Braswell Arts Center GmbH

Braswell Arts Center is a multi-disciplinary arts space in central Basel offering dance classes, workshops, performances and gallery exhibitions. Founded in 2015, the BAC teaches dance to all ages and abilities, from toddlers through adults, alongside art therapy, holiday camps and a pre-professional training program.

Adult classes span ballet (levels I–V), contemporary, lyrical jazz, hip-hop, improvisation, gyrokinesis, vinyasa yoga, pilates, barre, stretching and strength training. Classes are led by Armando Braswell, a Juilliard graduate and Ballet Basel soloist, alongside a team of quality artists. The Working Professional Program offers flexible morning, evening and weekend classes for adults balancing dance with work, with personalized mentorship, performance opportunities and career support. Drop-in rates are CHF 40 per class; memberships range from CHF 1200 to CHF 3420 annually depending on access level. A 1-week trial is available for CHF 50.

Kids and teens (ages 2–16) take classes in ballet, contemporary, jazz and hip-hop at different developmental stages, plus Mom/Dad & Me, pre-ballet and creative movement. The 20-class membership costs CHF 600. Children can reserve a fixed place in their main class and join additional sessions as make-ups or exploration. Holiday arts camps run during every Basel-Stadt school holiday in full or half-day options for ages 5 and up.

The pre-professional program trains emerging dancers and currently hosts Olamide Olawale Ajoke, a Gold Medalist at the 2024 World Ballet Grand Prix Norway (Contemporary Solo) and Ballet Beyond Borders winner, who is studying as a scholarship student. The program operates under a Code of Conduct registered with Basel Talents Leistungssportförderung and Danse Suisse, and has appointed Barbara Handschin Lic. phil., an independent psychologist, as Director of Rehabilitation and Prevention to support student mental and emotional well-being.

The BAC also runs art therapy workshops (including a guided retreat integrating creative process, breathwork and sound elements), dance workshops, the Dance Basel Festival, team-building sessions and dance abroad opportunities. The space is available for rentals: dance performances, concerts, gallery exhibitions and special events. A café and shop are on site. Financial aid is available for KulturLegi Beider Basel members and those receiving Sozialhilfe or Prämienverbilligung (50% discount for children, 20% for adults). Some Swiss health insurers (including SWICA and Sympany) reimburse up to CHF 600 annually for dance membership.

You'll find inclusive classes for your level in a supportive environment. First-timers can book a free trial class or try the 1-week pass (CHF 50). Classes are live and welcoming to all body types and experience levels, with instructors providing positive feedback and encouragement.

Armando Braswell, a Juilliard graduate and Ballet Basel soloist, leads the program alongside a team of quality artists. The BAC also hosts numerous guest teachers and maintains a large roster of visiting instructors in classical ballet, jazz, contemporary, gaga, hip-hop, Afro-style and kids ballet.

Most classes welcome beginners and all body types; ballet levels I–II, lyrical jazz, improvisation and hip-hop explicitly require no previous experience.