The Centre for Advanced Training (CAT), at The Place, is a pre-vocational training programme for young people aged 11-17 years who have a passion for dance. 

The Place CAT programme focuses on contemporary dance, creative studies, and ballet, however different CAT centres around the country offer classes in Urban and Street Dance, South East Asian and Circus Skills. In addition we run body conditioning and physical health sessions, theatre trips, and holiday intensives with guest choreographers and dance companies.

CATs exist to identity and assist young people with promising potential — regardless of their background and experience — to benefit from world-class specialist training whilst living at home and staying at school. All classes are taught by our experienced dance teachers and accompanied by live musicians. In addition, the students gain valuable transferable life skills  and dance skills, including collaboration, performing, and adaptability.

As part of a National CAT Programme which launched in 2004, CAT is generously funded by the Department for Education Music and Dance Scheme (MDS). This means that students can be fully, or partially funded through grants that are awarded based on household income.