Introduction
Do you see your future in dance? Are you ready to commit to an intensive programme of training? Are you aged 12-17?
The Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) at Trinity Laban is an innovative scheme offering young people with exceptional talent and potential in dance the opportunity to access high quality dance training. The programme of classes provides intensive and rigorous dance training taught by a highly experienced team of professional dance teachers and artists.
The Centre for Advanced Training aims to:
- Actively seek out and identify talented and motivated young people who have the potential for a career in dance.
- Provide a challenging and supportive programme that nurtures the young dance artist as a reflective performer and creative artist.
- Develop each student’s understanding of their own physical potential so they can work safely and with understanding as dance artists.
- Ensure that the students have the opportunity to work with and learn from established professional dance artists.
- Extend the cultural experience of the students through a range of visits to see professional dance work in a range of genres, theatres, galleries and concerts.
- Collaborate where appropriate with Junior Trinity to establish a vital link between dance and music students within the DCSF Music and Dance Scheme.
- Provide information about further dance training and higher education so that participants can make informed decisions about future career choices and pathways.
CAT is part of a national programme funded and developed by the Department for Education, Music and Dance Scheme. Centres exist nationwide, including one other in North London at London Contemporary Dance School. For more information about the national scheme, please visit National Dance CATs.
Access and Support Needs
The CAT Programme is suitable for young people with moderate access and support needs such as autism, a learning disability and neurodiversity.
Working with young people and their families, we implement reasonable adjustments to support the young person to access and participate in CAT.
We ask families to disclose information about access and support needs when students enrol. We may then contact families for further information, and implement reasonable adjustments as required. This might include Assistant support, use of communication tools, adjustment to timetables, use of quiet zones/ breakout spaces in the building, reducing the potential for sensory overload etc.
Our building is wheelchair accessible.
Course Content
Here you will find a course content summary for the CAT programme including details on workshops, studies, health and technique.
The CAT programme prepares young dancers for training and a career in dance, should they choose to do so. Therefore, it is important that our programme reflects the world around us and looks to the future dance industry that our graduates will become part of. For us at Trinity Laban CAT this means creating opportunities for young people to work with a diverse range of dance artists who teach a variety of dance practices using a range of approaches. Our aim is to create an environment where each student feels welcomed and represented, where they can bring their whole self to the studio and graduate from the programme with an open mind and exciting approach to dance.
Dance Technique and Performing Skills
Students will undertake classes in contemporary dance, ballet and hip-hop supported by other complementary dance forms in order to develop:
• Physical strength, flexibility, agility, co-ordination and efficiency of movement
• Correct posture, placement and alignment
• Spatial awareness, body line and design
• Articulation and clarity of movement
• Movement constituents of the movement vocabularies of the styles studied
• Projection / focus; clarity of intention; appropriate use of dynamics
• Sensitivity to musical phrasing and dynamics
• Use of different movement qualities
• Ability to respond / be present in the moment of presentation
• Ability to utilise and retain feedback
• Use of energy and sense of whole body engagement
Dance Fitness and Health
The aim of the Performance Enhancement (PEn) sessions is to support technical and creative training. The content focuses more on general physical functioning and less on particular dance styles or techniques. The approach is supported by current Dance Science research and knowledge.
Within the PEn sessions the following areas will be worked on:
• Stamina and fitness levels
• Muscular strength and conditioning
• Alignment and control
• Body and anatomical awareness
The PEn sessions will also provide and explain best practice strategies such as:
• Warm-up and cool-down
• Effective stretching
• Positive mental attitude
• Nutrition and hydration for energy giving purposes
• Use of psychological skills such as imagery, to support physical training
Creative Workshops and Choreography
Students will have regular creative workshops and experience with professional choreographers. Students will be encouraged to be imaginative, innovative and take creative risks through:
• Exploring dance ideas/concepts in response to a variety of stimuli e.g. kinaesthetic, literary, visual, auditory, contemporary issues, repertoire, styles and traditions
• Selecting, structuring, and refining movement material
• Developing initial movement ideas into final choreographic form through selecting and developing action, dynamic, rhythmic and spatial content
• Using choreographic devices, e.g. motif, variation and development, chance, unison, canon, climax
• Forming the overall shape of the dance
• Structuring appropriate relationships between content and form in the expression of a dance idea
• Considering the relationship of dance and music
• Communicating artistic intention and the expression of dance ideas/concepts
• Reflecting and evaluating throughout the choreographic process
Performance Opportunities
In order to develop the student’s practical experience of performing, there will be regular performance opportunities in a variety of settings and to different audiences, including:
• Termly informal sharing’s of work for family and friends
• Contributing to the Youth and Community Dance Platforms
• Performances in Laban’s Bonnie Bird Theatre
• Performing in theatres in and out of London
Complementary Studies
In order to support the dance curriculum, and ensure that each individual encounters a range of artistic and creative opportunities and is prepared for progression into further training, the following will be included either as part of the Saturday programme or in the additional study days or intensive courses:
• Practical workshops in a range of dance/movement genres e.g. African, South Asian, Capoeira, Pas de Deux
• Visits to see professional dance work in a range of genres and a variety of cultural experiences available in London including theatre performances and art exhibitions
• Collaborative music and dance projects with Junior Trinity
• Careers information and advice
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in our CAT programme.
We are looking for enthusiastic, creative young people between the ages of 12 and 17 years. No formal qualifications are needed.
We welcome applicants with varying dance experience, gained in formal or informal settings. Applicants should be highly motivated, eager to develop new skills and ready for a long term commitment to an intensive programme of regular dance training.
Trinity Laban is committed to encouraging more boys and young men to get involved in dance. We have a high percentage of boys on the CAT programme and actively encourage them to apply for the scheme.
Boys Only Taster Day
The Boys Only Taster Day is free to attend and is for male-identifying dancers interested in finding out more about the CAT programme. Participants are invited to join us for the afternoon to watch our CAT students in classes, meet other young dancers, hear about the CAT programme and take part in a practical workshop.
Please check this page to see when the 2023-24 Boys Taster Day will be taking place.
Open Days
Open Days are a chance to find out more about the CAT programme and include a practical dance session for the applicant, and a presentation followed by Q&A for parents/carers to hear more. Open Days are free to attend.
Please check this page to see when the 2023-24 Open Days will be taking place.
Auditions
Auditions for entry in September 2024 will take place in June 2024.
Auditions consist of a practical class involving contemporary technique, hip-hop technique, and creative tasks. There will also be an opportunity to meet the CAT teachers and ask questions about the programme. Nothing needs to be prepared ahead of auditioning.
Please complete an application form to be invited to audition at one of two audition dates.
Please check this page to see when the 2023-24 Open Days will be taking place.
For queries about the CAT programme or application support please contact cat@trinitylaban.ac.uk.
Fees and Finance
CAT is funded by the Department for Education as part of its Music and Dance Scheme. Financial support is available for each individual to cover the cost of tuition, and in some cases travel, subject to residence conditions and means testing based on family income.
The full amount of grant for the school year starting in September 2023 will be £4,032.
It is free to participate in CAT if your total relevant income is £32,728 or less in the tax year ended 5 April 2023. If your family income is more than £32,728 you will receive a smaller grant and you may have to make a contribution to the cost of your child attending the CAT. Families earning over £72,003 pay full fees of £4,032 per year.
Please go to National CAT website for fee breakdown.
Parents/Guardians of pupils accepted onto the Centre for Advanced Training are requested to fill out the Music and Dance Scheme’s means testing form to assess whether their child/dependent is eligible for a full or partial grant.
The process is straightforward and calculates the income and benefits received per household in order to determine the government’s contribution toward each student’s dance training.
Fees
What does the fee cover?
The fee covers all of the student’s dance training fees, including Saturday and weekday classes (if relevant), theatre trips and CAT merchandise.
Payment plans
Payments can be made in one lump sum or eight monthly instalments between September – April.
If you would like any more information about CAT fees and finances please contact Niesha Holder N.Holder@trinitylaban.ac.uk
Outreach
As part of the CAT, Trinity Laban is committed to delivering an extensive outreach programme in order to identify potential in younger children and guide them towards appropriate dance training to nurture their potential and help prepare them to audition for the CAT if they wish.
From October 2023, we will be offering London schools a free CAT taster dance workshop for up to 25 students in Years 8, 9 or 10 (the group we work with is your choice). This session will offer students the opportunity to experience high quality contemporary and creative dance, and give them information about the Centre for Advanced Training at Trinity Laban.
The workshop will be delivered by one of our CAT outreach team, who are practitioners for Trinity Laban’s Centre for Advanced Training, and will last two hours in total.
We encourage schools to visit us so students can experience our award-winning building and dance in our professional studios. There will also be an opportunity for the group to tour the building and see the degree students training. However, if you would like us to visit your school, this is also possible.
We will be offering the sessions between October 2023 and March 2024 prior to our CAT Open Days in March, so any students who are interested may attend the open days and then audition if they wish.
For further information about Trinity Laban’s CAT outreach programme or to book a workshop, please contact Katy Gawadzyn on 020 8305 9419 or email k.gawadzyn@trinitylaban.ac.uk.
Staff Biographies
The Trinity Laban Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) programme is taught by a group of highly experienced professional dance teachers, artists and dance science experts.
André Fabien Francis
While successfully auditioning for the Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre: Aspiring Dance Mentoring Scheme, under the direction of Liz Dale – Director of Dance at ISTD – and Hannah Dye – Head of Programming for Breathe Arts and Freelance Producer for English National Ballet – André was scouted to join the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) Programme at The Place: London Contemporary Dance School. After nearly 3 years, André graduated from The Place: CAT accepting a fully funded place at London Studio Centre (LSC). During his time at LSC André took some time out to attend The Ailey School – the training ground for the world renowned Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre – Summer Intensive in 2013, before returning to LSC where in 2014 he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
Following graduation, André joined the ensemble of The Lion King, Germany where he was trusted with the responsibility of teaching Company Class. On Returning to the UK André joined the West End Production of Wicked in the prestigious Ribbon Boy Track before going on to play Paul in Kiss Me Kate at The Watermill Theatre choreographed by Oti Mabuse – for which André was nominated for the BroadwayWorldUK: Best Supporting Actor Award. Most recently André played Seaweed J Stubbs in Hairspray for The Grange Park: Pimlico Opera.
Having worked in the Arts industry for almost two decades, André has danced, taught, assisted, created work and been mentored both nationally & internationally. Working with world class artists, theatres and organisations including: Richard Alston, Denzil Bailey, Thea Barnes, James Bennett, the Southbank Centre, the Olympic Ceremonies, the Royal Albert Hall, Rebecca Howell, Richard Jones, Paul Liburd, Oti Mabuse, Mandy Montanez, Alex Parker, Joan Peters, Richard Roe, Jane Sanig, Judine Somerville, Christian Storm, the CDMT, Disney Theatrical Productions, Eric Underwood, Antoine Vereecken, Buddy Watkins, Nikki Woollaston and Sadler’s Wells. Which André continuously utilizes to inspire his work in the studio, on stage and off stage.
Charlotte Blinkhorn
Charlotte trained at Central School of Ballet (CSB), London, beginning her professional training at the age of sixteen. She graduated with a BA (Hons) in 2006. Charlotte spent her third year of training touring the UK as part of Ballet Central and performed the solo piece ‘Futility’, choreographed by Sara Matthews, as part of the Ballet Central 2006 tour. She then spent a year with Phoenix Dance Theatre, working with Javier De Frutos and Henrique Rodavalho whilst completing a Post Graduate Diploma.
Charlotte joined Springs Dance Company in 2008, performing and teaching extensively both nationally and internationally for over 8 years. Working with Springs gave Charlotte the opportunity to work with choreographers such as Darren Ellis, Will Tuckett, Vicky Fox and Suzannah McCreight. A highlight of her performing career was performing a solo piece choreographed by Suzannah McCreight at the Royal Albert Hall. Working with Springs Dance Company gave Charlotte a great deal of teaching experience, teaching on the company’s apprenticeship course and annual summer school. Charlotte has led many educational projects and workshops in primary and secondary schools in a range of settings across the UK. Alongside dancing for Springs, Charlotte has performed in projects at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and Resolutions, amongst other platforms. Charlotte now teaches across the South East, teaching ballet and contemporary techniques to students from a range of ages and including a professional course.
Damien Anyasi
Damien Anyasi has enjoyed more than 20 years in the dance education industry and has acquired a reputation for being one of the UK’s most celebrated dance teachers.
Graduating from the London Music School in 2001, Damien promotes connection to, and reflection of, sound in his classes, and encourages self-expression.
Damien has undergone training with notable Street, Club and Funk style dance icons including, Elite Force (HipHop), Breed of Motion (Waacking), Mighty Zulu Kingz (Breaking) and more.
Performances include Brit Awards and principle dancer with London’s Big Dance Bus tour, while choreographic credits include The National Theatre and London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.
Damien’s commitment to educating others earned him UK Dance Teacher of the Year (2014) as voted by Dance Today magazine. He has also headlined as a teacher for Unidance resulting in a 5 year tour of Russia, Azerbaijan and Ukraine.
As director of B-Better dance education company, Damien teaches many demographics and lists American School in London, Royal Academy of Dance and British Heart Foundation as former residencies.
In class, you can expect sessions focused on the student’s success with an emphasis on application, authenticity and expression.
Julian Lewis
Julian Lewis graduated from Trinity Laban in 2013 and has since performed across the UK & Europe with EDGE Dance Company, Bowie Live and Ffin Dance. Julian has also performed for Marvel Studios, Pinot! The Musical, Cascade Dance Theatre and the London 2012 Olympic Closing Ceremony, as well as projects at venues including the Royal Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall for BBC Proms, The Old Vic Tunnels and The Place. Julian is the artistic co-director of Traceworks Dance, with whom he has performed, as well as choreographed and produced a wide variety of professional projects. In 2019, he also completed his masters degree, fulfilling the role of rehearsal director on Celebration Event – a project commemorating Merce Cunningham’s Centennial performed by students at London Contemporary Dance School.
Julian is passionate about blending his professional practice with the wider community, and he regularly delivers classes, workshops and engagement projects for a variety of groups across London and further afield. He teaches ballet and contemporary technique and draws from his experience to maximise his students’ potential in technical precision, musicality and individual artistry and style.
Kasper Cornish
Kasper’s performing work ranges from Ballet Dancer to Wrestler for the BAFTA winning Channel 4 series Faking It, to creating the title role in The Snowman (Birmingham Repertory Theatre, West End & BBC film of the stage show). Other credits include The Phantom of The Opera feature film and national tour, playing the Prince of Transylvania in the National Theatre production of My Fair Lady at Theatre Royal (Drury Lane) and as principal dancer at Glyndebourne Festival Opera. He toured France and Switzerland in Maurice Bejart’s Bolero with Sylvie Guillem. and as a freelance principal artist danced ballet pas de deux as far afield as Japan.
Choreographic work includes: The Classical Brits, Comedy Shuffle (BBC3), Canvas Bag for Tim Minchin, Shakespeare’s Happy Endings (BBC4), The Terence Higgins Trust, Nickelodeon TV, Betty Blue Eyes, My Fair Lady, Degas – A Passion for Perfection (Exhibition on Screen)
He has taught Classical Ballet and Pas de Deux since 1997 for performing arts colleges, conservatoires, international summer schools, dance companies and open classes.
Kasper also writes modern classical music for various ensembles and soloists, including 7 ballet class albums, a clarinet sonata, brass quintet, works for string quartet, an oratorio and recently; a book of musical theatre songs co-written with his dear late friend Elva Makins. www.kaspecornish.bandcamp.com
Lucy Evans
Lucy Evans trained at London Contemporary Dance School and Trinity Laban as part of Transitions Dance Company 2007 gaining an MA in Dance Performance. Whilst in Transitions, Lucy toured work in the UK and Europe by Henri Okguike, Jenni Kivela, Pablo Ventura, Aszure Barton and Cristian Duarte. Her career as a freelance dance artist has included performing with H2dance, La Fura del Baus, Cie. Willi Dorner, e.dance, Aletta Collins, DeDa and the Olympics Closing Ceremony under the direction of Kym Gavin. She has taught for Trinity Laban, The Royal Ballet School, Urdang, Arts Educational Schools London, London Children’s Ballet, The Academy for Theatre Arts and Darren Ellis Dance. She received the Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship in 2008 to deliver dance workshops to under privileged children and young people in La Paz, Bolivia. In September 2014, she was awarded a place on Dance UK’s Teacher Mentoring Program. Lucy co-founded her own dance theatre company ‘Anecdotal Evidence’ with William Aitchison in 2013 making work that uses text and movement. Other choreographic commissions for young people include creating ‘Fair-e-Tale’, a professional work for E.dance that toured schools in the North of England, as well as receiving commissions to create work for young people from U Dance, PrimarySteps and the Unicorn Theatre.
Niamh Morrin
Niamh has successfully completed a BSc in Sports Science and Health and an MSc in Dance Science. Since graduating in 2006, she has worked extensively with dancers. Work includes, lecturing on the BA undergraduate Dance Science module at the University of Wolverhampton, teaching dancers health and injury prevention workshops with Akademi, Centre for Advanced Training (The Place and Trinity Laban), Springs Dance Company apprenticeship scheme and D and B School of Performing Arts.
Niamh’s research interests include; optimal warm-up for dancers and the biomechanical effects of fatigue in dance. She has presented her research internationally at the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science. Her current position as Healthier Dancer Programme Manager at Dance UK ensures that she keeps up to date with current thinking and research within the field.
Niamh is passionate about young dancer’s health – providing young training dancers with sound injury prevention and performance enhancement training and advice means that they enter the professional dancing world with an understanding of their own bodies and a tool kit to keep dancing longer and stronger.
Otis Carr
Otis initially trained in Music at the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology, later moving to the dance strand to study for A Levels and a BTEC National Diploma. During this time, he also trained as a Ballet Black associate, going onto the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, completing his dance studies at the Central School of Ballet. Otis-Cameron is also a 2013 Finzi Scholar commencing intense study in Countertenor voice.
Upon graduation Otis performed with the Red Tape Dance Company as part of the Malta Arts Festival 2008 going on to further engagements with ACE Dance and Music for their Autumn Tour of SKIN and Turandot at the Royal Opera House 2008 & 2017. From 2009-2013 Otis danced with Rambert Dance Company working with choreographers including Henri Oguike, Henrietta Horne, Tim Rushton, Marguerite Donlon, Itzik Galli and Mark Baldwin as well as performing in works by Merce Cunningham and Paul Taylor.
2013-2014 included performing as a Signet and Medium Swan in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake National and International tour.
2015 marked the start of a recurring working relationship with Barry Kosky and Otto Pichler creating both the Glyndebourne Opera’s Production of Saul and Royal Opera House, Covent Garden production of The Nose with Saul going on to be presented as part of the Glyndebourne 2015 Tour and the Adelaide Festival 2017. During this time Otis was also engaged with CIE 7273 (Geneva), performing Tarab in Europe, Serbia and the Middle East. Other notable work includes End of Line by Goshka Macuga preforming at the Lowry Gallery 2017.
Otis has presented work as part of the Rambert season of new choreography at The Place Theatre 2011 as well as assisting rehearsals with the Choreographer Mbulelo Ndabeni in subsequent seasons.
Otis is currently engaged with CIE 7273 (Geneva) and is a Technique Lecturer at Trinity Laban Conservatoire for Music and Dance.
Poppy Tremlett
Professional dancer and choreographer Poppy Tremlett completed her training at Shockout Arts in Manchester, graduating with a first class BA honours degree in professional and commercial dance. Before this Poppy’s dance training began at a young age, primarily in all Hip Hop styles. She went on to perform and compete around the world, gaining many first place Hip-Hop international titles. Since graduating, Poppy has starred in various music videos, including AITCH- TASTE, is a member of Company Jinks (Ricky Jinks) and worked with some of the UK’s leading commercial dance industry choreographers.
Founder of Seasonal Sessions UK, Poppy has created an intensive dance training program that runs once a month in Cardiff and Bristol, providing the South West cities of the UK with further opportunities in dance.
As well as teaching Hip Hop on Trinity Laban’s CAT program, Poppy has taught for higher education programs including the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, London Studio Centre and Shockout Academy. Poppy has recently become an official judge for the British Dance Organisation and 101 dance competitions.
Committed to dance education, Poppy strives to inspire young people to not only fulfil their passions and potential to perform, but for them to also explore their own artistry and creative choices alongside her own as a choreographer.
Reena Bhattacharjee
Reena trained at the Royal Academy of Dance, graduating with a BA (Hons) in Ballet Education, as well as achieving further qualifications with the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing. After qualifying, she began working as a freelance teacher and sometimes performer – including dancing in the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony. Reena is currently on the regular faculty of many organisations – the Junior School of ballet company Ballet Black, the Royal Academy of Dance at their HQ, the Sylvia Young Theatre School, the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) programme at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, for the Youth Dance Company Artistry Youth Dance, and she and also runs her own school in London (En Pointe). Reena completed a Masters of Fine Arts in Dance Science (with Distinction) at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire in Greenwich in 2022, part of which included a year-long research project looking at the sleep of professional ballet dancers and how this related to their workload and mood states. Since her Masters, she has begun lecturing undergraduate Dance and Teaching degree students in Dance Science, academic studies, and Ballet, for both the Royal Academy of Dance, and Momentum Performing Arts Academy.
Yolanda Newsome
Yolanda Newsome is a Teacher, Choreographer, Lecturer and Artist/Performer. Starting her dance career at IRIE! Dance Theatre studying Contemporary, Ballet, African and Caribbean Dance. Also specialising in HipHop Foundation and Waackin.
As an artist of EMANCIPATION OF EXPRESSIONISM AQA DANCE. Yolanda continues her training in dance company BoyBlue Entertainment and over the years has become part of the Teaching Faculty expanding her role to Rehearsals Director, Teaching Assistant and Assistant Choreographer assisting Kenrick Sandy with adults and the younger generation, Da Bluez and BluePrint.
Show credits include: GOT TO DANCE Semi Finalist 2010; STREET DANCE MOVIE 3D; THANKS TIM (2012 London Olympics); SAN FRANCISCO HIP HOP FESTIVAL; LEGACY: THE RETURN (Danceeast Ipswich/ Stratford Theatre); BREAKIN CONVENTION (Sadlers Wells/ Apollo Theatre, New York), Nike, An Night With BoyBlue, Boadicea Bahrain, EuroVision Opening Liverpool, MOBO Awards, Latitude Festival, Wilderness Festival , BBC TV Series- MOOD, Nostos Festival (Athens) and More
Assistant Choreographer/Rehearsal Director/Team Leader credits include: PROJECT REBEL: BOYBLUE ENTERTAINMENT (Edinburgh International Festival), Guys and Dolls (Talawa Theatre Company), An Night with BoyBlue (Barbican Theatre), Walk with Amaal, Queens Platinum Jubilee.
Artist Credits Include: Sugababes, Dizzee Rascal, Giggs, Emeli Sande, Zara Larson, Roxanne, Jesy Nelson, Black Sherif, Alexandra Burke.
Projects
Students at Trinity Laban’s Centre for Advanced Training have the opportunity to take part in various exciting projects throughout the year, working with leading dance companies and artists in world renowned-dance venues.
Professional Artist Commissions 2022/23
Each year, the Centre for Advanced Training at Trinity Laban commissions a number of professional artists to work with the young people on the programme. This exposure to the professional dance world is a key element of the training programme. The students are treated as professional companies in their own right, supplied with rehearsal directors, lighting designers, costume designers, producers and, of course, the artists themselves. The young people receive call sheets for the production days and rehearsals, and get to perform the work at some of the most prestigious venues in the UK: the Royal Festival Hall, White Lodge, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank Clore Ballroom, Robin Howard Dance Theatre and the Laban Theatre. These works are developed to the highest production standards with acclaimed reviews.
The artists and companies worked with in previous years include: Alexander Whitley, Ali Curtis-Jones, Arthur Pita, Bim Malcomson, Darren Ellis, Double Vision, Fernanda Prata, Freddie Opoku-Addaie, Hofesh Shechter Dance Company, Ihsaan de Banya, James Cousins Company, James Wilton, Jess & Morgs, Joss Arnott, Kenneth Tharp, Lea Anderson, Lee Smikle, Lost Dog, Luke Birch, Luke Brown, Mafalda Deville, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures, Nigel Charnock, Patricia Okenwa, Russell Maliphant Company, Sarah Dowling, Sarah Golding, Sarah Linstra, Seke Chimutengwende, Shobana Jeyasingh, Studio Wayne McGregor, Tavaziva Dance, Tina Krasevec, Uchenna Dance, Vidya Patel, VOXED and Yolanda Newsome.
Meet the Artists
The artists for our 2022/2023 professional commissions are André Fabien Francis, Bim Malcomson, Joshua Nash for Far From The Norm, Sophie Thorpe for Tom Dale Company and Tough Boys Dance Collective.
Alumni
Trinity Laban CAT alumni go on to take diverse and exciting pathways after they leave us in the arts and other industries. Keeping in touch with us and other CAT Alumni means you will be part of a growing community who have shared the unique Trinity Laban CAT experience. It is an effective way to keep in contact, network and find out about dance industry opportunities. Trinity Laban CAT alumni also have free reference access to the Trinity Laban Library and archive – the biggest dance specific library in Europe.
Hear from CAT graduate Charis Crudgington about her experience at Trinity Laban, the difference the programme made to her personally and professionally, and the advice she would give for auditions.
Parents, guardians and family also play an important role in the training of students on the Trinity Laban CAT programme. Hear from Helen Lefevre, whose daughter has recently graduated from us:
“From Day One my daughter had a new family. A group of talented peers to work alongside of, inspirational teachers and a fearless course director whose vision for her students saw them viewing and being trained by leading lights in contemporary dance, from Hofesh Shechter to Henri Oguike, Random Dance to Matthew Bourne. I have seen my daughter perform at the Royal Festival Hall, the Bonnie Bird theatre and the Place. I have witnessed her grow from an enthusiastic dancer into a thoughtful, consummate professional.
Balancing the needs of academic demands with training 3 times a week instilled time management skills many adults would be proud of, alongside the emotional literacy that comes with belonging to a dance company. The training offered new and creative ways to interpret her academic subjects. This September my daughter started dual honours in English and Philosophy. She will always be a dancer. Thanks to the CAT she has gone to university knowing what it is to be creative, to perform, to communicate through a medium other than words. Thank you to everyone involved with this remarkable scheme, may it go on and offer many more young people the opportunity to dance.”
We are keen to hear from all former students, so please get in touch. We will be delighted to hear from you.
Useful Links for Dance Industry Information, Auditions and Job Opportunities:
Contact Us
Below is contact information for our management and faculty staff.
Laura Aldridge
Head of Children and Young People
Learning and Participation (Dance)
e: l.aldridge@trinitylaban.ac.uk
Niesha Holder
CAT Manager
Centre for Advanced Training
e: n.holder@trinitylaban.ac.uk
Lucy Evans
Lead Teacher
Centre for Advanced Training
e: l.evans@trinitylaban.ac.uk
Katy Gawadzyn
Projects Manager
Centre for Advanced Training
e: k.gawadzyn@trinitylaban.ac.uk
Niamh Morrin
Performance Enhancement Teacher
Centre for Advanced Training
e: n.morrin@trinitylaban.ac.uk
CAT Coordinator
Centre for Advanced Training
e: cat@trinitylaban.ac.uk
Key Facts
Location | Laban Building |
---|---|
Duration | Minimum requirement 1 year |
Start Date | September 2023 |
Discover CAT
Hear from the teachers and the students

How to Find Us
The Laban Building is an awe-inspiring landmark situated in Deptford Creekside in south-east London. State-of-the-art facilities include 13 dance studios, a health suite, a café and the 300-seat Laban Theatre.
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Funders & Partners
The Trinity Laban CAT scheme is funded by and works with a variety of partners in the cultural and creative sectors.
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News
Trinity Laban recognised as a world-leading specialist provider
We are delighted to have been recognised once again as a "world-leading" specialist provider by the Office for Students.Mon 12 December 2022 -
News
A Better Place: CoLab 2023
Trinity Laban’s annual celebration of cross-disciplinary collaboration and creativity, CoLab, returns from Monday 13 February. Over two weeks, 900 students from our Faculties of Dance and Music come together with staff and visiting artists from around the world to create works rooted in imagination and experimentation.Tue 14 February 2023