Notes for families
Parent Involvement
- At various times during the year parents/guardians/carers will be invited to join students for their afternoon sessions. These sessions are to encourage parents to support their children at home and may involve topics such as Pilates, Health and Fitness and Nutrition.
'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
Assessment
- Student's development will be assessed and monitored on an ongoing basis by the teaching team. Assessment will be on all aspects of the course including attendance and attitude. Any concerns regarding progress with be raised with the student throughout the year as they arise.
School
- DanceEast Academy classes are designed to fit around normal schooling; however there may be times when students feel that they have a clash of commitments. With permission from the family, we will inform the school of the student's timetable for the year and hope to have communication with the school should any problems arise. Academic work at school is important and should be a priority, particularly where exams are concerned, therefore DanceEast will be as flexible as possible during exam periods.
- From time to time opportunities may arise to visit dance training schools, performances and companies on school days. Participation in these activities will always be optional and at the discretion of the family.
Residential Courses
- Opportunities may arise throughout the year for students to participate in courses or events with other CAT students or at other dance training centres. Dates for these courses or events will be given at the earliest opportunity.
- Whilst we cannot insist that students participate in residential courses, if a student receives an invite to take part in one it is because the Academy team feels that it will be beneficial to students training and development, and would therefore strongly encourage them to attend. Should you have any questions or concerns about any of the opportunities on offer please contact the Academy Manager.
- Families will not be asked to make any additional financial contribution for the additional opportunities on offer.
Evaluation
- We will evaluate the experience of the families involved with the DanceEast Academy through the completion of a form at the end of the year. Meanwhile we will endeavour to deal with feedback, comments and suggestions through phone, email or face to face contact. We would encourage students and families to communicate openly with us.
Other CATs (Centres for Advanced Training)
Should a student move away from the area, or wish to audition for another CAT scheme, please speak to the class tutor who will arrange an audition for the student at the other centre. Other CATs are currently in operation in London, Newcastle, Leeds and Swindon and two more centres are planned for Birmingham and Nottingham.