Many performing artists are unable to keep practising their profession until retirement, whether for health reasons or because they can no longer handle the physical demands of their job. Particularly for dancers, professional retraining is an inherent part of their career: due to the physical demands of their job, they need to find a new career at the average age of 35. Some may be able to find another position in the same field, but for many, the only option is retraining.

Due to the rather low wages that artists receive during their career, it is often not possible to save money for professional retraining. Entering a new career is complicated further because the professional qualifications of performing artists often go unrecognized.

Here is where SSUDK helps performing artists help themselves. With information and advice about changing careers and contributions toward professional retraining, performing artists should have the opportunity to take their creativity and labour in new directions.