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ASSOCIATES PROGRAM STRUCTURE

The UK Associates program is carefully structured across the year, with each visit built around clear focus points.

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

Tierney Heap - Lead coach

Tierney Heap - Lead coach

Tierney Heap trained at The Royal Ballet School and went on to dance as a First Soloist with The Royal Ballet Company. Now Lead Coach for our Cotswolds Associates, she shares her artistry and professional expertise, giving dancers the invaluable opportunity to learn from someone who has performed at the very highest level.

Claudia Dean - Oversight Director

Claudia Dean - Oversight Director

Claudia Dean trained at The Royal Ballet School and danced with The Royal Ballet Company before returning to Australia, where she became one of the most sought-after ballet coaches. With over a decade of experience, she now brings her transformative methods to the UK Associates Program, offering dancers world-class training, mentorship, and clear progression towards their goals.

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.