Acosta Advanced Training Hub

AATH - Academic Year 2026-2027

Admission to the programme is open to students aged 16+

Carlos Acosta and the Acosta Dance Foundation proudly present the Acosta Advanced Training Hub, a full-time, two-year programme held at the Acosta Dance Centre in London.

This transformative programme offers aspiring dancers the opportunity to receive world-class training under the artistic guidance of Carlos Acosta, preparing them for future professional careers in dance.

Delivered by the Acosta Dance Foundation, the programme is designed for young dancers seeking a high-quality, intensive training experience within a supportive and artistically ambitious environment.



The programme is structured as a comprehensive two-year (+16/17) course of study, providing intensive artistic and technical development. It serves as a foundation for potential progression into a third year (AATH+18) pre-professional programme.

Progression into the third year is not automatic, and places are limited. Admission is determined through a separate audition process or by invitation for those who successfully complete Year 2 of the Acosta Advanced Training Hub and demonstrate the required artistic, technical, and professional readiness.

As part of its commitment to accessibility and artistic excellence, the Acosta Dance Foundation allocates a significant number of full scholarships each year to support dancers undertaking the pre-professional third year of training.

Philosophy

The AATH  integrates excellence in dance training with compassion for students and faculty, creating a transformative experience that promotes both technical skill and personal growth.

Core Values

Equity & Diversity

Creativity

Quality & Excellence

Cultural Appreciation

Human Values & Empathy

Leadership

Carlos Acosta

President & Chairman ADF

Javier Torres

Managing Director

Loipa Araujo

Head of Cuban Curriculum

Aydmara Cabrera

Head of Training Programmes

Ludovic Ondiviela

AATH +18 Artistic Lead

About The Course - Learn more

The Course

The progressive two-year programme of the Acosta Advanced Training Hub integrates rigorous classical ballet training with diverse dance disciplines, alongside meaningful personal and professional development opportunities. Rooted in the Cuban Ballet and Contemporary Schools, the curriculum provides a holistic and artistically rich training experience that supports both technical excellence and creative growth.

 

The programme includes:

  • Classical Ballet

     

  • Técnica Cubana and Contemporary Dance

     

  • Afro-Cuban Folklore

     

  • Choreographic Composition

     

  • Repertoire Work (including works from Acosta Danza and other iconic classical and contemporary repertoire)

Key Highlights

-Holistic Development: Wellness, Health & Injury Prevention, (Including Nutrition and Hydration): The programme integrates a structured approach to physical and mental wellbeing throughout the academic year, including weekly Pilates and Floor Barre classes to support alignment, conditioning, recovery, and injury prevention.

Students develop an understanding of safe practice, nutrition, hydration, and lifestyle choices, fostering resilience, long-term performance sustainability, and artistic growth.

-World-Class Faculty: Training delivered by Carlos Acosta’s artistic team alongside distinguished guest teachers.

-Special Masterclasses: Workshops led by renowned industry professionals.

-Performance Opportunities: Students perform in approximately three full-scale productions each year, gaining invaluable stage experience and dynamic pre-professional exposure. Dancers may enjoy newly created works made especially for them, as well as perform ballets choreographed by Carlos Acosta and repertoire from Acosta Danza.

Additional performances through partnerships and ADF outreach initiatives offer exciting opportunities to connect with diverse audiences and perform in a range of inspiring settings.

-Pastoral Care: Students receive dedicated mental health support, regular pastoral check-ins, and guidance with wellbeing support throughout the year.

Programme Duration: September 2026 – July 2027

-Typical Academic Structure: The programme usually runs from the first week of September through July for approximately 39 weeks.

Location: Acosta Dance Centre
Woolwich Royal Arsenal, London

Fees and Payment Options

  • Annual Tuition Fee: £14,000
  • Acceptance Fee: £1,000 payable upon confirmation of your place.

Past, Present & Future AATH Guest Teachers

Nehemiah Kish

Guest Teacher

Loipa Araujo

Guest Teacher

Melanie Bouvet

Guest Teacher

Marianna Gomez

Guest Teacher

Kim Amundsen

Guest Teacher

James Forbat

Guest Teacher

Christopher Marney

Guest Teacher

Alejandro Virelles

Guest Teacher

Zenaida Yanowsky

Guest Teacher

Vanessa Palmer

Guest Teacher

Please note that the AATH programme (2026-2027 academic year), does not provide academic training or academic qualifications. Our focus is solely on dance and associated disciplines, and the curriculum is structured to allow students sufficient time to pursue their academic education through the online learning platform of their choice. While enrolled in our programme, students may request support from the Acosta Dance Centre for their academic studies if needed. To support students’ academic pursuits, we will provide a quiet study area and tutorial support upon request.

Accommodation, meals, and full board are not provided. It is the responsibility of students and their guardians to research and arrange accommodation for the duration of the course. Our team is available to answer questions about this process if necessary.

Parents and guardians are responsible for covering travel and accommodation costs for international students or those residing outside London. These costs apply during each half-term break and certain weekends when the Acosta Dance Centre is closed.

We are committed to transparency and providing a clear overview of additional costs associated with the AATH +16 programme. 

-The cost of the uniform will range from £200 to £500 (approximately). The AATH is proud to partner with DANSEZ to provide sustainable uniforms for our students

-Any private classes or individual training sessions requested by parents will be invoiced separately at the end of each term.

-The programme fees do not include food. Parents are advised to make appropriate arrangements to ensure students are adequately catered for during their stay.

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

Registrations are now OPEN

“At the Acosta Dance Foundation, we don’t just train dancers—we craft artists, amplify voices, and prepare the next generation to take centre stage in a world that needs their brilliance. The Acosta Advanced Training Hub is a gateway to innovation, resilience, and self-expression.”

Javier Torres – Managing Director

Why Choose the Acosta Advanced Training Hub?

World-Class Training Rooted in Artistic Excellence

  • A full-time, high-performance programme led by internationally renowned instructors.
  • Curated by Carlos Acosta, offering unmatched insight into professional dance
  • A multidisciplinary approach integrating ballet, contemporary, and Afro-Cuban dance
  • Guest artists and choreographers delivering regular masterclasses and workshops
  • A strong emphasis on individual feedback, mentorship, and student growth
  • Multiple performance opportunities throughout the year to develop stage experience
  • Access to a wide professional network and international collaborations

Exceptional Facilities in South East London

  • State-of-the-art studios at the Acosta Dance Centre
  • Dedicated spaces for rehearsals, auditions, and small performances
  • On-site amenities that foster creative development and daily comfort

Holistic Student Support

  • A focus on mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing
  • Personalised support sessions with experts in osteopathy, nutrition, mental coaching, and more
  • A warm, inclusive atmosphere that values each student’s unique journey
  • Tailored artistic guidance
  • Communal spaces for rest, reflection, and social connection
  • Support for international students facing language barriers, including those who do not speak English, to help them integrate fully into the programme.

More Than Dance: An Education for Life

  • A values-led approach promoting respect, collaboration, and personal responsibility
  • Active participation in community-based initiatives through the charitable work of the Acosta Dance Foundation.

Transform your dance journey - Register Now

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Name
Please provide your DOB on the following format: MM/DD/YYYY
Gender Identity
Please provide your stage/prefered name
If you would like to share your pronouns, please list them. If you do not wish to share your pronouns, please leave the text blank.
Will you be over 16 years old at the time the course starts?
Please share with us your current dance level/studies.
Please share with us if you have any medical conditions and or allergies we need to be aware of.
Please share with us if you have any previous injuries, big or small we should be aware of.
Images

All images must be uploaded directly onto this application form. Emailed photographs will not be accepted.
Professional photography is not required for these images.
We kindly ask you to use recent images.
The images only serve as visual guidelines.

NOTE: Male-identifying dancers please ignore the fourth position en pointe image.

Ensure the photographs are appropriately sized and correctly oriented and the dancer fully occupies the frame.
In the file name of each photograph, include the applicant's full name.
Accepted files: jpg, jpeg, or png file formats.
Size accepted: 10MB max.

Video link featuring a short class.
Barre, Centre & Allegro
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
First Arabesque
Facing Side
Click or drag a file to this area to upload.
A la seconde.
Arms: Second Position
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Tendu Devant
Arms: Fourth Position
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Price: £25.00
Terms and Conditions for the Acosta Advanced Training Hub + 16 (AATH +16) Eligibility: a. The Acosta Advanced Training Hub + 16 is open to dancers aged 16+ who have successfully partly or fully completed their vocational training. a.aa The programme will run from September 2025 until July 2026. b. Applicants must demonstrate a strong passion for ballet and contemporary dance and show potential for a professional dance career. Application Process: a. Entry into the AATH + 16 is subject to an application and workshop-based audition process. b. All applications must be submitted within the specified deadline. c. The Acosta Dance Centre reserves the right to accept or reject any application at its discretion without providing a reason. Venue and Facilities: a. The AATH +16 will be conducted at the Acosta Dance Centre, located in Woolwich Works, Royal Arsenal, London. b. The Centre boasts state-of-the-art dance studios, providing an ideal learning environment for participants. Fees and Expenses: a. The AATH +16 stands as a unique and distinct extension of the Acosta Dance Foundation's Advanced Training Hub. Unlike the Foundation's programs, the AATH +16 is a payable initiative designed for aspiring dancers aged 16 and above who are seeking professional training. By submitting this form, you agree to pay a £25 application & audition fee to cover administration & audition costs. The application/audition fee is NON-REFUNDABLE regardless of the outcome of your application & audition. b. Participants are solely responsible for their own accommodation, travel, and personal expenses. Commitment and Attendance: a. Students accepted into the AATH are expecte to commit to the duration of the programme fully. b. Regular attendance and active participation in all classes, workshops, and performances are mandatory. Code of Conduct: a. Students are required to adhere to a professional code of conduct, including punctuality, respect for instructors and fellow participants, and the cultivation of a positive and supportive learning environment. Media Release: a. The Acosta Dance Centre reserves the right to use photographs, videos, and other media materials captured during the AATH +16 for promotional and educational purposes. Changes and Cancellations: a. The Acosta Dance Centre reserves the right to make changes to the programme schedule, curriculum, or teaching staff if necessary. b. In the event of unforeseen circumstances or insufficient enrollment, the Centre reserves the right to cancel or postpone the AATH +16, with appropriate notification provided to participants.
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