Charlotte Tonkinson

Charlotte was a student at the Academy of Northern Ballet between 2008-2013

Year started the CAT: 2008

Age started the CAT: 11

Year left/graduated from the CAT: 2013

How did you discover the CAT programme?

I did a summer school Yorkshire Young Dancers and a teacher told me that I was talented and if I wanted to do this seriously then I need to start looking for great training and suggested the CAT programme.

What had been your experience of dance before the CAT?

I used to do all styles of dance growing up but took a real liking to Ballet around 9 / 10 years old.

Reflecting back now, what has the CAT taught you? 
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!

Where did you go after CAT – what has been your career trajectory?

I trained at the Royal Ballet Upper School for 3 years, then joined the Royal Ballet as a company dancer.

What are any of your future aspirations, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I would love to keep pushing myself in soloist roles and hopefully get promoted to a soloist!

What advice would you give to a young person who is interested in the CAT?
I think the CAT programme enables you to reach your dreams if you work hard and believe in yourself!

If you received a bursary to cover all/or part of your fees when attending the CAT. What impact has the financial support of a Department for Education Grant had on your dancing?

Without the bursary this would have been extremely hard to achieve so I’m so grateful that it allowed me to follow my dreams.

We are celebrating 20 years of CAT – what difference do you think the scheme has made to the UK dance landscape?
I think it’s made a tremendous difference! I know for a fact that some of the great artists of today may have had a completely different journey if this scheme wasn’t around.

Photo Credit: Andrej Uspenski @ dancersdiary