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CAT Students, HRH Visit, Photo Justin Slee

CAT Foundation

We have an exciting opportunity for talented young dancers who are starting year 5 in September 2024. CAT Foundation is the perfect opportunity for young aspiring dancers who wish to pursue a career in classical ballet. CAT Foundation is the first step on your journey providing a safe and caring environment to develop your talent. We have a full progression route onto the CAT programme and the Academy of Northern Ballet specialises in preparing dancers for Vocational school auditions at 16.

CAT foundation students will have a weekly 2 hour ballet class alongside the following exciting opportunities:

  • Termly personalised strengthening programme
  • Personal advice for entering the CAT programme
  • Opportunity to join in the CAT October Intensive
  • Opportunities for an insight into the Northern Ballet Company
  • A dedicated big brother/sister from the Company
  • Academy Mentor
  • Theatre Trip
  • Classes take place in our professional studios in Leeds city centre

Classes are taught by our expert Centre for Advanced Training staff who provide first class training in classical ballet. Students will develop their classical foundations in preparation for future training.

Course Fees

The CAT Foundation course costs £650 for the year and includes all classes and the additional opportunities. The CAT Foundation programme is not eligible for DfE Funding. If anyone is experiencing financial hardship and would experience difficulties with the fees, please contact the Academy as we would not want this to prevent a talented student from participating.

How to apply

  • To audition, students need to be currently in year 4 at Primary School, going into year 5 in September 2024, when they would begin the course.
  • Please complete our audition application form and select “CAT” as your audition option
  • You will then receive information about the audition date/time after the application deadline closes

Places are extremely limited for this new and exciting programme.

Your future starts here!

Applications and auditions

Ballet student in class

Photos Justin Slee.