Dance City Training Academy

✨ CAT GRADUATES ✨

Introducing our final CAT graduate…

⭐️Sona Jawara⭐️

Sona has been in the CAT for 5 years and will be graduating to study at London Contemporary Dance School.

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

Dance City National Dance CATs National Youth Dance Company The Place London

⭐️During your time on CAT, what has this scheme meant to you?⭐️
It has helped me improve my dancing skills and made me realise my love for dance.

⭐️What have you learnt from being on CAT?⭐️
The importance of turning up and working as a group.

⭐️What would you like to say to anyone thinking of auditioning for CAT?⭐️
It is a great experience and it gives you friends for life.

⭐️What are your plans for after CAT and what are you most excited about?⭐️
I am going to London Contemporary Dance School which I am very excited about.

✨I’ve loved my time at CAT and I have always felt supported throughout my journey✨

✨ CAT GRADUATES ✨

Introducing our next CAT graduate…

⭐️Lily Calladine⭐️

Lily has been in the CAT for 3 years and will be graduating to study at Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

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

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

✨While being on CAT, I have formed incredible friendships and learnt many valuable skills I can take into my career✨

✨I have learned more about the dance industry and exactly how to pursue a career in dance✨

⭐️What would you say to someone who is thinking about auditioning for CAT?⭐️
Go for it! You never know what could come out of it.

✨After CAT, I’m joining the BA at NSCD and I’m most excited to meet new people and learn more✨

✨ CAT GRADUATES ✨

Introducing our next CAT graduate…

⭐️Lillyanna Navuso⭐️

Lillyanna has been in the CAT for 5 years and will be graduating to study at London Contemporary Dance School.

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

Dance City The Place London National Dance CATs

✨My time here on CAT has been so special from meeting new people and creating close bonds, to the supportive atmosphere built by the teachers and staff that pushed me to improve so much. Doing something I love around people I enjoy is so refreshing, especially with the comfort that a close group dynamic provides, which I thankfully experienced every year at my time here.✨

✨I’ve learned the importance of discipline and resilience, especially from commuting during my time at CAT. Balancing that with my GCSEs and then A-levels wasn’t easy, but it made me more determined and helped build my perseverance. I’ve also learned how important practice is, and that it’s okay to make mistakes because that’s how you learn.✨

⭐️What would you say to someone thinking of auditioning for the CAT scheme? ⭐️
Definitely go for it. When I first auditioned in 2021, I didn’t have much dance experience and was weary in auditioning because of it, but the scheme is so accommodating to anyone with whatever and however much dance experience. I’m also so glad I did audition because I’ve made lots of friends and had so many funny memories.

✨After CAT I am attending London Contemporary Dance School, which I’m very excited about due to the vast range of diverse styles they offer. I am also looking forward to meeting new people and the experience of living in London✨

✨ CAT GRADUATES ✨

Introducing our next CAT graduate…

⭐️Holly Metcalfe⭐️

Holly has been on the CAT for 4 years and will be graduating to study at Performers College.

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

hollym_75x Holly M Dance City National Dance CATs Performers College

✨During my time on CAT, this scheme has been amazing. I have progressed so much over the 4 years and can’t imagine my life without it.✨

✨Throughout CAT, I have been able to understand how a professional atmosphere is created within a supportive environment. With CAT, I have further learnt the importance of teamwork, determination and commitment which I believe is essential in a dancers life. Throughout my time, I have progressed in my technique, strength, flexibility, coordination and so much more. Along with this, I have learned how to dance fluidly as a soloist or with multiple different people.✨

✨For anyone thinking of auditioning for CAT, I would say to just be yourself and show off your best skills. Remember that they aren’t looking for perfection but passion and potential!✨

✨After CAT, I will be continuing my training at Performers College. I am most excited about further developing my skills as a dancer✨

✨ 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