Centre for Advanced Training
Welcome to the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training (CAT). Based at the Jerwood DanceHouse the DanceEast CAT provides high-quality dance training to young people aged 10 – 18 years who have exceptional potential and talent. This part-time pre-vocational programme covers subjects including contemporary dance, ballet, health and creative studies.
We’re part of a national programme which launched in 2004, supported by the Department for Education’s Music and Dance Scheme, offering the highest quality dance training to young people across England.
What can you expect?
Our students work with a large team of professional dance artists and other like-minded young people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. We work with young people from the East of England with strong physical awareness, creativity and the ability to work as part of a team and independently.
Learn moreBefore you apply
Before you audition for the CAT we highly recommend that you come along to a taster workshop and/or an open day. These are both free to attend but must be booked in advance.
Find out moreHow do I apply?
Applications are accepted from young people, aged 10-16 years on point of entry in September, from across the East of England. We encourage both non-experienced and experienced young dancers to apply.
Find out about applyingHow our costs and funding work
It’s important that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of young people joining the CAT. Therefore students can apply for means-tested grants from the Department for Education’s Music and Dance grant scheme to support the costs of the programme.
See more about costs and funding"The intense training at the DanceEast CAT undoubtedly helped me develop as an ambitious and self-disciplined dancer. It has given me numerous opportunities to perform in spectacular venues alongside word-class choreographers."
Charlotte Emms - Dance CAT alumni
Student stories
Through the CAT programme we have trained hundreds of talented dancers, many of whom have gone on to full-time education, gaining qualifications in dance, and progressed to perform professionally.
Read their storiesMeet the team who will take you through your dance training
The tutors and musicians who will work with you over the course of your time in the CAT are highly talented specialists with years of experience.
Find out more about them hereHave some questions about the CAT?
We’ve collated the most commonly asked questions about the CAT. See them here.
Read our FAQsCAT Term Dates
Here you will find the CAT term dates and key events throughout the academic year.
The CAT term dates are here
