Advanced Training Programme (ATP)
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What is the ATP?
The Advanced Training Programme (ATP) is an intensive contemporary dance training programme open to young people from the North East region, between 10 – 16 years of age, who show exceptional talent and potential in dance. Once on the Advanced Training Programme students can train with us until they are 18 years of age.
The ATP is delivered through Dance City’s Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) and is part of a national network of Dance CATs delivering non-residential, professional dance training. The Dance City CAT is supported by the Department for Education (DfE) as part of the government’s national Music and Dance Scheme.
ATP students who have a household annual income of less than £29,340 receive their training free of charge. Tuition fees for ATP students with a household annual income in excess of £29,340 are charged on a rising scale related to income.
More information about the National Dance CATs can be found here: www.nationaldancecats.co.uk
What does being a student on the ATP involve?
The core ATP curriculum is based around a minimum of three weekly classes during school term time, totalling a minimum of seven hours training per week. The weekly classes cover Contemporary Technique, Classical Ballet, Creative Movement and Body Conditioning.
Alongside regular weekly classes, students on the ATP receive termly performance opportunities as well as the chance to work with leading dance companies and artists. The Dance City CAT also takes ATP students on three organised theatre visits per academic year to see leading dance companies and artists.
ATP students are expected to attend a week-long intensive dance workshop two times per year, during school holidays, with a guest teacher or choreographer. The intensive dance workshops take place during the Easter, Summer or February half-term holidays.
Evening classes for ATP students during the week are held in Darlington and Newcastle, and all ATP students are expected to attend their weekend classes at Dance City in Newcastle.
How much does the ATP cost?
The ATP is supported by the government’s Department for Education (DfE) as part of their national Music and Dance Scheme. This means that your child may be eligible for a government grant to help cover the costs of tuition, depending on your total household annual income.
In the academic year 2011 - 2012: 79% of our students are receiving financial assistance from the DfE and 46% of our students receive a full grant, meaning they do not have to make any contribution at all towards tuition fees.
An example is given in the table below of the fees to be paid for 2011 - 2012 dependant on the annual household income:
| Total Family Income |
Amount of DfE Grant |
Amount of Parental Contribution |
| up to £29,340 |
£3,577 |
Nil
|
| £29,341 to £33,252 |
£3,219 |
£358 |
| £33,253 to £37,164 |
£2,861 |
£716 |
| £37,165 to £41,077 |
£2,504 |
£1,073 |
| £41,078 to £44,989 |
£2,146 |
£1,431 |
| £44,990 to £48,901 |
£1,788 |
£1,789 |
| £48,902 to £52,814 |
£1,431 |
£2,146 |
| £52,815 to £56,726 |
£1,073 |
£2,504 |
| £56,727 to £60,638 |
£715 |
£2,862 |
| £60,639 to £64,548 |
£358 |
£3,219 |
| over £64,548 |
Nil |
£3,577 |
Please Note: The DfE may make slight adjustments to the fees payable and grants available from academic year to year. The information given on this web site is accurate at the time of publication and any adjustments for the following academic year will be minimal.
Before assessing your family income £1,900 will be deducted from the final total for each child or relative who is living in the household as a dependant (including the child who is enrolling on the programme).
How can I apply for an audition?
Open auditions are held in May each year for entry to the programme in September. Applicants must complete an application form and reserve a place on their preferred audition date. To apply for one of the open audition dates please download and complete our ATP Audition Application Form. You will need to return your completed form before Friday 11 May 2012 to the address given below:
Centre for Advanced Training
Dance City
Temple Street
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4BR
What happens at an ATP audition?
There are two stages to the ATP audition process. All applicants will attend a First Stage Open Audition which will consist of a short ballet class and a contemporary technique and creative movement class. Applicants will receive a letter one to two weeks after their audition to inform them whether or not they were successful at this stage.
Applicants, who are successful at the First Stage Open Audition, will then be invited to a Second Stage Audition where they will take part in two further classical and contemporary dance classes. Applicants who successfully complete the dance stage of this second audition will be asked to stay behind with a parent or carer to take part in a short interview with the CAT Manager. Applicants will also be expected to undergo a physical screening to check their long term suitability for dance training before being offered a place.
What should I wear at an ATP Audition?
When taking part in the ATP auditions, applicants should wear the following:
Females: Leotard, tights, ballet shoes or bare feet.
Males: Shorts, tight t-shirts or leotards, ballet shoes or bare feet.
If you do not have any dancewear, then leggings / shorts and a tight t-shirt / sports vest will be suitable for males and females. Loose, baggy clothing is not appropriate, as the audition panel need to observe body line and muscle tone.
What are the dates of the ATP auditions?
The dates for the auditions for entry to the programme in September 2012 are given below:
First Stage Open Auditions
Saturday 19 May 2012, 13:00 - 15:00 at Dance City
Sunday 20 May 2012, 13:00 - 15:00 at Dance City
Saturday 26 May 2012, 13:00 - 15:00 at Dance City
Applicants who are successful at First Stage Open Auditions will be invited to attend on one of the following dates for a second audition:
Second Stage Auditions (by invite only)
Saturday 16 June 2012, 11:00 - 17:00 (latest) at Dance City
Sunday 17 June 2012, 11:00 - 17:00 (latest) at Dance City
Saturday 23 June 2012, 11:00 -17.00 (latest) at Dance City
Current FTP Students - ATP Audition
If you are currently a student on our Foundation Training Programme (FTP) and you would like to audition for the ATP then you may book a place at the following audition which has been set aside for current FTP students:
Sunday 27 May 2012, 11:00 - 17:00 (latest) at Dance City
Queries To:
Email: CAT Coordinator
Telephone: 0191 269 5578