Associate Programme

Central’s Associate Programme is a pre-vocational programme of Saturday classes for those aiming for professional dance training, for students aged between 11 and 16 years (academic years 7 to 11).

Entry Requirements

For students age 11-16yrs, school years 7-11, entry by audition only

Programme Length

Weekly classes on Saturdays during term time, 3 terms per academic year

Virtual Open Day

To be announced for 2022

Fees

Paid termly, 3 terms per academic year

Application Process

Applications for September 2021 entry are now closed

Uniform

The Associate Programme uniform is made for Central, available exclusively from the school

Overview

Programme Outline Attend a Virtual Open Day Entry Requirements How to Apply Fees Funding and Bursaries Term Dates Student Support Uniform

Programme Outline

Central’s Associate Programme is a pre-vocational programme of Saturday classes for those aiming for professional dance training, for students aged between 11 and 16 years (academic years 7 to 11). The classes are designed to help aspiring dancers to prepare for a future performing career  and will complement regular training after school.

Students are divided into classes for boys and girls, with further groupings taking into account both age and ability. Places in the Programme are offered following audition and are available for one year only. Continuous assessment and support are part of the ethos with progression to the next level dependent on successful annual assessment in the spring term. Please note that students may be asked to repeat a level at any time.

Many students progress to full-time vocational and degree level training age 16 at Central and other dance training organisations. Applications for Central’s degree courses is a separate process, see Degree courses.

The following class division provides a guide only; students will be assigned an appropriate level following audition.

Prep 1 Girls – 11-12 Years

Prep 2 Girls – 12-13 Years

Prep 3 Girls – 13-14 Years

Pre-Senior Girls – 14-16 Years

Prep Boys – 11-14 Years

Pre-Senior Boys – 14-16 Years

The programme includes (depending on level):

Ballet

Pointe work

Pilates

Contemporary

Repertoire

Attend a Virtual Open Day – Saturday 1st May

Registration has now closed for the 2021 Associate Programme Open Day.

Entry Requirements

For students already taking part in regular dance training classes aiming to progress towards full-time training at 16. Applications are welcome from students aged 11-16 years, in school years 7-11. Entry is through application and audition only.

How to Apply

Step 1

For September 2021 entry, applicants have the option of applying via video submission or in-person on June 5 2021, dependent on UK Government Covid-19 restrictions at the time, as part of our online application form. If in-person auditions are unable to take place due to Covid-19 restrictions, alternative arrangements will be made.

Please note applications for September 2021 entry are now closed.

Step 2

Video audition. If you choose to audition via video submission, please find details of our video audition requirements below and how to upload the video to YouTube as an unlisted video. If you would like to receive a demonstration video for further guidance, please email jo.hurst@csbschool.co.uk to request the link, clearly stating the age and school year of the applicant.

Video Audition Requirements Uploading to YouTube Guidance

Step 3

In-person audition. If you are applying to attend an in-person audition on June 5th 2021, please find details of images you will be required to submit as part of the application form below. Further details about the audition day will be shared closer to the date. Please note that your audition slot will be allocated after the application deadline passes and this time slot will be final so please keep the whole day free until your time slot has been confirmed.

Image Requirements

Step 4

Complete the application form and pay the £15 audition fee. We recognise that this academic year has been a challenging time for many dance students and therefore we have taken the decision to reduce our audition fees by 50%. The audition fee is non-refundable. Please note your application will not be processed until payment has been received.

Step 5

Offers announced. All candidates will receive the outcome of their application no later than June 30 2021.

Fees

Fees are paid termly, 3 terms per academic year.

Spring Term Fees Summer Term Fees

Funding and bursaries

A small number of bursaries are available, dependent on the student’s individual circumstances. For more information please enquire to juniorschool@csbschool.co.uk

Term Dates

Classes take place on Saturdays in term time; Autumn Sep-Dec, Spring Jan-March/April, Summer April-July

Spring Term Dates Summer Term Dates

Student Support

Students are invited to an Induction Day each September at the start of the academic year. This includes workshops on nutrition, motivation and wellbeing, self-reflection, and personal target-setting to support new students as they progress through the Programme.

Pointe shoe fittings and pointe shoe advice is arranged by Central, provided by Freed of London.

There are additional opportunities to progress and to develop skills and artistry. One example is the Creative Choreography sessions which provide students with the chance to work with leading professionals in the dance industry from organisations including Ballet Black, with the Akram Khan Company and individual choreographers such as Jasmin Vardimon, artistic director of the Jasmin Vardimon Company.

Advice about applying for full-time vocational training is also provided as students consider future career aspirations.

Policies and Procedures Equality, Diversity and Widening Participation

Uniform

The Associate Programme has a specific uniform that is only available from the school.