Swiss dance camps for kids (ages ~3–18)

Swiss dance camps run as day, residential or intensive formats. Most last one to two weeks. Daily schedules usually split time roughly 50% on technique, 30% on choreography and 20% on cross‑training. Prices commonly fall between CHF 300–1,200 per week for day camps and CHF 600–2,000 per week for residential options. We recommend parents compare instructor qualifications, staff-to-child ratios, studio features and on-site medical and safety policies. Also check booking terms: deposits commonly range 20–50% and full payment is usually due four to eight weeks before camp.

Key Takeaways

Formats & costs

Options: Day, residential and weekend/intensive formats.
Typical pricing: Day camps CHF 300–1,200/week; residential CHF 600–2,000/week.
Duration: Commonly one to two weeks.

Curriculum & outcomes

Daily split: Roughly 50% technique, 30% choreography, 20% cross‑training.
Styles covered: Ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip‑hop and other styles.
Progress tracking: Programs often include measurable skill milestones or end‑of‑camp showcases.

Safety & staffing

Ratios: Check staff-to-child ratios appropriate for the child’s age.
Certifications: Confirm staff hold first-aid and CPR training and that background checks are performed.
Policies: Ask for written medication, emergency and incident procedures; verify on-site medical access.

Venues & logistics

Studio features: Compare urban studios with sprung floors and mirrors to alpine or resort sites with accommodation.
Travel & altitude: Factor in altitude at mountain venues and confirm travel times from the nearest train station.
Extras: Look for shuttle services, on-site meals and supervised evening activities for residential camps.

Booking essentials

Deposits & payment: Plan for a 20–50% deposit; full payment usually due four to eight weeks before camp.
Discounts: Early‑bird and sibling discounts often apply.
Refunds & cancellations: Refund policies commonly use a sliding scale — full refund about four weeks out, reduced refunds two to four weeks out, and none within two weeks. Always request written policies.
Transparency: Request instructor CVs, sample daily schedules and written safety and behaviour policies before booking.

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Quick snapshot: what parents need to know first

We at the Young Explorers Club cut straight to the facts so you can compare options fast. Start by checking a curated list of summer options if you want a broader view: summer dance camp.

Quick comparison (scan)

Day camp (non-residential): Typical hours 9:00–16:00. Lower cost and no overnight supervision. Price: CHF 300–1200 per week (day) (typical/average — verify with camp). Deposit: 20–50% (typical/average — verify with camp). Full payment due: 4–8 weeks before camp (typical/average — verify with camp).
Residential / sleepover camp: Typical length 7 days with evening activities. Higher cost but includes full supervision, meals and accommodation. Price: CHF 600–2000 per week (residential) (typical/average — verify with camp). Deposit: 20–50% (typical/average — verify with camp). Full payment due: 4–8 weeks before camp (typical/average — verify with camp).
Weekend intensives / holiday workshops: Single weekend or multi-day intensives. Elite intensives often run in small groups. Single-day workshop price: CHF 150–400 (typical/average — verify with camp).
Ages & brackets: Ages 3–18 common. Typical brackets: ages 3–5; ages 6–9; ages 10–13; ages 14–18.
Typical durations & group sizes: Many summer programs run 1–2 weeks (common: 1 week or 2 consecutive weeks). Single-day workshops also offered. Group size: typically 10–60; elite intensives sometimes 8–15 (typical/average — verify with camp).
One-line benefits summary: Technical training, choreography, performance experience, dance fitness, creativity and cross-training.
Key quick facts to verify with each camp:
- “Ages 3–18”
- “1–2 weeks”
- “day camp”
- “residential dance camp”
- “group size 10–60”
- “summer dance camp Switzerland”
- “CHF 300–1200 per week (day)” (typical/average — verify with camp)
- “CHF 600–2000 per week (residential)” (typical/average — verify with camp)
- “deposit 20–50%” (typical/average — verify with camp)

I recommend parents confirm supervision ratios, medical staff on site, snack/meal policies, language of instruction and performance opportunities before booking. We handle many enquiries about refunds and insurance, so check cancellation terms and whether full payment is due 4–8 weeks before camp (typical/average — verify with camp).

Programs, styles & sample curricula (what kids actually learn)

We, at the Young Explorers Club, run dance programs that span classical to street styles and give kids clear skill milestones. Our schedules allocate roughly 50% technique, 30% choreography and 20% cross‑training so progress is measurable and balanced.

Classes commonly cover these styles: ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip‑hop/urban, breakdance, tap, musical theatre, acro, street dance, modern and dance‑theatre. Our instructors break technical work into alignment, placement and musicality drills, then move into repertoire and performance practice. Camps usually run 2–4 classes per day, 45–90 minutes each; intensives extend to full days with rehearsals and seminars.

We emphasize cross‑training that supports performance and injury resilience. Our regular support sessions include the following:

Pilates – core control and alignment work
Targeted conditioning – sport-specific strength exercises
Injury prevention workshops – safe practice and load management
Flexibility and strength work
Musicality coaching
Improvisation and composition labs

We push for measurable gains in turnout, core control and stamina while keeping sessions age‑appropriate and fun.

Camps fall into two clear program types:

Dance‑specialist programs — dig deep into one discipline and focus on technique, repertoire and exam‑style work.
Multi‑style festivals — give breadth and creative cross‑pollination, letting kids sample new vocabularies and fuse styles.

We recommend ballet for younger starters; hip‑hop and urban tend to attract dancers aged 8 and up.

Explore camp options and practical picks by checking our roundup of the best summer camps.

Sample weekly curricula & typical class details

Recreational day camp (ages 6–9): warm‑up/conditioning, 2 technique classes (45 min), choreography session, improvisation game, sharing session on Day 5.
Pre‑professional residential intensive (ages 14–18): 6–8 hours/day including technique classes, rehearsals, strength/conditioning, injury prevention seminars; measurable outcome: By Day 5: perform a 3‑minute group piece; demonstrate improved turnout and core control.
Typical class details for a featured camp:
- Styles offered
- Number of classes/day (e.g., 3–6)
- Class length (45–90 min)
- Percentage timetable breakdown (e.g., 50% technique / 30% choreography / 20% cross‑training)
Typical daily load and structure to use when profiling camps: camps commonly run 2–4 classes per day, 45–90 minutes each. Example daily split: 50% technique, 30% choreography, 20% cross‑training.
Practical advice for parents and older dancers: pick specialist tracks for focused exams or auditions; choose multi‑style weeks to build versatility and performance confidence.

Age, levels, placement and daily rhythm (who it suits and how a day looks)

Age brackets and placement

We, at the Young Explorers Club, group kids to match physical and cognitive stages. Ages 3–5 focus on creative movement and play-based coordination. Ages 6–9 build fundamentals and fun choreography that boosts confidence. Ages 10–13 combine technique with combinations and short solos. Ages 14–18 work on repertoire, intensive technique and audition prep.

Placement runs from beginner to pre‑professional. We use on‑site assessments, placement auditions or video submissions, and teacher recommendations. Typical placement criteria include years of training, current class level, technical vocabulary and the ability to learn an audition phrase quickly. Outcomes by level are straightforward: beginners get basic alignment and simple combos; intermediate students refine technique and short solos; advanced dancers rehearse full show repertoire and audition material. We recommend parents check program descriptions and compare options among the best summer camps to pick the right fit.

Daily rhythm, pedagogy and sample itineraries

Daily hours vary with age and intensity. Half-day programs run 3–4 hours. Full-day camps run 6–8 hours. Intensives may reach 8 hours. Weekly schedules typically mix technique, choreography, freestyle/improv, cross‑training and rehearsal. Most camps finish with a public or in‑camp performance.

Below are sample daily itineraries you can expect:

Day camp (half/full day): 09:00–09:30 warm‑up; 09:30–10:15 technique class; 10:30–11:15 technique or combo; 11:30–12:15 cross‑training/games; 13:30–15:00 choreography/rehearsal; 15:00–15:30 cool‑down and feedback. Total 3–6 hours depending on program.
Residential (typical): 08:30 breakfast; 09:30–12:30 technique and combination classes; 13:30–15:30 choreography and rehearsal; 16:00–17:00 conditioning and stretch; 19:00 evening creative activities or mini‑performance. Total 6–8 hours dance plus evening program.
Intensive (pre‑professional): 09:00–17:00 with breaks; multiple technique classes, rehearsals, conditioning and seminars. Total 6–8 hours per day.

I emphasize age-appropriate pacing. Younger children should have shorter, lower‑intensity blocks and no more than two consecutive high‑intensity classes. We build in supervised breaks for rest and hydration. Conditioning and cross‑training reduce injury risk and improve stamina. Teachers focus on clear technical cues, repetitive skill-building and creative outlets so dancers stay engaged.

Practical notes for parents: pack a water bottle, sun protection for outdoor breaks and dance shoes for each style offered. If you want a camp with performance goals and daily progression, ask about placement audition formats and expected weekly outcomes before you book.

Summer camp Switzerland, International summer camp 3

Locations, venues, accommodation & travel logistics

The Young Explorers Club maps ideal dance camp locations across Switzerland so families can compare options quickly. Our focus covers venue specs, accommodation formats and realistic travel plans.

Regions and towns to consider include Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Bern, Basel, Lucerne and Ticino (Lugano). Mountain and resort options offer a different vibe: Engelberg (approx. 1,000 m), Gstaad (approx. 1,050 m), Verbier area (approx. 1,500 m) and Lugano (approx. 273 m). Altitude figures are typical averages — verify with the camp.

Venue types you’ll commonly find

Urban centres tend to host:

Dedicated dance studios with sprung floors and mirrored walls
School gyms with multipurpose flooring
Cultural centres and theatres for performance work

Alpine and resort venues often include:

Hotels and mountain resorts offering residential packages
Chalets and youth hostels used for dorm-style stays
Outdoor spaces for cross-training and multi-activity programs

Studio specs we check for every profile

We always confirm whether studios have sprung floors and full-length mirrors. We list studio size in m² and the number of available studios, because class capacity and warm-up space matter for safety and progression.

Accommodation and meals (residential)

We describe accommodation types clearly:

Shared dorms typically house 4–8 children per room
Hotel-style rooms are offered for premium options
Chalets provide a classic mountain residential experience

Catering follows a straightforward model: three meals per day plus scheduled snacks. We note dietary accommodations: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and allergy-aware menus are available when requested. Overnight supervision comes from dorm parents or counsellors on duty.

Transport and access

Swiss camps emphasise SBB access. We expect each camp profile to list the nearest train station and either walking time or shuttle transfer time. Urban sites usually mean short public-transport trips and easy day drop-offs. Alpine and resort camps give a scenic residential experience and multi-activity options, but transfers take longer and often require a shuttle.

What we recommend including in every camp profile

I include practical travel details and quick-read venue specs so parents can plan logistics and budget travel time. For summer camp comparisons, we link to a broader guide to summer camps in Switzerland to help families who want more options: summer camps in Switzerland.

Venue checklist for profiles (introducing the bullet points)

Town / canton and brief neighbourhood note
Nearest train station and travel time (walking/shuttle)
Altitude (m) for mountain sites — verify with camp
Studio specifications: studio size (m²), sprung floor yes/no, mirrors
Number of studios and maximum class capacity
Accommodation type: shared dorm / hotel / chalet and rooming details (4–8 per room)
Catering: 3 meals/day, snack policy, and dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, allergy-aware)
Supervision: dorm parent / counsellor overnight arrangements
On-site medical / first aid facilities and nearest clinic/hospital
Shuttle availability and estimated transfer times from train station
Multi-activity offerings (if held in alpine resorts) and on-site outdoor spaces

We, at The Young Explorers Club, format profiles so these items are quick to scan. That helps parents compare urban ease versus alpine immersion and decide which travel profile fits their family.

Safety, staffing, instructors & enrollment essentials

We, at the Young Explorers Club, set clear expectations so parents can judge any dance camp quickly. Staff-to-child ratios should be transparent. Typical/average staffing recommendations run from 1:6 up to 1:15; verify the exact ratio with each camp.

Staffing, safety standards & instructor profiles

For age-specific guidance we recommend camps publish their typical ratios: under‑6: 1:6–1:8; ages 6–12: 1:8–1:12; teens: 1:10–1:15. Ask each camp what they actually run during your child’s week. We insist camps have first aid and CPR‑trained staff on site, written emergency plans, and supervised medication procedures. Request to see those emergency plans and the medication policy before you enroll.

Background screening is essential. Ask for Swiss police certificates or a certificate of good conduct for all staff and instructors. When camps cannot produce that, we advise you to treat the program as higher risk.

Instructor qualifications should be explicit in each profile. Look for conservatory‑trained or professional dancers with teaching certificates and documented performance experience. Many instructors are multilingual and hold first aid training. When we profile instructors we include CV highlights such as years teaching, companies worked with, and relevant certifications so you can compare skill and experience at a glance.

Follow current national guidance for hygiene and outbreak policies. Camps should state they adhere to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health guidance and list any additional measures they’re taking.

Enrollment checklist, timing & cancellation (typical/average — verify with camp)

Below is the registration checklist we include with each camp profile — bring these completed or uploaded when you register:

Registration form
Deposit payment
Medical form detailing allergies and medications
Emergency contact information
Copy of insurance
Signed consent form for excursions and photography

Typical payment and deadline practices (typical/average — verify with camp): deposits commonly range from 20%–50% of the fee. Early‑bird discounts and spots often close 6–8 weeks before start. Full payment is usually due 4–8 weeks prior. We tell parents to keep receipts and written confirmation of payments.

Health protocols we expect camps to publish include allergy handling, medication authorisation forms signed by a parent, and clear instructions for administering meds. We advise parents to label medications and deliver them with written directions at drop‑off.

Typical cancellation/refund sliding scale (typical/average — verify with camp):

Full refund up to 4 weeks prior
50% refund 2–4 weeks prior
No refund within 2 weeks of start

Always ask each camp for their exact policy and any travel‑insurance recommendations.

If you want guidance on comparing programs and paperwork requirements, see how to choose the best summer camp for practical tips and a comparison checklist.

Choosing, comparing & booking: costs, discounts, packing and FAQs

We, at the Young Explorers Club, evaluate dance camps across clear comparison dimensions so you can pick the best fit fast. Focus on these key camp attributes when you compare options:

Price
Age/level fit
Teacher qualifications
Staff ratios
Safety measures
Final performance
Accommodation standard
Language of instruction
Transport access

Ask camps for exact figures (price schedule in CHF, staff-to-child ratio, instructor CVs and participant numbers) and for parent/camper testimonials or performance media with consent.

Use this sample 6-column comparison table in text format to map choices quickly:

Columns: Location | Age/Level | Price/week (CHF) | Accommodation | Staff Ratio | Styles Offered
Zurich camp | Ages 6–12 | CHF 450 (typical/average — verify) | Day camp (no overnight) | 1:10 | ballet, jazz, contemporary
Mountain camp (example) | Ages 10–16 | CHF 950 (typical/average — verify) | Shared dorm | 1:8 | multi-style festival
Lakeside studio | Ages 8–14 | CHF 600 (typical/average — verify) | Residential chalets | 1:6 | contemporary, hip-hop, lyrical

Apply the scoring rubric below to rank camps objectively. Score each item 1–5 (1 = poor, 5 = excellent), then total the scores to compare value.

Scoring rubric (ready to use)

Instruction quality (1–5)
Safety/staffing (1–5)
Facilities (studios, sprung floor) (1–5)
Accommodation (1–5)
Value for price (1–5)

Example scores and totals:

Zurich camp — Instruction 4, Safety 4, Facilities 3, Accommodation 2, Value 4 = Total 17
Mountain camp — Instruction 5, Safety 4, Facilities 5, Accommodation 4, Value 3 = Total 21
Lakeside studio — Instruction 4, Safety 5, Facilities 4, Accommodation 4, Value 4 = Total 21

Discounts and financial aid

Many camps offer early-bird discounts (typical 5–15%) and sibling discounts (typical 5–10%); verify exact deals with each camp. Bursaries and scholarships appear occasionally; potential funders include cantonal cultural funds and local foundations.

Follow these scholarship application steps:

Contact the camp for the application form.
Supply a short CV and a statement of need.
Provide a teacher reference.
Observe deadlines — typically 4–8 weeks before the start date (verify with the camp).

Verification checklist and testimonial requests

Demand parent/camper testimonials and performance photos/videos (with consent).
Request Net Promoter Score or average star rating (aim for 4+ star reviews) and returning camper percentage.
Request instructor CVs and a breakdown of daily schedules to confirm supervision levels.
Ask for exact staff-to-child ratios and health & safety policies.

常見問答 (FAQs)

Supervision? Day camps provide daytime staff; residential camps list dorm parents or counsellors for overnight supervision.
Language? Ask the camp for the language of instruction — many Swiss camps run bilingual or multilingual programs.
Homesickness? Camps use buddy systems, counsellors and gradual activity ramps to support children.
Insurance? Parents should supply personal health and accident insurance; camps typically require a copy.
COVID policy? Ask camps for current measures per the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health.

Packing & preparation checklist

Below are the items we recommend packing and the documents to prepare before arrival:

Dance shoes: ballet slippers, jazz sneakers and hip-hop trainers as needed.
Multiple change sets, tights and warm-ups for rehearsals and colder evenings.
Labelled water bottle, sunscreen, day pack and laundry bag.
Small sewing kit and basic first-aid supplies.
Documents: ID, signed medical/health form, insurance copy and emergency contact sheet.
Label everything clearly and pack an extra set of essentials in a day pack in case luggage is delayed.

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