We are proud to mark 20 years of the National Centres for Advanced Training (CATs) in Dance – a ground-breaking programme that has supported thousands of young people across the UK to access world-class dance training, regardless of their background. As featured in One Dance UK Magazine (Spring 2025), this special article by Veronica Jobbins MBE reflects on the powerful impact of the scheme, its alumni’s achievements, and the challenges ahead. With thanks to One Dance UK and Veronica for capturing two decades of commitment, creativity and care.
Read the full article below.
20 Years of National Dance CATs
Shaping the Future of Dance
by Veronica Jobbins MBE
Too often in dance, we find it hard to be optimistic about the future of our art form. Veronica Jobbins MBE marks the 20th anniversary of the National Centres for Advanced Training in Dance (CATs) which has been an extraordinary success story, although sadly often overlooked.
“This unique programme that nurtures young dancers for a lifetime in dance deserves to be celebrated and supported for its past success and pivotal role in the dance ecosystem of the future.”
Veronica Jobbins MBE
Supported from the beginning by the Department of Education (DfE), Music and Dance Scheme, the Dance CATs over the last 20 years have provided dance pre-vocational training for thousands of young people aged 10 – 18, many from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This innovative scheme, providing a unique talent development programme, has grown to become a principal pathway to careers in dance, reaching up to 900 students annually.
The Dance CATs are managed through ten regional centres: Dance City, DanceEast, FABRIC, National Centre for Circus Arts, Northern Ballet, Northern School of Contemporary Dance, Swindon Dance, The Lowry, The Place / London School of Contemporary Dance, and Trinity Laban.
Significantly, this programme has been instrumental in creating and inspiring future generations of world class dancers and choreographers and by actively removing barriers to access, ensure they come from a range of diverse (and not the usual/traditional dance) backgrounds.
CATs: In Numbers
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- 68% were bursary holders
- 52% of grant holders came from households with annual income below £25,000p.a.
- 27% were from the global majority
- 18% identified as being disabled
*2023-24 statistics
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Dance training programme
Started by the DfE, the Dance CATs aim is to enable “children with exceptional potential, regardless of their personal circumstances, to benefit from world-class specialist training “. (DfE, Music and Dance Scheme).
Hosted by regional dance organisations, the Dance CATs offer a range of dance styles including ballet, contemporary, South Asian styles, hip hop and circus. They have worked together to ensure their training meets the specific needs of young people, sharing expertise and models of dance training.
The DfE financial support through means tested bursaries has been crucial, enabling young people to take advantage of the Dance CATs programme irrespective of their family circumstances.
All the dance provision is delivered outside of school hours, covering dance technique, creative and choreographic work, dance fitness and health with opportunities to take part in performances and, special projects in school holidays. Direct links with the professional dance sector have been an essential feature, with training delivered by professional dance teachers and artists.
A fundamental part of the programme is preparation for auditions and professional training with targeted support when applying for higher education.
“ The CAT scheme felt like a place of inspiration and growth… it was exciting to be somewhere full of creative people who wanted to help us progress on our individual journeys.”
George Perez (Trinity Laban Dance CAT, 2014-2017) Dance artist
Breaking down barriers to opportunity
Significant to the Dance CATs success has been their commitment to access for young people, whatever their background and previous experience. Knowing that many barriers exist for young people in pursuing a dance career they have developed extensive outreach programmes with schools and community partners, targeting those living in deprivation and from diverse backgrounds, to identify untapped dance potential and encourage anyone interested to apply.
However, just recruiting young people from diverse backgrounds on to the Dance CAT is not enough to ensure they thrive. The financial assistance of bursaries enables participation regardless of socio-economic background, as well as the supportive environment tailored around individual needs. CAT staff work closely with families, enabling children and young people facing challenges and barriers to undertake their training.
“ I think the Academy had a huge impact on kickstarting my career. It not only got me strong technically but also grew my confidence and shaped me into the dancer I am today!”
Charlotte Tonkinson (Academy of Northern Ballet, 2008-2013) Artist with The Royal Ballet
Impact
Each year, an average of 142 students graduate from National Dance CATs with 73% going on to Higher or Further Education dance study (conservatoire, university, or other vocational training), half of whom are the first generation within their family to progress to university.
Alumni of the National Dance CATs programme are currently pursuing successful dance careers at over 80 dance companies including Akram Khan Company, Balletboyz, Hofesh Schecter Company, New Adventures, Northern Ballet, and ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company.
“ My time at CAT was extremely influential on my dance journey…The relationships created are still with me today and in my work as a professional dance artist I maintain connections with artists in the industry who I first connected with on the CAT programme.”
Vidya Patel (FABRIC Dance CAT in partnership with Sampad, 2008 – 2017) Dance artist and choreographer
Challenges for the future
The Dance CATs have demonstrated the positive impact of a well-resourced and targeted programme in opening up dance pathways for young people into dance careers. Successive governments have supported the scheme, recognising its value and importance especially within the policy context of encouraging social mobility and opportunity for all.
However, there is fear among the Dance CATs that the scheme may be in danger.
In December 2024, the National Dance CATs programme was notified by the DfE that while they will continue to support the means tested bursaries, they could no longer fund the outreach programmes which in 2023-24 reached 16,525 children and young people across England through 1,685 sessions, involving 329 schools.
This is devastating news as it will put in jeopardy the ability of the Dance CATs to reach the very young people they were set up to work with; those living with disadvantage and from diverse backgrounds.
It is to be hoped that the DfE funds the Dance CATs fully over the next 20 years so that they can continue to find and train the young people who will help to shape the future of dance in the UK.
Contact
For all press and media enquiries (including interviews and press requests) please contact:
sophiebl@suttoncomms.com
Sophie Balfour-Lynn, Sutton