• All students graduating from the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training in 2013 were accepted onto Higher Education courses in dance or performing arts at the UK’s top dance conservatoires and colleges
  • DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training is now recruiting for new students aged between 10 – 16 years who are interested in pursuing dance as a career
  • No previous formal dance training is required, although experienced dancers are also encouraged to reply
  • Free Taster Day and Open Day workshop sessions are taking place throughout Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk
  • Current DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training student Tom Withington has been accepted onto all Higher Education courses he has auditioned for, including London Contemporary Dance School, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and the offer of a part-scholarship to London Studio Centre
  • Open to any student interested in dance and performing arts as means-tested grant funding is available to all successful applicants

 

Do you know someone aged between 10 – 16 years who loves to dance?

The DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training (CAT), based at the world-classJerwood DanceHouse in Ipswich, is holding a series of free workshop sessions across the region to recruit dedicated young dancers.

Funded by the Department for Education the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training is one of nine National Dance Centres aimed at young people with exceptional potential in dance. The scheme is devised to prepare young dancers for full-time professional dance training or university.

Established in 2008, the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training has moved from strength to strength, with last year’s cohort of graduating students all being accepted onto full time Higher Education courses in either dance or performing arts at the UK’s most celebrated dance conservatoires and colleges including Central School of Ballet, London Studio Centre and Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance.

Speaking about the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training former pupilCharlotte Emms, now studying at London Contemporary Dance School says: “I cannot stress how thankful I am to DanceEast, without whom I would never be in the position I am today … The professionalism of the training and the preparation for the dance world which I received there made me ready to enter a conservatoire or dance college, the next step on my journey to become a devoted dancer.”

Another former student Archie James, now studying at Central School of Ballet says about his time at the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training, “Being on the CAT scheme gives you a great insight into professional dance training … You are also subject to seeing shows and rehearsals, as well as working with a number of choreographers (actually, more than is usual in professional training). Having an understanding of what you are working towards, gives you a much stronger incentive to improve and prepare for a career in dance, and the DanceEast CAT scheme provides just that.”

Free Taster Day and Open workshops are taking place throughout the East of England, where potential students can take part in a dance workshop whilst their parents can meet members of the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training team who will answer any questions about the scheme.

Entry to the programme is through a two stage audition process in May and June. Everyone who applies is invited to a Stage One audition (lasting one day) where they will take part in practical dance sessions. Selected applicants will then have the opportunity to return for a Stage Two audition and interview, with places offered by the end of July 2014.

Means tested grant funding is available for all successful applicants through the Department for Education’s Music and Dance Scheme. Additional financial support is also available to grant holders to cover up to 100% of dancewear and travel costs.

To book your place on a free Taster or Open Day in your area, or to request a prospectus please contact the DanceEast Centre of Advanced Training team on 01473 295230 or [email protected]

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Natalie Chaplin