George Perez discusses The Centre for Advanced Training and his path to performance
The Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) was recommended to George Perez by a dance teacher at his secondary school. Starting at the age of 15, he graduated three years later and went on to complete a BA Hons in Contemporary Dance at Trinity Laban. George now works as a professional dancer, specialising in contemporary techniques, puppetry, and physical theatre. His movement style is highly acrobatic and rooted in floorwork, tricking, and flying low. He has performed internationally across theatre, opera, fashion and film, seamlessly blending dance with physical storytelling. His varied career includes work with Jasmin Vardimon Company, Autin Dance Theatre, KWAM Collective, Michaela Cisarikova Dance Company, and Sonia Sabri Company, among others. Notable credits include performing at the Royal Opera House, London Fashion Week, Rugby League World Cup Cultural Festival, and the Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony.
With a passion for pushing movement boundaries and integrating dance, theatre, and circus arts, George continues to evolve as a dynamic and expressive performer, captivating audiences across stage and screen. We spoke to George about his experience of the Centre of Advanced Training at Trinity Laban.
What was your experience of the being a Dance CAT student?
The CAT scheme felt like a place of inspiration and growth. There was always a positive atmosphere in the building. It was exciting to be somewhere full of creative people who wanted to help us progress on our individual journeys. Something I really valued was having live musicians in all of our classes. This was a real treat and greatly inspired my movement. I also really valued the level of support, dedication, and encouragement from the teachers who went above and beyond expectations. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
What has the CAT scheme taught you?
The CAT scheme taught me various skills that are essential to my freelance career now. One example would be organisation. Trying to juggle studying and exams, dance training, and time with friends was something I found extremely challenging on the CAT scheme. This experience allowed me to learn how to be organised and manage my time efficiently. Being organised is a huge part of my day-to-day life as a freelance performer, as I have to juggle dates and availability, apply for auditions before finishing my current contract and manage my life around unusual schedules.
Another skill the CAT scheme taught me was commitment. Traveling two hours every Saturday and some half terms to attend the classes was a big commitment at such a young age. Even though this felt like a lot in the moment, I knew the time I spent at Trinity Laban was extremely valuable to my development and I was extremely lucky to have a place on the programme.
The CAT also gave me a strong foundation in ballet and contemporary techniques and allowed me to start my journey with my own artistry in our creative sessions. I was also able to build on skills such as coordination, transferring to the left side, movement memory, and pick up as well as balance, strength, and flexibility. This was all possible because of the versatility in our class scheduling.
Where has the scheme led you so far?
After the CAT scheme, I continued at Trinity Laban for the BA Hons in Contemporary Dance and then joined Jasmin Vardimon 2 for their professional development programme. My credits include Wagner’s Tannhäuser at the Royal Opera House, Tides of Resilience at Boomerang Dance Company, the dance film Eterna, commissioned by Anthony Matsena, among many others.
What are your future aspirations?
I would like to continue to work with a variety of companies and explore interdisciplinary dance practices, such as dance circus or dance for film. I intend to apply for some funding for my own work in the future.
What advice would you give to a young person who is interested in auditioning?
I would say go for it and soak up as much as you can because there is so much to offer from the CAT Scheme. It sets you up on the right path for a successful career in the arts world!
Photo credits: Ben Harries (cover) and Katie Hutchinson (insert)