Acosta Dance Foundation - Summer Dance Camps 2026

The Acosta Dance Foundation’s Children and Yunior Ballet Programmes introduce young dancers to the fundamentals of ballet and creative expression, while preparing them for the upcoming Nutcracker season. Inspired by Carlos Acosta’s acclaimed Nutcracker in Havana, the programmes come alive with vibrant colors, rhythms, and spirit, a joyful celebration of imagination, courage, and the magic of dance. With “a dancer in every home,” let’s spend the summer discovering the joy of ballet!

Programmes & Fees

Acosta Dance Foundation Summer Children’s Camp

Ages: 3-5
Dates: August 3-14
Time: 9:00am – 12:00m
Monday/Thursday
Theme: Nutcracker in Havana
Fees: £190 Monday through Thursday.
Acceptance fee: £100 The acceptance fee is separate from the programme fees. It is a one-time, non-refundable fee that is not applied toward the cost of the programme.
Objectives:
– Develop sense of musicality.
– Encourage teamwork and group participation.
– Spark creativity through movement and play.

Acosta Dance Foundation Summer Yunior

Ages: 6-9
Dates: August 3-14
Time: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
Monday/Thursday
Theme: Nutcracker in Havana
Fees: £225 Monday through Thursday.
Acceptance fee: £100 The acceptance fee is separate from the programme fees. It is a one-time, non-refundable fee that is not applied toward the cost of the programme.
Objectives:
– Introduction to classical ballet fundamentals.
– Light discipline and body awareness.
– Foster creativity and imagination through dance.

Anilce Scasso Hernández

Teacher

Anilce Scasso Hernández was born and raised in Havana, Cuba, where she trained in classical ballet at the School of Ballet and earned a BA in Dance from the University of Arts. Her graduate thesis focused on eating disorders and nutrition in ballet. For over a decade, she has taught children and adolescents at different levels and served on the admission committee of the Havana School of Ballet. From 2009 to 2012, she worked in Ecuador as a ballet and jazz instructor, preparing students for competitions and exams such as the Royal Academy of Dance. She later taught in Miami, New Jersey, and at Ballet Hispánico in New York City across multiple programs. Now based in Spain, she teaches ballet, therapeutic stretching, pilates, and maintenance gymnastics.

FAQ.

Beyond the joy of dancing, the Acosta Dance Foundation Summer Programmes offer children skills that last well beyond the studio. They learn to listen and respond to rhythm, explore their creativity, and build the confidence to express and share their ideas. Guided by an international team of teachers renowned for both excellence and care, each child’s potential is nurtured in a supportive environment. Rooted in the Acosta methodology – born from the Cuban School of Ballet and enriched with diverse cultural influences, from classical foundations to Afro-Cuban traditions – the programmes invite children to discover dance as a living, joyful art form: a language of their own bodies, of imagination, and of community.

Students are expected to wear a simple, comfortable ballet/dance uniform. We recommend:

For female students:

  • Leotard in any solid colour
  • Ballet tights in pink or skin tone
  • Ballet slippers in pink or skin tone

For male students:

  • Black tights or bike pants
  • Fitted white t-shirt
  • Black ballet slippers.


The focus is on comfort and readiness to move. The students are encouraged to bring a water bottle and light snack for breaks.

We encourage children to attend the full programme in order to benefit from the complete experience and progression of classes. However, if you have specific circumstances, please reach out to us directly to info@acostadancefoundation.org.uk

Yes! Every Thursday we host an open observation session where parents, family, and friends are warmly invited to watch the children’s progress. These sessions are an opportunity to celebrate the joy of learning, see how the children are developing week by week, and share in their achievements.

For any further questions or guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@acostadancefoundation.org.uk.

Eligibility
Students aged 3-9 on 31 August 2026

Application deadlines
Applications open: 15 September 2025 Applications close: Friday 8 May 2026 at 23.59 GMT.

Location
Acosta Dance Centre - Artillery Square, Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. London SE18 (Just a 1-minute walk from Woolwich Station on the Elizabeth Line)

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
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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.
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Price: £190.00
Terms and Conditions Acosta Dance Foundation Summer Programme (ADFSP) 1. Eligibility a. The Acosta Dance Foundation Summer Programme is open to dancers aged 3–21. b. Students enrolling in the Summer Hub or Summer Advanced Programme must acknowledge that they have successfully, partly or fully, completed at least two years of ballet training. c. The programme will run from 3–14 August 2026. d. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine passion for ballet and contemporary dance, alongside an interest in the Cuban elements embedded within the Acosta curriculum. 2. Application Process a. Entry into the ADFSP is subject to registration and acceptance; no audition is required. b. All applications must be submitted within the specified deadline. c. The Acosta Dance Foundation and the Acosta Dance Centre reserve the right to accept or reject any application at their discretion, without the obligation to provide a reason. 3. Venue and Facilities a. The ADFSP will take place at the Acosta Dance Centre, Woolwich Works, Royal Arsenal, London. b. The Centre provides state-of-the-art dance studios and facilities, ensuring an inspiring and professional learning environment. 4. Fees and Expenses a. The ADFSP is a fee-paying programme offered as part of the Acosta Dance Foundation’s training opportunities. b. By submitting this form, applicants agree to pay a £25 registration and administration fee. This fee is non-refundable under all circumstances. c. Participants are solely responsible for their own accommodation, travel, meals, visas (if required), and personal expenses. 5. Commitment and Attendance a. Students accepted into the ADFSP are expected to commit fully to the programme. b. Regular attendance and active participation in all classes, workshops, and performances are mandatory. 6. Code of Conduct a. Students must adhere to a professional code of conduct at all times. This includes: Punctuality for all scheduled activities. Respectful behaviour toward faculty, staff, and fellow participants. A commitment to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment. 7. Media Release a. By completing and submitting this registration form, parents, guardians, and participants consent to the Acosta Dance Foundation and the Acosta Dance Centre capturing and using photographs, video recordings, and other media materials of participants for educational, promotional, and marketing purposes, in print and digital formats. b. This consent applies to all programme strands, including the Advanced, Children, and Junior programmes. 8. Changes and Cancellations a. The Acosta Dance Foundation and the Acosta Dance Centre reserve the right to make changes to the programme schedule, curriculum, or teaching staff if necessary. b. In the event of unforeseen circumstances or insufficient enrolment, the Acosta Dance Foundation and/or Acosta Dance Centre reserve the right to cancel or postpone the ADFSP. Appropriate notice will be provided to participants. c. International students are responsible for obtaining all required visas, permits, and legal documentation necessary to attend the programme. 9. Legal Binding Agreement By submitting this form and completing registration, applicants (and/or their parents/guardians, if under 18) acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in full. For any questions or additional information, please contact us at: 📧 info@acostadancefoundation.org.uk

Keep in touch

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

0330 500 2186
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