The Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) employs high quality, national and international dance artists to deliver the courses dance content.
Course Content
The CAT programme balances technical training with creative activities; ensuring students experience a holistic dance training programme. Sessions are taught by leading professional artists and companies working in the dance industry.
The curriculum for CAT is delivered at The Place on Saturdays and one evening during the week (Tuesday/ Wednesday).
In addition to this there are short two day Intensives held during October and February half-terms and longer five-day Intensives during the Easter and Summer holidays. The Curriculum includes the following:
- Contemporary technique - in a range of styles including Cunningham, Limon and release-based techniques.
- Performance studies - including choreography, repertoire, composition, in-house and public performances.
- Ballet technique - classical technique classes designed to specifically support our young dancers’ contemporary technical skill.
- One-off workshops from visiting artists - our students work regularly with artists from a range of companies including Richard Alston Dance Company, New Adventures, New Art Club, Shobana Jeyasingh, Tavaziva Dance, Jonzi D and, English National Ballet.
- Osteopathic screening – each student is screened at the start of the year and monitored for injury prevention, rehabilitation and technical training needs.
- Physical development - including cardio-vascular, strength, flexibility and Pilates training
- Theatre Visits – each term we arrange a theatre trip to broaden our students’ awareness of the diverse range of contemporary dance companies and styles. Theatre trips are normally complimented by a workshop, given by dancers from the performing company.
Individual Training Plans
Each student receives an Individual Training Plan – catering for their personal needs to enable them to develop their technical and creative expertise. The CAT programme’s success relies on the support of each student’s family and, when appropriate, their local dance providers/teachers, without whose support and encouragement the scheme would not be possible.
Students unable to attend the midweek technique sessions at the Place will be required to attend dance classes in their locality to maintain their training and develop their skills. Students may also be encouraged to join a youth dance company or similar performance group. These classes will be agreed by the CAT management team, student and student’s family.