The Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) dance programme, based at The Place in London, stands as a beacon for aspiring young dancers. This prestigious pre-vocational training initiative is designed for individuals aged 11-16 – with the opportunity to continue until 18 – who possess a deep-seated passion for dance and are seeking to refine their skills towards a professional trajectory. Focusing on a diverse curriculum encompassing contemporary dance, ballet, fusion genres, and creative studies, the CAT programme offers a holistic approach to dancer development, incorporating vital health and wellbeing support, enriching theatre excursions, and comprehensive career guidance. Delivered primarily on Saturdays during term time, supplemented by two weekday evening classes and intensive holiday choreographic workshops, the Centre For Advanced Training Dance program provides an immersive and supportive environment for young talent to flourish.
The core mission of the Centre for Advanced Training dance initiative is to identify and nurture young individuals brimming with dance potential, irrespective of their previous experience or socio-economic background. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that world-class specialist dance training is accessible to promising young dancers while enabling them to remain living at home and continuing their regular schooling. Classes are led by a team of seasoned dance educators and are uniquely enhanced by the accompaniment of live musicians, fostering a dynamic and artistically rich learning atmosphere. Furthermore, students benefit from invaluable interactions with visiting artists and renowned dance companies, cultivating crucial skills in collaboration, performance artistry, and adaptability – essential attributes for a successful career in dance and beyond.
As a cornerstone of the National Programme established in 2004, the Centre for Advanced Training dance programme is generously supported by the Department for Education Music and Dance Scheme (MDS). This vital funding mechanism allows the programme to offer substantial financial assistance, with fees being fully or partially covered through grants awarded based on household income. This commitment to financial accessibility ensures that any young person with the talent, drive, and ambition to become a future leader in dance has the opportunity to access unparalleled training and develop the confidence to achieve their dreams.
Families who do not meet the grant eligibility criteria will be responsible for covering the full academic year fees. It is important to note that the comprehensive course fee encompasses all classes, workshops, intensive sessions, uniform requirements, theatre trips, and, in certain instances, travel and accommodation expenses. For students residing outside of London, the programme provides financial support to cover expenses associated with mid-week dance classes and travel to The Place, further minimizing barriers to participation.
Two young students in dance attire collaborate, arms outstretched, discussing movement in a dance studio, with other dancers in the background, highlighting collaborative dance education at the Centre for Advanced Training.
Joining the Centre for Advanced Training dance program means becoming part of a vibrant and supportive community of like-minded young dancers from diverse backgrounds, all united by their passion for dance.
Discover more about the National CAT programmes.
The Centre for Advanced Training dance programme was instrumental in honing my dance capabilities; I wouldn’t be the dancer I am today without it. Beyond dance skills, it fostered incredible friendships that have evolved into valuable professional networks.
CAT Graduate
A focused ballet dancer in black attire grips a barre, arm extended, in a Centre for Advanced Training studio, showcasing the dedication to classical ballet technique within the program.
CAT student in studio. Credit: Henry Curtis 2022
Key Information: Is CAT the Right Fit for You?
The Centre for Advanced Training dance program is designed to empower all young individuals aged 11-18 to explore and cultivate their profound love for dance. The program seeks students who demonstrate:
Potential: A natural inclination and aptitude for dance.
Enthusiasm: A palpable passion for dance and an eagerness to expand their knowledge and skills.
Commitment: A strong dedication to rigorous dance training and the self-discipline necessary for progress.
Curriculum: What Will You Study at the Centre for Advanced Training Dance Program?
At The Place, Centre for Advanced Training dance students engage in classes every Saturday afternoon, from 12:30 PM to 5:45 PM during term time, focusing on core disciplines:
- Contemporary dance: Exploring modern and innovative movement techniques.
- Ballet: Building a strong foundation in classical ballet technique.
- Creative studies: Fostering choreographic skills and artistic expression.
- Fitness Groove: Enhancing physical conditioning and dynamic movement vocabulary.
Mid-week classes, held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, further supplement the training in:
- Ballet: Reinforcing classical technique and strength.
- Contemporary dance: Deepening contemporary skills and artistry.
These classes are enriched by the support of teaching assistants from the prestigious London Contemporary Dance School and the inspiring presence of professional live musicians, creating a rich and immersive learning environment.
Beyond regular classes, the Centre for Advanced Training dance program offers a range of enriching projects throughout the year to cultivate performance skills and creative exploration:
- Holiday Intensives: Collaborate with leading dance companies and performers, participating in diverse dance styles such as African Dance, Hip-Hop, and Krump, broadening dance horizons.
- Health & Well-being Support: Access screenings, body conditioning classes, and resources to ensure physical and mental wellbeing, crucial for demanding dance training.
- Workshops: Engage in specialized workshops to hone specific dance techniques and explore related skills.
- Careers Advice: Receive focused skill-building sessions and guidance for those aiming for university dance programs and professional dance careers.
- Performance Projects: Showcase talent at The Place and various theatres across London, gaining invaluable performance experience.
- Collaborative Projects: Engage in joint projects with other CAT programs or youth dance initiatives, fostering networking and broader artistic perspectives.
- Organised Theatre Trips: Attend professional dance performances, expanding artistic understanding and appreciation.
Application Process: How to Join the Centre for Advanced Training Dance Program
To embark on your journey with the Centre for Advanced Training dance program, you must complete an Application Form and attend an Admissions Workshop held at The Place.
During the Admissions Workshop, applicants will participate in a 2-hour practical dance workshop in front of a small panel of dance professionals, following a guided tour of the facilities. Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend a presentation providing comprehensive information about the CAT program.
Notably, no prior formal dance training is required to apply. The key prerequisites are being aged between 11 and 17 years on 1 September and possessing a genuine passion and “appetite” for dance.
Following the Admissions Workshop, the CAT team will communicate decisions via email, informing applicants about their acceptance into the program for the upcoming September intake.
To provide deeper insight into the CAT experience, we offer a variety of taster days and open events, allowing prospective students and families to visit The Place and gain a thorough understanding of what the Centre for Advanced Training dance program offers.
Fees and Funding: Making Dance Training Accessible
The Centre for Advanced Training dance program is generously supported by the Department for Education Music and Dance Scheme (MDS), enabling the program to provide grants and financial support to talented young dancers from all backgrounds. These grants are means-tested and awarded based on household income, ensuring equitable access to quality dance education.
The total course fee is £4,032, which represents the maximum grant amount available.
Detailed information regarding grant allocation based on income bands can be found under the “Fees and Funding” section below.
Health and Wellbeing: Prioritising Dancer Wellness
Throughout the year, students at the Centre for Advanced Training dance program benefit from ongoing assessment by a dedicated physiotherapy team. This ensures holistic development – physically, technically, and creatively – while closely monitoring growth, health, and injury prevention. Complementing this is the Individual Training Plan (ITP), a personalized tool that facilitates collaboration between students, families, and the program to ensure a balanced approach to training hours and activities.
Students actively participate in setting personal goals and targets in collaboration with their teachers. At the conclusion of each academic year, comprehensive feedback and opportunities for progression discussions are provided, fostering continuous improvement and self-reflection.
The CAT team also offers dedicated pastoral care, providing support and guidance throughout each student’s journey in the Centre for Advanced Training dance program. Supplementary workshops are regularly hosted, addressing crucial aspects of dancer wellbeing, including nutrition, safe dance practices, and physical and mental health support.
Teacher Phil Hill engages in discussion with Centre for Advanced Training dance students, seated on the studio floor, emphasizing mentorship and holistic dancer development within the program.
CAT students in discussion with teacher Phil Hill. Credit: Henry Curtis 2022
CAT Associates: A Stepping Stone to Advanced Training
The CAT Associate programme serves as a pre-CAT training opportunity for students who demonstrate promising potential during the Centre for Advanced Training dance admissions workshops but may not yet be fully prepared for the demands of the full program. CAT Associates acts as a bridge to the full CAT program, offering successful applicants the chance to join mid-week classes on either Tuesdays or Wednesdays after school. This opportunity is specifically available to students residing in or near London or those able to commute to London.
The primary goal of CAT Associates is to further cultivate and support young dancers who show potential but may require additional development before entering the full program, or whose existing commitments may not yet allow for full CAT participation.
Commitment and Classes as a CAT Associate
As a CAT Associate, participants engage in mid-week classes, gaining access to the program’s world-class teaching faculty while receiving dedicated support and guidance from the CAT management team.
This is an annual commitment, commencing each September and spanning across three academic terms.
Designed as a pathway to the full Centre for Advanced Training dance program, CAT Associates does not guarantee automatic progression. However, Associates are automatically invited to apply for the full CAT program at the end of the year and are continuously monitored throughout the academic year by the faculty. In exceptional cases, students demonstrating outstanding qualities aligned with the program’s criteria may receive a direct invitation to join the full CAT program.
Fee
The annual fee for the CAT Associate programme is £500, which includes:
- Weekly contemporary and ballet classes with experienced CAT teachers.
- Pastoral support from the dedicated CAT management team.
- Signposting and personalized advice for dancer development.
- Potential progression pathway onto the full Centre for Advanced Training dance program.
Fees and Funding Breakdown
The total course fee for the Centre for Advanced Training dance program is £4,193, representing the maximum grant amount awarded.
Dependents Allowance: For the 2024/25 school year, the allowance is £2,355.
The table below illustrates the grant allocation for each relevant income band for the 2024-25 academic year:
| Relevant Income | Grant Awarded | Your Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Up to £34,037.12 | £4,193 | 0 |
| £34,037.13 to £38,576.72 | £3,807 | £386 |
| £38,576.73 to £43,115.28 | £3,423 | £770 |
| £43,115.29 to £47,712.08 | £3,014 | £1,179 |
| £47,712.09 to £52,192.40 | £2,640 | £1,553 |
| £52,192.41 to £56,729.92 | £2,262 | £1,931 |
| £56,729.93 to £61,761.44 | £1,890 | £2,303 |
| £61,761.45 to £65,809.12 | £1,505 | £2,688 |
| £65,809.13 to £70,347.68 | £1,122 | £3,071 |
| £70,347.69 to £72,003.00 | £738 | £3,455 |
| £72,003.01 to £74,883.12 | £369 | £3,824 |
| £74,883.13 or more | £0 | £4,193 |
Without the financial assistance, I would not have been able to afford the exceptional level of training offered by the Centre for Advanced Training dance program, nor even the travel to London. The funding opened the door to taking my first crucial steps towards a professional dance career.
CAT Graduate
Explore More: Centre for Advanced Training Dance in Action
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A dancer in grey and patterned trousers, leg extended, arms curved, gazes towards the studio corner, demonstrating contemporary dance movement taught at the Centre for Advanced Training.Experience a Typical Saturday at CAT [watch now]
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A dancer in black, leg raised, arm reaching, eyes focused inwards, embodies expressive contemporary dance explored in the Centre for Advanced Training program.Hear Students Discuss the CAT Summer Intensive [watch now]
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A dancer with curved arms, looking forward, reflects focus and technique cultivated in contemporary dance classes at the Centre for Advanced Training.Watch a Full Contemporary Dance Class with Pari Naderi [watch now]
Summer Show 2023: A Glimpse into CAT Performance
[Summer Show Image Gallery – Images of dance performances by CAT students]
[Gallery of 25 images from the Summer Show 2023 – URLs provided in original article]
CAT Alumni: Success Stories Beyond the Studio
The Centre for Advanced Training dance program is not just about dance; it’s about developing confidence, self-determination, and transferable skills that benefit students in all walks of life. CAT alumni have pursued diverse academic paths at university level and have excelled as professional dance makers, performers, teachers, artists, leaders, and educators. Furthermore, CAT alumni have also achieved success in fields such as medicine, law, history, computer programming, engineering, acting, architecture, and filmmaking – demonstrating the broad impact of the program.
We encourage our students to be bold, innovative, and to make a meaningful difference in the world, wherever their passions may lead them.
Meet the Dedicated CAT Team
[Links to Ballet Faculty and Contemporary & Creative Faculty sections – Content would need to be added if available]
Frequently Asked Questions: Your CAT Queries Answered
For further insights into the program, explore our comprehensive FAQs section, addressing common questions from parents and students.
Learn More about CAT FAQs
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Outreach Workshops: Bringing Dance to Schools
Discover more about our enriching outreach workshops designed for schools, extending the reach of dance education.](https://theplace.org.uk/outreach-workshops-for-schools)
