Current CAT Students

"I love my training, it is by no means easy, it's very intensive and it takes a lot of hard work, commitment, motivation and as the Fame movie says 'Sweat'! No matter how good you are if you don't have that passion & drive to want to do it and you don't work hard you'll never reach your full potential."

The Place CAT, London Contemporary Dance School,

"I think the best thing about the training is that we are taught not only the technique and movement but we are taught the science behind it. I find this really helpful as it gives me an understanding of why things are done a certain way and I can visualize the body whilst doing the movement."

Yorkshire Young Dancers, Northern Ballet Theatre,

"CAT is a great opportunity for young dancers such us ourselves to gain professional training opportunities that we might not gain elsewhere. The CAT scheme allows us to deepen our knowledge and understanding about the dance form that we love. This is my second year in the CAT scheme and I love every bit of it. Each intensive gives us a new breath of information about the dance styles. Being with CAT I have met some great people and renowned artists, choreographers and teachers from around the UK."

DanceXchange, South Asian CAT

Former CAT Students now in Full-Time Professional Training

 "I auditioned for the Advanced Training Programme at Dance City in the Spring of 2005. The audition didn’t go too well and I wasn’t offered a place at first. However, I emailed to thank Dance City for the opportunity and told them I was going to dance anyway. This must have ‘ticked a box’ as I shortly got a letter offering me a place. Lesson one, never give up!   The training at the Academy was fun but challenging and really encouraged me to reach my full potential."

 Dance City CAT graduate, currently training at London Contemporary Dance School

"When I joined the CAT Scheme I immediately knew I was part of something special. It was the perfect introduction for me to learn about what life would be like in full-time training.  The course allowed for me to be taught by professionals dancing within companies such as Richard Alston Dance Company and English National Ballet.   The CAT Scheme provides the best foundation for anyone wanting to pursue a career as a professional dancer, and will set them up perfectly to continue on to full time training."

 Graduate from The Place CAT, currently BA3 student at Central School of Ballet

Parents and Guardians of CAT Students

 "…as a lone parent I could never have afforded the level of training that my daughter receives. Not only have the staff looked after her dance training, they have also given great consideration to her whole well-being; devising an individual training plan, arranging an appointment with a physiotherapist and teaching her about health and nutrition."

Youth Dance Academy, Swindon Dance

"The training is a big commitment but it means that she can live at home and still get that high level of professional training. Neither of us are ready for her to live away from home at the moment so for us it is the perfect option."

Yorkshire Young Dancers, Northern Ballet Theatre, parent

Teachers

 "Entering Hippodrome studio, I was greeted by laughter and chatter and as I stepped in, young and eager faces looked up breaking  into smiles.  It was like being exposed to a million suns, radiant and glowing. "

DanceXchange, South Asian Dance

"Even after 4 years of teaching for CAT, I still find myself continually surprised by the talent and dedication of the students. It is great to watch their development and know that they are as motivated to learn as we are to teach."

Dance City CAT

"CAT is unique, it is a hot bed of young talent from all strata of society where young minds with a passion for dance and creating come together on a weekly basis and regularly light up my week…"

The Place CAT, London Contemporary Dance School

Choreographers and Directors

 "CAT schemes offer an amazing opportunity for talented young people to gain experience of what it's really like to be a professional dancer.  It's the kind of experience that I would have relished at that age as I struggled to find a way of expressing my desire to dance.  As a company, the energy and commitment of the young CAT students we've worked with have inspired us to raise the bar of the participatory work we deliver.  It's been a fantastic learning process for both sides!"

 Rafael Bonachela. Artistic Director, Sydney Dance Company