Dance City Training Academy

✨ CAT GRADUATES ✨

Introducing our next CAT graduate…

⭐️Gabby Ace⭐️

Gabby has been on the CAT for 4 years and will be graduating to study at Northern School of Contemporary Dance

⭐️Slide across to see what Gabby has to say about her time on CAT⭐️

gabrielle Dance City National Dance CATs Northern School of Contemporary Dance (NSCD)

✨Being on the CAT scheme has brought me so much joy over the past 4 years, making friends through dance and expressing myself creatively has been an invaluable experience.✨

✨CAT has prepared me for the professional world of dance in teaching me technique, improving my confidence and developing my skills for working collaboratively.✨

✨The CAT staff are so supportive and lovely so if you have a passion for dance come to the audition to put your talent and creativity on show, the day itself is already so much fun!✨

✨I am lucky enough to be attending the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in September, where I am so excited to continue my dance journey ✨

✨ CAT GRADUATES ✨

Introducing our next CAT graduate…

⭐️Eva Cothey⭐️

Eva has been in the CAT for 4 years and will be graduating to study BSc Linguistics at University College London.

⭐️Slide across to see what Eva has to say about her time on CAT⭐️

Eva University College London Dance City National Dance CATs

✨On CAT, I’ve formed my most valuable friendships and made connections I hope will benefit me in the future. It’s an amazing gateway into the professional world and has gave me lots of skills that have prepared me for it.✨

✨I would say the scheme has taught me a lot of confidence since it opens your eyes to a broader range of dance styles, so it really encourages you to find your niche and express yourself the way you want to.✨

⭐️What would you like to say to anyone thinking of auditioning for CAT?⭐️
To just go for it! The idea might be daunting but the audition process itself is so fun and relaxed - it’s a great opportunity to showcase yourself and what makes you stand out.

✨Despite receiving an offer from The Place, I’ve chosen to do BSc Linguistics at University College London where I’m excited to explore the creative opportunities that living in London will bring, and continue my dance training in the future. ✨

✨ CAT GRADUATES ✨

Introducing our next CAT graduate…

⭐️Eilidh Evans⭐️

Eilidh has been on the CAT for 1 year and will be graduating to study to do a Foundation year in Musical Theatre at Northern School of Musical Theatre.

⭐️Slide across to see what Eilidh has to say about her time on CAT⭐️

eilidh Dance City National Dance CATs NSMT

⭐️During your time on CAT, what has this scheme meant to you?⭐️
It’s meant being able to explore dance in a creative form in a safe space. It’s meant the building of fundamental skills both in terms of dance and performance. As someone who’s never danced this scheme has allowed me to explore the creative side of dance as well as teaching me key technique in a professional setting.

⭐️What have you learnt from being on CAT?⭐️
Confidence, technique, creativity

⭐️What would you like to say to anyone thinking of auditioning for CAT?⭐️
Go for it! No matter your level you’ll be welcomed and nurtured in a welcoming space.

⭐️What are your plans for after CAT and what are you most excited about?⭐️
I’m going on to do a Foundation year in Musical Theatre at Northern School of Musical Theatre. I’m super grateful for CAT which built my confidence in dance enabling me to audition for Drama Schools smoothly

✨ CAT GRADUATES ✨

Introducing our next CAT graduate…

⭐️Claire Gate⭐️

Claire l has been on the CAT for 6 years and will be graduating to study at Trinity Laban

⭐️Slide across to see what Claire has to say about her time on CAT⭐️

Trinity Laban Dance City Claire Gate

✨During your time on CAT, what has this scheme meant to you?✨
It has been great, I have made life long friends and it is has been as important part of my life.

✨What have you learnt from being on CAT?✨
I have learnt to be hardworking, disciplined, resilient. I have grown a passion and love for dance. This programme has developed my technique in contemporary, ballet and pointe. I have learnt how the performing arts industry works through many theatre trips and intensive works with guest artists.

✨What would you like to say to anyone thinking of auditioning for CAT?✨
Just go for it, you will regret it if you don’t try. You just need to be yourself, they are looking for your passion and love for dance not perfection.

✨What are your plans for after CAT and what are you most excited about?✨
I am going to study at Trinity Laban in Greenwich. I am most excited to further my training and try new styles. I am looking forward to living a new lifestyle in London and making new friends.

✨Thanks very much CAT for all you have done over last 6 years.✨

✨ CAT GRADUATES ✨

Introducing our next CAT graduate…

⭐️Anna Farren⭐️

Anna has been on the CAT for 3 years and will be graduating to attend the University of Oxford

⭐️Slide across to see what Anna has to say about her time on CAT⭐️

1 Dance City National Dance CATs The University of Oxford

✨CAT has been so important for me in both developing my training and helping me to make valuable friendships.✨

✨The scheme has really pushed me, in terms of progressing with my contemporary technique, and learning how to hone my creativity into making interesting choreography.✨

✨CAT has developed my collaboration skills and my self confidence so much, so I would say to anyone thinking of auditioning to just come along and have fun.✨

✨I’ll be attending the University of Oxford in October, but I look forward to exploring new dance opportunities wherever I end up✨

✨ CAT GRADUATES ✨

Introducing our next CAT graduate…

⭐️Amelie Banks⭐️

Amelie has been in the CAT for 6 years and will be graduating to study interior design at the University of Edinburgh The University of Edinburgh

⭐️Slide across to see what Amelie has to say about her time on CAT⭐️

Dance City National Dance CATs

✨During my time on this scheme I have made so many close friendships and met so many inspiring people and choreographers. I have learnt to maintain discipline, stamina and organisation as well as self-esteem. CAT has given me so much fulfilment , knowing after a long day at school I can attack my energy elsewhere! Over the years, what I have loved the most was creating and performing my own choreography as well as learning and appreciating the work of my teachers and my friends, creating routines, of strength and unity to show to my loved ones, gifting me pride and a sense if accomplishment! Moreover, CAT has allowed me to really grown as a person as well as a dancer, and I would not be the person who I am today without CAT!✨

✨From joining CAT as a year 7 I have learnt that you should follow your own voice while accepting comments from others. I have learnt to endure critiques as well as compliments and to accept imperfections and turn them into growth. CAT has given me the ability to explore my own artistry as well as my identity and what defines me, as well as allowing me to stay consistent and determined no matter what!✨

⭐️What would you like to say to anyone thinking of auditioning for CAT?⭐️
Some advice I would give would be to audition even if you are unsure of your capabilities and skills, they are looking for potential in your movement not excellence and to show confidence in yourself no matter what. Just do it! Anything is possible when you have confidence!

⭐️what are your plans for after CAT and what are you most excited about?⭐️
After CAT, I will go on to study interior design at the University of Edinburgh whilst hopefully on the side still attend contemporary and ballet dance classes and try new dance styles in a new City!

⭐️Anything else you would last to pass on to our next generation of dancers?⭐️
Even if you

✨ CAT GRADUATES ✨

Introducing our second CAT graduate

⭐️Alansay May Carlyon-Wright⭐️

Alansay has been in the CAT for 2 years and will be graduating to attend SLP College

⭐️Slide across to see what Alansay has to say about her time on CAT⭐️

Alansay May Dance City National Dance CATs

✨My time at CAT has meant so much to me. In my first year at CAT i had never done contemporary and felt so nervous and felt like i was going outside my comfort zone but I am so glad I did. Now in my second year i feel so much confident not only on my dancing and movement but in myself.CAT is filled with so many amazing opportunities and I am proud to say I was apart of the program and I’m so glad to have met so many amazing people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.✨

✨For only being at CAT for two years it has taught me so much. It has taught me how to understand my body and how it moves in ways i didn’t know. It has taught me quick picking up skills when learning choreography which it’s important for my future career of being in performing arts. I’ve learnt how to be more creative when creating movement and learnt the importance of teamwork and working with others.But most importantly it has taught me how to be more confident in myself.There are so many skills I have learnt from being apart of CAT and so thankful for everything.✨

⭐️What would you like to say to anyone thinking of auditioning for CAT?⭐️

Go for it !!You have nothing to lose and don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone CAT is an amazing thing to be apart of and has so many wonderful opportunities and are there to fully support you they are looking for potential not perfection - Good luck!

⭐️What are your plans for after CAT and what are you most excited about?⭐️

I am excited to continue my studies at SLP College where I have been offered the BA Hons degree in musical theatre.

✨ CAT GRADUATES ✨

Over the next few weeks we will be celebrating the amazing success of all our graduating students of 2026!

Introducing our first CAT graduate and our very first STREET CAT graduate…

⭐️Ailia Zamora⭐️

Ailia has been on the CAT for 6 years and will be graduating to study a degree apprenticeship in Digital/IT.

⭐️Slide across to see what Ailia has to say about her time on CAT⭐️

Ailia Zamora Dance City National Dance CATs

✨During your time on CAT, what has this scheme meant to you?✨
CAT- my desired place meant for me.  Every time I attend the dance classes on a Sunday, dance is like an escapism from reality and a safe haven where I can express my personality and happiness when I do the thing I most love- dance. Dance has released this negative stigma of thoughts such as, “you’re not good enough,” or “people will judge you.” Before CAT I was quite insecure and self-centred with a lack of positive attitude and felt unmotivated in life especially after re-adjusting from the COVID life. Dance has enabled me to break the circulation of negative thoughts but most importantly encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone which was something I was struggling with.

Dance is embedded into my heart

✨What have you learnt from being on CAT?✨
Through 6 years of the CAT programme, I formed a dance community not only from the STREET group, but from all other community groups as well. Most of all, I have learnt to not let my anxious thoughts get in the way of me dancing and I have built confidence throughout these years.

From battling into cyphers and expressing my personality through freestyling, I have never felt so rewarded and proud of consistently achieving my goals.

CAT definitely helped me identify my style in street dance, and I grew fond of breakdancing as well as locking and popping. Hip-hop and commercial remains my speciality but breakdancing is beginning to be a style that I adore.

✨What would you like to say to anyone thinking of auditioning for CAT?✨
Be the amazing and creative individual as you are and showcase your talent to the judges. Everyone has their unique style, it is up to you to highlight your own personality.

✨What ar

✨SUMMER INTENSIVE - GROUP 3✨

Last spotlight for our Summer Intensive is Kevin Edward Turner Mbe

⭐️Kevin has been Aritstic Director for almost 20 years at Chameleon. During that time he has made work in a huge variety of contexts nationally and internationally. As a dancer he performed with Rambert, Phoneix Dance Theatre, Scottish Dance Theatre, Henri Oguike, Finn Walker and has been part of many international collaborations and collectives.

The dancers at CAT are the next generation of dance artists, I am looking forward to being inspired by these Brilliant and Bright young people.

I am interested in taking a shamanistic approach to the work. This work will explore ritual and primeval force and how dance can be used as a vessel for connection and transcendence.⭐️

Company Chameleon

✨SUMMER INTENSIVE - GROUP 2✨

Introducing Lucia Taylor who is working with students B & C over our intensive.

⭐️Lucia (she/her) is a dance and movement artist with kiwi blood, born in London and raised in Barcelona. It was there that she began her professional dance training and went onto joining The Boston Conservatory at Berklee in the United States, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

During her time at the conservatory, Lucia performed in works by renowned choreographers such as Jennifer Archibald, Liam Francis, and Juliano Nunes. With a deep passion for choreography, her own works have been selected for festivals such as New Century Dance Project in the United States and Resolution in the United Kingdom. Lucia has also attended programs at prestigious institutions including Orsolina 28, Scapino Summer Creative, and Sydney Dance Company.

For the final year of her degree she danced with VERVE, the postgraduate company of the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, touring England and abroad and she is currently in her first season as an apprentice with Company Chameleon.

I am very excited to be working with the fabulous CAT students, I’m so thankful for this opportunity to share the space, create and grow with the students!

I am interested in exploring emotional vocabulary of anger and sadness into physical embodiment. Whilst it can be deeply expressive, the work is strictly framed as an artistic exploration and is intended to be a physical abrastrsction of these emotions ⭐️

Company Chameleon