COTSWOLDS ASSOCIATE COACHING
CLAUDIA DEAN WORLD
The UK Associates Program in The Cotswolds gives dancers direct access to personalised coaching with former Royal Ballet First Soloist Tierney Heap. Held monthly, the program supports committed dancers to strengthen foundations, refine technique, and build confidence through individual guidance.
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Lead Coach: Tierney Heap
Oversight Director: Claudia Dean
ASSOCIATES PROGRAM STRUCTURE
The Cotswolds Associates Program is held monthly and thoughtfully structured throughout the year. Each monthly visit is designed around specific focus areas.
Foundations & Strength
Spring Term:
February - May
Focus on foundational training - alignment, correct use of muscles, posture, turnout, core stability, placement. This sets the tone for the year and ensures dancers know how to work from the right base.
Refinement, Flexibility & Elevation
Summer Term:
June - August
Fine-tuning technique, consolidating what has been worked on throughout the year, setting individual goals, and preparing dancers mentally + technically for end-of-year performances or auditions.
Audition Technique & Expression Preparation
Autumn Term:
September - December
Build confidence in solos/variations, audition etiquette, mindset, mock audition classes, and detailed feedback. Perfectly timed for the lead-up to autumn auditions.
Structure of Associate Program
This approach allows dancers to progress step by step with clear focus points, ensuring every visit provides meaningful growth both technically and artistically.
MEET YOUR COTSWOLDS FACULTY
HOW TO APPLY
BECOME AN ASSOCIATE
Submit your application by 25th October 2025 to be considered & become a selected Associate ⬇️
Age as of 1st February 2026
APPLICATION PHOTO REQUIREMENTS
Tendu Devant & Arabesque to your chosen side/s.
This photo can be taken on any device and in any location.
BENEFITS OF BECOMING AN ASSOCIATE 🇬🇧
- Audition only entry ensures an intimate training experience is offered to UK dancers that supports long-term, consistent growth
- Be trained directly by globally experienced coach Claudia Dean (former ballet dancer with The Royal Ballet)
- Experience a professionally informed approach to your training & gain first-hand insight into methods, standards, and expectations of leading international schools
- Detailed individual written reports after each assessment to ensure parents and dancers can consistently track progress
- In person parent, dancer, and teacher interviews offered at the conclusion of each year to discuss individual progress and next steps
- Twice-yearly assessments provide clear feedback on progress, helping dancers focus on key areas for growth
- Dancers train alongside a capped number of peers with similar skill level and experience, creating an appropriately challenging environment
- Each visit will be built around a tailored theme, designed to align with what dancers need most at that time - whether it’s audition preparation, competition focus, or refining artistry and performance.
- Dancers can expand their network with direct connections to leading professional schools, institutions, and key figures in the dance industry
- Learn essential audition, performance, and professional practice skills for your career
- Mentorship on building confidence, managing pressure, professionalism & access to a supportive community of like-minded dancers
ASSOCIATE GUIDELINES
Dancers must be attending their studio classes to participate in the Associate Coaching program. As always, our Associate program is designed to enhance existing training, not replace it.
Dancers' commitment is by term. By committing per term you will ensure consistent progress and development.
Dancers are encouraged to actively participate in auditions & competitions and must be prepared to use the tools and techniques provided in the program for upcoming opportunities.
Parents and dancers to communicate any concerns or special needs directly with our coaches to ensure their success with our Associate Coaching.
We look forward to viewing your application.