At Alma Mater Europaea University, we are following with concern the processes of developing the Development Strategy for Contemporary Dance 2024–2028 and establishing a new public institution in the field of dance, in which the academic profession has not been adequately involved.
As highlighted in a recently published article on the Preiskovalno.si portal, Alma Mater Europaea – Dance Academy , the only accredited higher-education institution in Slovenia that delivers comprehensive study programmes in the field of dance art at the Bologna level, was excluded from professional discussions and from the preparation of strategic documents that significantly affect the future development of the dance sector in Slovenia.
The Dean of the Alma Mater Europaea – Dance Academy, Prof. Dr. Svebor Sečak, warns that such an approach does not reflect the principles of professionalism and cooperation that should be the foundation of cultural and educational policy. For many years, the Academy of Dance has been systematically developing higher education in contemporary dance, ballet, jazz and urban dance techniques, as well as a master’s programme in dance arts that combines artistic practice, pedagogical work and research activity.
At Alma Mater University, we believe that sustainable development of dance art is not possible without close cooperation with academic institutions that provide a professional foundation, pedagogical continuity and internationally comparable education standards. Excluding higher-education expertise from strategic processes poses a risk of fragmented and short-term development of the field, without a clearly defined educational progression.
Alma Mater Europaea University therefore emphasises the importance of open dialogue, inclusion of the professional public, and respect for existing educational institutions in shaping cultural policies. Only through the cooperation of all key stakeholders is it possible to ensure a high-quality, professionally grounded and long-term sustainable development of dance art in Slovenia.
