“First Dance” supports graduates of Swiss dance training programs in their first step onto the stage. The foundations (partially) cover the salary costs for a full-time position for a graduate with an established independent company or institutional ensemble. The companies and ensembles apply to the Sophie and Karl Binding Foundation for funding. Institutions and dance artists cannot be applicants themselves.

The following conditions apply:

• The dancer must have completed training at a recognized Swiss training institution no more than two years prior to the First Dance engagement.

• The employment co-financed by the foundations may not be at the expense of an existing employment relationship.

• The dancer will be given the opportunity to perform on stage during the engagement.

• The dancer has not already received support from First Dance.

→ Further details and conditions, in German, French and Italian