Backstage Studio

Backstage Studio sits in the heart of Zürich West, between Albisriederplatz and Bahnhof Hardbrücke, in a converted warehouse space on Hardstrasse 81. The studio was founded in the summer of 2003 by Regine Ochsner, a former professional dancer who transformed the empty storage halls into spacious dance studios with modern infrastructure.

The studio teaches tap, jazz, hip-hop, house, contemporary jazz, pilates, and ballet. Classes run across three studios and serve dancers aged 4 and up—from young children through adults over 70. The tap program is substantial, with introductory courses, ongoing classes at all levels, and the Backstage Studio Tap Company, a performance group that regularly takes shows to stage and can be booked for events. Jazz tuition comes from two of Switzerland's most recognized teachers: Zoltan Farago and Sabrina Reolon teach contemporary jazz and jazz respectively on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Hip-hop and house classes are led by Sandro Minasi, described as a renowned hip-hop teacher offering classes for all levels.

Kids and teens have a wide choice. Tap is taught from age 6 onwards (by Regine Ochsner and Ursina Childs, a gifted young dancer supported by international guest instructors and US festival scholarships). Hip-hop for kids and teens from age 10 is led by Valerie Tveiten, a young urban style dancer described as an exceptional talent. A special program for 60+ includes Hatha yoga and Spiraldynamik flow classes, plus age-appropriate ballet with live ePiano music, offered once monthly on Sundays.

Pilates is taught by Andrea and Ursina, both trained Pilates instructors, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, with online participation available. New additions include a lunchtime jazz class with Sabine Schindler, a noted choreographer and trained dance pedagogue (MAS ZFH), on Thursdays from 20 August 2026.

All first trial lessons are free (except the tap introduction course, which requires registration and a fee). Drop-ins are welcome for most classes. If you miss a lesson, you can make it up within the same trimester. The studio runs regular student showcases under the banner 'Backstage goes onstage', and children and teens perform frequently. Separate changing rooms with showers are available to all participants. Tap shoes are provided free for trial lessons and throughout the introduction course; shoes are also available to hire in sizes 36–45 and children's sizes.

Book a free trial lesson by contacting your chosen instructor on-site or via email (except the tap introduction course, which is paid and requires advance registration). Bring comfortable training clothes and clean shoes; tap shoes are provided for your first session. The studio occupies three spaces with modern facilities, changing rooms and showers, and a welcoming atmosphere where dancers from age 4 to 70+ train regularly.

The studio is founded and led by Regine Ochsner, a former professional dancer now teaching tap across age groups. Key instructors include Zoltan Farago and Sabrina Reolon (jazz and contemporary jazz, two of Switzerland's most recognized teachers), Sandro Minasi (hip-hop and house), Sabine Schindler (lunchtime jazz; choreographer and trained dance pedagogue MAS ZFH), Ursina Childs (tap for kids and teens; young gifted dancer with international support), Isabel Reinecke (tap; 2022 Swiss tap champion and member of the Backstage Studio Tap Company), Valerie Tveiten (hip-hop for kids and teens; young urban style dancer), and Andrea and Ursina (Pilates). Michèle Mattle teaches Sunday yoga and ballet for 60+.

Tap introduction courses welcome complete beginners; most other classes accept all levels, and a free trial lesson is available for most offerings.