How old do you have to be in order to apply?
Between 10 -16 years. You can apply at 9 years old but must be 10 by September 1st of that year.
How many students are there on the programme?
We currently have 102 students. We ensure that we provide enough studios and teachers to keep individual class numbers small.
How much does it cost?
Please refer to the finance section.
Do I need previous dance experience?
No, but you must demonstrate potential i.e. musicality or physicality.
I like dancing but not sure if I want a career in dance, should I apply?
That’s OK. This course is designed to help you figure out if you want to be a professional dancer or not. You can come for a Taster session, apply to audition or talk to the Coordinator on 020 7121 1037 or e-mail
When are the auditions and how do I apply?
Auditions for 2012-13 will be held in April 2012. We will also be holding taster sessions in February / March 2012. For more information contact the CAT Coordinator on 020 7121 1037 or e-mail . Audition applications are normally available to download in February each year.
What will I be expected to do at the audition?
Applicants are split into groups according to their age and experience. You will participate in a ballet barre, contemporary and creative class. Don’t worry if you have never done one or all of these disciplines – it is rare that an applicant has experience in all of these dance forms. This should NOT deter you from auditioning. The audition will last approximately 2.5 hours.
When does the programme happen?
CAT main delivery is held every Saturday (10 weeks per term) and one evening during the week (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) at The Place. Intensive courses will be held at October and February half-terms, Easter and during Summer holidays.
What does the programme include?
Read about the course content
How long is the course?
The course can last until you are 18 years old. It will be dependant on your commitment, development and desire to continue your dance training at this intense level.
Will I have to audition every year?
No. Once you are on the course we are committed to helping you reach your dance potential through a rigorous and intensive training programme. You will be assessed throughout your time on the programme to help you develop your skill and ability.
Are students ever exited from the programme?
Yes. However this happens very rarely and only if the student is not demonstrating their commitment. Students will only be exited it they break the Behaviour Guidelines, have poor attendance or are not developing at the desired rate. In this last instance the CAT management team will discuss the individuals training programme and work with the student and family to address their progress before deciding to exit the child from the scheme.
Are there many performance opportunities?
There are some performance possibilities – but the CAT is primarily a training programme. Students may be advised to join a Youth Dance Company or like project to gain additional performance experience.
Does it matter where I live?
No. There are CAT schemes all over the country. At The Place home of London Contemporary Dance School we generally enrol students from London and the South East; however we do have students from the West Midlands, Dorset, Kent, Norfolk and Norwich. You can find out more information on othe centres nationall at www.nationaldancecats.co.uk
Can I transfer between CATs?
As part of the national CAT programme we exercise a policy between centres to help support students make the right choice of centre for their personal development and training needs. Occasionally a student may want to change centres midway through their training - as the locality or provision offered at another centre may be more suitable. In this event the student and family/guardian should contact the existing centre before applying to audition to another centre. This will enable the management team to give you the correct degree of advice and support and liaise with the other centre in question on your behalf. It will always be necessary to go through the audition process when transferring to another centre as your place on a different scheme can not be guaranteed by your existing provider.
Does the CAT provide accommodation for students?
We do not have any accommodation on site as we are a non-residential programme. We do however help find accommodation for students and families in our locality during intensive courses and at weekends. Each case is assessed individually.