Foundation Training Programme (FTP)

What is the FTP?
The Dance City Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) offers a Foundation Training Programme (FTP) for talented young dancers between the ages of 8 - 13 years old.

The FTP provides a structured introduction to contemporary dance training for young dancers who have been identified as gifted and talented.  Participants not only receive technical training, but are also led to develop and extend their own creative and performance skills.

The FTP has been designed to give young dancers a chance to experience what it is like to train in contemporary dance and to enable them to prepare in the best possible way for audition, at a later stage, for the Advanced Training Programme (ATP).  The ATP is a more intense contemporary dance training programme for 10 - 18 year olds and is supported by the government's Department for Education as part of their national Music and Dance Scheme. 

Where does the FTP take place?
The FTP is a regional programme and FTP groups currently run at the following locations across the North East:

• Blyth, Northumberland
• Dance City, Newcastle upon Tyne
• Darlington, County Durham
• Middlesbrough, Teesside
• Whitley Bay, North Tyneside

How much does the FTP cost?
The FTP costs £40 per student, per term (£120 per year) and the fees that students pay are used to cover the teaching and running costs of each FTP group.  The FTP classes run once a week for 30 weeks during school term-time (September – June) each year.

How can I audition for the FTP?
You can audition for the FTP in one of two ways:

1) Individual applicants can contact our CAT Coordinator to request the details of their local FTP group and to arrange a date when they can audition.

2) Local schools in the North East region can organise a talent-scouting dance workshop with a member of the Dance City CAT Team.  To view more information on the CAT recruitment activities and free dance workshops available to local schools click here.  

Who else works with the FTP?
The FTP is delivered in partnership with various local organisations:

• Blyth Community College
• Dance Factory North East
• Hummersknott School
• Northumberland School Sports Partnership
• Whitley Bay High School

Where can I find further information about the FTP?
For more information or to enquire about an audition for the FTP please contact:

Carolyn Smail
Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) Coordinator
carolyn.smail@dancecity.co.uk  
0191 269 5578