About Us

National Dance CATs - helping young dance enthusiasts realise their potential

National Dance CATs deliver accessible, non-residential, professional training programmes for young people aged 10 to 18 years who demonstrate exceptional potential in dance. Centres are pioneers in prevocational training and research, promoting best practice and providing exceptional and innovative tuition to young people, regardless of their personal circumstances. National Dance CATs are supported through the Government’s Music and Dance Scheme and operate from host organisations recognised for their excellence and commitment to the arts and vocational training. Successful applicants are able to access centres across England to receive highly specialist dance training in their locality while continuing to live at home and benefiting from a broad and balanced education.

Experts from the professional dance industry nurture and encourage CAT students through a broad range of dance activities; designed to maximise their learning and enable them to excel technically and artistically. The training is individually specified through bespoke training plans helping pupils take ownership of their own learning and realise their personal potential and creativity. The Centres maintain close links with influential dance companies and artists, creating opportunities for children to work with and build relations with future employers, and to gain an inspiring yet realistic insight into the profession. Regular one-on-one tutorials and mentoring offer valuable careers advice and help equip students with the skills to successfully audition for elite vocational dance schools at 11, 16 or 18 years.

Centres for Advanced Training assist young people in making informed decisions about pursuing their chosen discipline professionally. If they choose to do so, National Dance CATs are perfectly placed to set students on pathways to rewarding, self-sustaining careers in dance.

Find your nearest CAT here