Centre for Advanced Training
Welcome to the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training, known as the CAT for short.
We provide high-quality dance training for young people aged 10-18 years. Based at the Jerwood DanceHouse on Ipswich’s Waterfront, our young dancers come from across the East of England, attending classes in Ipswich, Norwich, and Cambridge. During their weekly training, CAT students will have classes in contemporary, ballet, hip hop, creative, and health. 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.
The DanceEast CAT is part of a national network supported by the Department for Education’s Music and Dance scheme.
“I just really enjoy CAT and I love all the new teachers and I love all my new friends and I think it’s a really nice place to dance.” – CAT student
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
We want to give prospective students an insight into what it is like to be part of the DanceEast CAT, so we host a range of free events including Taster Days, Open Days, and Information Talks.
Find out more about the programme before you apply…
Find out moreHOW DO I APPLY?
Applications are accepted from young people across the East of England aged 10-16 years on 1 September. We encourage everyone who is interested in joining the CAT to apply to audition; you do not need to have previous dance experience; we look for potential.
Find out about applyingCOSTS AND FUNDING
It is 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
Over the past 16 years, the DanceEast CAT has trained hundreds of talented young people, who are now working professionally across the performing arts sector.
Read their storiesMEET THE TEAM
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?
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
