Acosta Advanced Training Hub +16

AATH +16 - Academic Year 2025-2026

Carlos Acosta and the Acosta Dance Foundation proudly present the Acosta Advanced Training Hub, a full-time, two-year programme for students aged 16–17, 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, equipping them for future professional careers in dance.

The Acosta Advanced Training Hub +16 (AATH +16) is an exclusive extension of the Acosta Dance Foundation’s Advanced Training Hub +18. Delivered by the Acosta Dance Foundation, the programme is tailored for students aged 16 and over who seek a high-quality, intensive dance training experience.

  • Duration: Two years only. This programme serves as a foundation for potential progression into a third, audition-based year: the AATH+18 — a free-of-charge, pre-professional training year in the UK. Please note: Progression to AATH+18 is not guaranteed, as places are limited and awarded through a separate audition process.
  • Artistic Leadership: Guided by Carlos Acosta, the programme fosters creativity, discipline, cultural appreciation, and human values.
  • Holistic Approach: Students are encouraged to find joy in their artistry while becoming well-rounded individuals with compassion, empathy, and resilience.

Philosophy

The AATH +16 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

Creativity

Discipline

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 +16 Artistic Lead

About The Course - Learn more

The Course

The Acosta Advanced Training Hub +16 integrates rigorous classical ballet training with diverse dance disciplines and personal development opportunities. The curriculum includes:

  • Classical Ballet
  • Modern and Contemporary Dance
  • Cuban Folklore and Traditional Cuban Dances
  • Choreographic Composition
  • Repertoire Work (including pieces from Acosta Danza and other iconic works)
  • Técnica Cubana.


Key Highlights
:

  • Holistic Development: Incorporates yoga, Pilates, and meditation for physical and mental well-being.
  • World-Class Faculty: Training from Carlos Acosta’s team, and guest teachers.
  • Special Masterclasses: Workshops from renowned industry professionals.
  • Showcases: At least two performances to exhibit student growth.
  • Pastoral Care: Dedicated professional mental health support throughout the year.


Schedule
:

  • Duration: Current Academic Year September 2025 – July 2026
  • Weekly Training Hours: 32 hours


Location
:

Acosta Dance Centre, Woolwich Royal Arsenal, London.

Past, Present & Future AATH Guest Teachers

Nehemiah Kish

Guest Teacher

Loipa Araujo

Guest Teacher

Melanie Bouvet

Guest Teacher

Matz Skoog

Guest Teacher

Marianna Gomez

Guest Teacher

Kim Amundsen

Guest Teacher

James Forbat

Guest Teacher

Harry Theodora

Guest Teacher

Christopher Marney

Guest Teacher

Alejandro Virelles

Guest Teacher

Zenaida Yanowsky

Guest Teacher

Vanessa Palmer

Guest Teacher

Please note that the AATH +16 programme (2025-2026 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.

“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

Registrations and audition dates for the next Acosta Advanced Training Hub (AATH) cohort will be announced in October 2025.

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
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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.

Keep in touch

For inquiries, contact:
info@acostadancefoundation.org.uk

0330 500 2186 (option 1)
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