest. Each student is required to complete the course requirements, which are based on the elements needed to develop professional performance work.

The emphasis of the courses is on the making of dance performances through a balanced programme of theoretical and physical classes. 

The 4 year course
The four year course is a programme for students with previous dance training, who have started developing their own work or have had some performance experience.

Technique studies draw on a balance of movement research and analysis of diverse contemporary dance methods and somatic approaches. The goal is to develop physical skills needed to independently research, direct and transform movement material in the compositional process.

Choreography is the study of the processes and constructions of movement materials and how they can communicate to contemporary cultures. Choreography classes depart from analyses of the human body and movement research, performance issues and the theatre, music, and stage technology.

Theory provides students with conceptual and practical understanding of the cultural, aesthetic, historical and social contexts of dance/performance making, and a further means of relating compositional strategies and methods to performance making.

The students are stimulated to make performance work that challenges existing perceptions emphasis on innovation and experimentation in the field of choreography.

The courses are divided into morning and afternoon schedules. The morning schedule consists of classes in technique, which includes yoga, conditioning, contemporary and classical technique, movement research. Alexander technique has an important role in the programme.

The afternoon schedule includes classes in choreography, theory and performance making. An important element of the SNDO programme is the development of performance work, including skills in production, video, lighting and sound. On Friday's there are 'Friday lectures' and lunch performances.

Student guidance and assessment
The SNDO places an emphasis on several different types of counselling for the students:

Study counselling, theater school counselling (dean) and performance advice. Each student has a mentor and has meetings to access study progress. Students receive in-depth advisory work for all required performance work.

For the assessment of the students, SNDO uses a series of evaluation talks, in groups or individually.

A graduation student of the 4-year course has successfully completed the four years of study and each year's program requirements; he has accumulated 240 credits.

When all requirements have been satisfactory fulfilled, the student receives a diploma Bachelor of Dance (BDa).

Students are accredited according to criteria set by teachers for each course component.

Ellen van Haeringen