EAT preparatory training courses
The technical aptitude examination verifies that the candidate has the technical and artistic abilities required to prepare for the State Dance Teacher Diploma; this examination is open to candidates who are at least eighteen years old on 31 December of the current year (e.g. for the 2026 session, the candidate must be at least eighteen years old on 31 December 2026).
The technical aptitude examination is organised in a single session once a year by the Ministry of Culture.
The following are evaluated:
- Body control and precision (body construction, precision of execution of technical elements, respect for dynamics, nuances, use of space) or ability to demonstrate technical elements.
- Mastery of rhythmic support and musicality
- Artistic sense (quality of investment in movement, interpretation)
- Mastery of composition (specificity, originality, creativity)
- Presentation, general attitude, ability to self-evaluate, clarity of objectives
For each of the options referred to in article L.362-1 of the Education Code: classical, contemporary, jazz, the level required corresponds to that of the end of the diploma cycle (DEC) of territorial public music, dance and drama teaching establishments.
The technical aptitude examination takes place in two stages, for each of the options (classical, jazz, contemporary):
- An eligibility phase based on a digital file, which includes a video recording of the variation at the end of the 2nd cycle at classified conservatoires, to be submitted in December.
This variation serves as a basis for an initial identification of the candidate's abilities in relation to the level required by the DE training, which is part of higher education. Except in the special cases mentioned above, it must be presented as proposed by the recording available on the Ministry of Culture website, without any adaptation.
A single mark is awarded for the assessment. Priority will be given to the candidate's body construction, as well as to the accuracy and fidelity of the rendition of the support variation indicated above. The curriculum vitae and letter of motivation will complete the jury's assessment of the candidate's recorded performance.
- A face-to-face admission phase, with:
- presentation of an imposed variation of the EAT, coefficient 3
- presentation of a personal composition, coefficient 2
- improvisation test on a theme proposed by the jury, coefficient 1
- graded interview focusing in particular on the ability to self-evaluate, coefficient 1
EAT compulsory variation test (coefficient 3): The level assessed corresponds to that of the technical unit of value at the end of the diploma cycle (DEC). The candidate chooses an imposed variation from among those proposed annually by the Ministry of Culture. It is interpreted or demonstrated in full and in detail by the candidate.
In this context, the PNSD Rosella Hightower is offering two support modules, one to prepare candidates for the eligibility phase and the other to prepare candidates for the admission phase. The two modules can be taken separately. A complete program will be offered during this internship, focusing on the admission tests:
- Required variations,
- Free variations,
- Improvisation.
MODULE 1 — ELIGIBILITY
Saturday, October 24, 2026: 1:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 25, 2026: 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
This first session is dedicated to preparing for the eligibility phase.
Disciplines: Classical, Contemporary and Jazz
Programme
– Work on the required variation
Participants should arrive having already learned the variation. The work will focus on its interpretation and performance, allowing each participant to refine their presentation.
– Review of the CV and cover letter
A dedicated session will be devoted to reviewing the CV and cover letter, providing candidates with guidance and feedback to help them prepare their application.
Objective
To deepen the work on the variation and benefit from external feedback on the elements of the eligibility application.
Teachers
Valène AZY ROUX, Dominique LAINE and Dominique LARIN
To prepare for your course:
🎥 [Watch the official 2027 variation]*
🎵 [Access the music]
📄 [View the 2027 pedagogical guidelines]
📋 [View information and resources]
* Access to Vimeo is secured. Candidates taking the EAT eligibility and admission examinations must contact the examination organizing centres to obtain the password required to access the variation videos and music.
Registration for the Eligibility Module is open until October 14, 2026.
Dimanche 25 octobre : 8h30 – 17h00
Classique • Contemporain • Jazz
Cette première session est consacrée à la préparation de la phase d'admissibilité.
Au programme
- Travail de la variation imposée
Les stagiaires arrivent avec la variation déjà déchiffrée. Le travail porte sur son interprétation et son exécution afin de permettre à chacun d'affiner sa présentation.
- Regard sur le CV et la lettre de motivation
Un temps d'échange est consacré au CV et à la lettre de motivation, afin d'accompagner les candidats dans la préparation de leur dossier.
Objectif
Approfondir le travail de la variation et bénéficier d'un regard extérieur sur les éléments du dossier d'admissibilité.
Classique • Contemporain • Jazz
Cette deuxième session est consacrée à la préparation des différentes composantes de la phase d'admission.
Au programme
- Variation imposée
Travail de la variation et accompagnement dans sa préparation.
- Variations libres
Travail autour des variations libres et échanges sur leur interprétation et leur présentation.
- Improvisation
Mise en situation à partir de différentes consignes d'improvisation, afin de permettre aux stagiaires de se préparer à cette partie de l'épreuve.
- Entretien
Échanges autour de l'entretien : préparation, présentation du parcours et réflexion sur les éléments à mettre en avant.
Objectif
Se familiariser avec les différentes composantes de l'admission et bénéficier d'un accompagnement pour aborder l'épreuve avec davantage de préparation et de confiance.
MODULE 2 — ADMISSION
Saturday, February 27, Sunday, February 28 and Monday, March 1, 2027
This second session is dedicated to preparing for the different components of the admission phase.
Programme
– Required variation
Work on the variation and guidance throughout the preparation process.
– Free-choice variations
Work on free-choice variations, with discussion and feedback on their interpretation and presentation.
– Improvisation
Practical exercises based on different improvisation prompts, allowing participants to prepare for this part of the examination.
– Interview
Discussion and preparation for the interview, including how to present one’s background and which aspects to highlight.
Objective
To become familiar with the different components of the admission phase and benefit from guidance in order to approach the examination with greater preparation and confidence.
Teachers
Valène AZY ROUX, Dominique LAINE and Dominique LARIN
To prepare for your course:
🎥 [Watch the official 2027 variation]*
🎵 [Access the music]
📄 [View the 2027 pedagogical guidelines]
📋 [View information and resources]
* Access to Vimeo is secured. Candidates taking the EAT eligibility and admission examinations must contact the examination organizing centres to obtain the password required to access the variation videos and music.
Registration for Module 2 is open until February 16, 2027.
Fees :
Mandatory membership fee: €36
Full Admission Module (2 sessions): €187.46
Individual Admission Module session: €150
Please note: registration for the 2027 EAT examination with the examination organising centre is a separate process.
For the 2027 session, exam registrations are open until November 18, 2026.
For further information, please contact Ms Swanna Yengo.
The PNSD Rosella Hightower is available to discuss any specific requirements related to disability in order to facilitate your participation in our training programmes. Please contact our Disability Support Officer.
