Created: 2026.05.26. 09:13
Eleven students from the Győr Dance and Visual Arts Primary School, Vocational Secondary School and Dormitory, maintained by Széchenyi István University, participated in a study trip to Prague supported by the Pannónia Scholarship Programme. As part of this, the students were recently able to participate in the activities of the Prague Dance Conservatory.
Gaining international experience and building professional connections have long been important parts of the activities of the Győr Dance and Visual Arts Primary School, Vocational Secondary School and Dormitory, maintained by Széchenyi István University. For many years, the institution has been a key player in Hungarian arts education: the results of its dance education are regularly showcased at prestigious competitions and performances, while its pedagogical work has this year been recognised for the fourth time with the title of base institution by the Educational Authority.
The relationship between the school and the Prague Dance Conservatory goes back several years. The cooperation is based on a shared approach to classical ballet education, as well as a commitment to supporting the artistic and personal development of students. Thanks to the openness of the Czech institution, the students from Győr were able to gain first-hand experience of the everyday life of professional dance training in an international environment over the course of a week.
Eleven students from Győr Dance and Visual Arts Primary School, Vocational Secondary School and Dormitory, maintained by Széchenyi István University, in front of the Prague Dance Conservatory
The study trip featured an exceptionally diverse timetable – including classical ballet, pointe, jazz, contemporary dance and repertoire classes – and participants also had the opportunity to meet several different ballet masters. The hosts made a conscious effort to ensure that Hungarian and Prague students worked together in some classes, allowing them to gain social and linguistic experience as well.
“For young people preparing for a career in dance, it is particularly important to encounter different professional and artistic approaches already during their studies, as well as various educational and communication settings,” said Zsuzsanna Kara, professional artistic director of the Győr school. She added that the Prague ballet teachers – Eva Hotová and Gabriella Salga-Gerencsér – primarily followed the sessions in an observational role, giving space for independence and responsibility.
During the study trip, the students worked according to an extremely varied timetable.
The programme was also enriched by cultural experiences, during which participants became acquainted with Prague’s historical and artistic heritage. “The students returned home with fresh inspiration, motivation and a strengthened sense of vocation, while the accompanying teachers also gained valuable insight into the operation and pedagogical approach of a foreign institution. Our partnership may continue to play an important role in strengthening international relations and supporting the further development of dance education in the future,” emphasised Zsuzsanna Kara.
