Please visit our audition page.
Pre‑Professional Year (AATH Year 3) | Academic Year 2026–2027
The Acosta Advanced Training Hub +18 is the third year (Year 3) of the AATH programme. A prestigious, one (1) year‑long pre‑professional course in ballet and contemporary dance. Designed to bridge the gap between advanced training and a professional dance career, the AATH +18 offers a fully immersive experience that prepares exceptional young dancers for the demands of the international stage.
This highly selective programme is open to graduates of AATH Years 1–2 (or by audition/invitation for external candidates) who have demonstrated the highest artistic, technical, and professional readiness.
Under the artistic leadership and vision of Carlos Acosta, the AATH +18 provides:
The programme’s curriculum integrates advanced technique, artistry, and professional practice to equip dancers for a smooth transition into company life or further career opportunities in the performing arts sector.
Delivered at the Acosta Dance Centre in London, the AATH +18 embodies the Acosta Dance Foundation’s commitment to accessibility, excellence, and opportunity. Each year, the Foundation allocates a number of full scholarships to support dancers undertaking this pre‑professional year of training, ensuring that talent and potential -not financial limitation- define who can access this transformative experience.
AATH will run from September 2026 to July 2027
Application Fee £25
While we have an application fee of £25 to cover administrative costs, we also invite those students who are accepted into the programme for free, to support our charitable mission with an additional voluntary donation of £245 for us to continue our work of creating a dancer in every home.
April 11 2026
Carlos Acosta’s curriculum is the central pillar of our training hub, offering a unique and unparalleled approach to dance training. Through a combination of Cuban dance and ballet culture, our programme focuses on developing strong technique, versatility, and performance skills.
As a Cuban-born dancer, Carlos Acosta brings a unique blend of Cuban dance and ballet culture to the Acosta Advanced Training Hub curriculum. Our comprehensive training program encompasses contemporary classes, ballet techniques, Cuban folklore, supplementary pointe work sessions, coaching, conditioning, pas de deux (PDD) classes, mentoring, and repertoire from Acosta Danza and other esteemed guest choreographers. This multifaceted approach aims to cultivate students’ technical prowess, artistic expression, versatility and create a pathway for future job opportunities.
Our mission is to empower the community through dance, fostering a vibrant dance sector that thrives alongside the ever-changing global dance landscape. We aim to ignite a deep passion for the transformative power of dance, inspiring individuals to embrace its potential and actively participate in its growth.
The AATH +18 Pre‑Professional Programme is built upon a comprehensive curriculum designed around four essential pillars:
These pillars are enriched through collaborations with guest choreographers and teachers who are active leaders in today’s dance industry. This dynamic exchange of expertise helps dancers thrive in diverse professional environments and fosters connections that support long‑term career development.
Admission to the Acosta Advanced Training Hub +18 is by application and workshop‑based audition. Candidates must be 18 years of age or older at the start of the course.
This pre‑professional year is primarily designed for dancers completing Years 1 and 2 of the Acosta Advanced Training Hub, providing them with a natural progression into AATH Year 3. However, a limited number of places are also available each year to external candidates, either through audition, direct invitation, or on the basis of scholarship selection for outstanding artistic talent.
The +18 programme offers an immersive experience in pre‑professional training, combining rigorous ballet and contemporary techniques. Delivered by experienced teachers and dance artists from the Acosta Dance Foundation and the Acosta team in the UK, the programme nurtures technical mastery, artistic maturity, and the professional mindset needed for a sustainable and successful career in dance.
To explore audition dates and registration details for the AATH +18, please visit our Auditions page.
If you share our passion for nurturing the next generation of dancers, we wholeheartedly welcome you to be a part of our mission to create a dancer in every home. By supporting the Acosta Advanced Training Hub programme, you can make a significant difference in the development of future dancers.
One way to support us is by giving a student the opportunity to thrive. Your contribution will directly contribute to the success of this program, which incurs an approximate cost of £66,750 per year for the Acosta Dance Foundation. By investing in a student’s training, you will play a crucial role in shaping their future and empowering them to reach their full potential.
Any vocationally trained aspiring dancer aged 18 at the start of the course.
The Acosta Advanced Training Hub is a platform designed to offer high-quality training and pre-professional development opportunities in the field of dance. It provides an enriching and challenging environment for participants to enhance their skills and knowledge. However, it’s important to note that participation in the Acosta Advanced Training Hub does not guarantee or imply job placement. The program’s focus is on education and development, and any future professional opportunities will be based on individual merit and performance.
Nothing at all – just bring the best version of you on the day and try not to be too nervous.
Please visit our audition page.
This programme is not free and is delivered as a professional, full-time training experience. Each year, we offer 10 fully funded scholarships to outstanding candidates based on merit and need.
All applicants are required to pay a £25 application fee, which covers administrative and audition processing costs.
For students who are not awarded a full scholarship, the tuition fee is £14,000 for the academic year.
Students who are accepted with full tuition covered are invited, voluntarily, to support our charitable mission with a £245 contribution. This donation helps us continue our work to make high-quality dance training accessible and to advance our vision of creating a dancer in every home.
The AATH program covers a comprehensive range of aspects necessary for a professional career in both classical and contemporary dance. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in ballet classes, contemporary dance training, partnering work (PDD), pointework, Cuban Folklore, creative workshops, virtuosity training, audition and performance skills development, mentoring, apprenticeships, collaborations with guest choreographers, and various other valuable opportunities. We aim to provide a well-rounded training experience that equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their employment prospects in the dance industry.
We will present to you a graduation certificate stating you have completed the course.
While this course covers various elements connected to the work of Carlos Acosta in Acosta Danza, it is crucial to emphasize that participation is contingent upon auditions and aims to offer an equitable opportunity to all applicants. We are dedicated to maintaining a transparent selection process that welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds. It is important to note that successful completion of this course does not guarantee direct entry into Acosta Danza.
Although the foundation has made a substantial financial commitment to cover most of the costs associated with this course, it is important to note that participants will be responsible for their accommodation, travel expenses, and daily transportation to the Acosta Dance Centre for training. We encourage prospective participants to ensure they have the necessary resources to cover these expenses before applying.
Yes. We can accept video auditions from those international participants who can’t attend in person.
The next intake will take place from September 2026 to July 2027.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Acosta Advanced Training Hub (AATH +16/17/18)
These Terms and Conditions apply to all classes, courses, programmes, auditions, workshops, events, performances, and ticket sales organised or delivered by Acosta Dance Foundation through the AATH course whether in person or online.
By enrolling, booking, purchasing tickets, attending auditions, masterclasses, or attending any AATH activity, participants (and/or their parents or legal guardians if under 18) confirm that they have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Relationship with Acosta Dance Foundation
AATH operates in collaboration with, and in alignment with the educational ethos and artistic standards of, the Acosta Dance Foundation (ADF).
These Terms and Conditions are to be read in conjunction with any applicable policies, codes of conduct, safeguarding policies, or regulations and any other policy issued by the Acosta Dance Foundation where expressly referenced.
Where a programme, event, or activity is delivered jointly with, or on behalf of, the Acosta Dance Foundation, participants agree to comply with both AATH’s Terms and Conditions and the relevant Acosta Dance Foundation policies.
In the event of any conflict between documents, the specific programme Terms and Conditions shall take precedence unless otherwise stated in writing.
1. Definitions
-“AATH” refers to Acosta Advanced Training Hub.
-“Participant” refers to any student, dancer, attendee, or ticket holder.
-“Parent/Guardian” refers to the legal guardian of any participant under 18 years of age.
-“Programme” refers to any class, course, intensive, audition, event, or performance
organised by AATH.
2. Eligibility
a. Participants must meet the minimum age and level requirements stated for each
programme.
b. AATH reserves the right to refuse or withdraw participation if eligibility requirements are not met.
c. Acceptance onto any programme does not guarantee progression, promotion, or future acceptance.
3. Applications, Registration, and Acceptance
a. All participation is subject to registration and acceptance by the AATH artistic team.
b. AATH reserves the absolute right to accept or reject any application at its discretion, without obligation to provide a reason.
c. Submission of an application does not constitute acceptance until written confirmation is issued by AATH.
d. Applicants are advised not to book travel or accommodation until written confirmation is received.
4. Fees and Payments
a. All programmes are fee-paying unless explicitly stated otherwise.
b. Fees must be paid in full by the stated deadlines.
c. Application, registration, acceptance and administration fees are non-refundable under all circumstances.
d. Fees are non-transferable to another participant, programme, or date unless explicitly agreed in writing by AATH.
e. Failure to pay fees on time may result in withdrawal of the participant’s place. Tuition fees are subject to change due to factors including, but not limited to, increases in operational costs, faculty fees, studio hire, inflation, or changes to the programme structure.
5. Withdrawals, Cancellations, and Refunds
a. All withdrawals must be notified in writing at least one term in advance (email is acceptable).
b. Refunds, where applicable, are calculated from the date AATH receives written notice.
c. Unless otherwise stated in programme-specific information:
-Fees are non-refundable once a programme has commenced.
-No refunds are issued for missed classes due to illness, injury, holidays, or personal circumstances.
d. AATH reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any programme due to unforeseen circumstances, insufficient enrolment, or force major. In such cases, AATH’s liability is limited to refunding fees paid for the cancelled element only.
6. Attendance and Commitment
a. Participants are expected to attend all scheduled classes, rehearsals, and activities.
b. Repeated absence, lateness, or lack of engagement may result in removal from theprogramme without refund.
c. AATH does not guarantee participation in performances, showcases, or public events.
7. Code of Conduct
Participants must:
-Act with respect toward faculty, staff, and fellow participants
-Follow studio rules, safeguarding policies, and health & safety instructions
-Maintain appropriate behaviour on and off the premises
AATH reserves the right to refuse admission or remove participants whose behaviour is deemed inappropriate, unsafe, or disruptive. In such cases, no refund will be given.
8. Health, Fitness, and Injury
a. Participants confirm they are physically and mentally fit to take part in dance training.
b. Participation is entirely at the participant’s own risk.
c. AATH accepts no responsibility for injury, illness, or loss except where required by law.
d. Participants with existing injuries or medical conditions attend at their own risk and must
disclose relevant information in advance.
e. AATH strongly recommends appropriate personal insurance.
9. Physical Contact
a. Dance training may involve physical contact for artistic, technical, or safety reasons.
b. By enrolling, participants (and/or parents/guardians) consent to such contact in a
professional teaching context and following the safeguarding policy of the Acosta Dance Foundation.
10. Photography, Filming, and Media Rights
a. AATH reserves the right to photograph, film, or record participants during classes, rehearsals, performances, or events.
b. These materials may be used for educational, promotional, marketing, archival, and commercial purposes, in any media, worldwide, without time limitation and without payment.
c. Participants waive any rights to inspect or approve the finished material.
d. Recording or photography by participants or audience members is strictly prohibited unless expressly authorised.
e. Any objection to media usage must be submitted in writing prior to participation.
11. Performances and Ticketed Eventsa. All tickets are sold subject to availability and these Terms and Conditions.
b. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, except where an event is cancelled.
c. AATH reserves the right to:
• Change seating arrangements
• Refuse admission on reasonable grounds (including safeguarding or safety)
d. Performance start times are not guaranteed; AATH accepts no liability for travel or accommodation costs.
12. Intellectual Property
a. All choreography, teaching materials, course content, branding, and recordings remain
the intellectual property of AATH or its licensors.
b. Participants may not reproduce, share, or distribute AATH materials without written permission.
13. Personal Property
a. Participants are responsible for their own personal belongings.
b. AATH accepts no liability for loss, theft, or damage to personal property.
14. Data Protection
a. AATH processes personal data in accordance with UK data protection law.
b. By registering, participants consent to the use of their data for administrative, safeguarding, and communication purposes.
c. Please refer to AATH’s Privacy Policy for further details.
15. Access Requirements
Participants with access or learning requirements must notify AATH before enrolment so reasonable adjustments may be considered.
16. Force Majeure
AATH shall not be liable for failure or delay in performance due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions, or venue closures.
17. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of
England and Wales.
Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
18. Legal Binding AgreementBy enrolling, booking, purchasing tickets, or participating in any AATH programme, participants (and/or parents/guardians) confirm that they have read, understood, and agree to be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions in full.
Contact
info@acostadancefoundation.org.uk