CAT - What we do
Our Programme: the CAT programme balances technical training with creative activities, ensuring our young dancers experience a holistic dance training programme.
Sessions are taught by leading professional artists and companies working in the dance industry. Get a flavour of the programme in action in this short video.
The curriculum for CAT is delivered at The Place on Saturdays and one evening during the week for Inner-London students (Tuesday or Wednesday).
Intensives:
- Two-day intensives held during October half-term
- Four-day intensives during the Easter
- Six-day intensives held Summer holidays.
The curriculum includes:
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 in classical technique classes designed to specifically support our young dancers’ contemporary technical skill
One-off workshops from visiting artists - our students work with artists from companies including Richard Alston Dance Company, New Adventures, New Art Club, Shobana Jeyasingh Dance, Tavaziva Dance, Jonzi D and English National Ballet and many more
Osteopathic screening - each student is screened at the start of the year and monitored for injury prevention, rehabilitation and technical training needs. Students may have follow-up appointments or will be referred to our CAT Injury Clinic
Physical development including body conditioning sessions in cardio-vascular, strength, flexibility and Pilates training
Theatre visits - each term we arrange a theatre trip to broaden our students’ awareness of current dance companies and styles. Theatre trips are often complimented by a workshop given by dancers from the performing company.
Summer intensive exchanges with dance schools in Italy
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.