UK Academy Associates 2027

Claudia Dean Academy, now in London. Our UK Academy Associates are students of CDA, training with us every month in London.

Monthly Classes

Location

Pineapple Studios, Covent Garden

Ages

4 Age Groups

Find your Cohort

Academy Associates train in 4 age groups. Ages are as of 31 August 2027.

Junior Pro 2

8–10 years

Junior Pro 1

11–12 years

Senior Pro 2

13–14 years

Senior Pro 1

15+ years

UK Academy Associates

What's Included?

Global connections

Access to the academy's global network of directors and guest coaches our we align with.

Train in Australia

Visit and train at the Academy in Australia any time during the year.

Audition & competition guides

Exclusive audition guides available only to Academy students & Associates.

Yearly report card

A written report to track each students progress.

Repertoire assessment

A yearly assessment with our faculty.

Parent & coach interviews

Group sessions for open communication and goal setting.

Academy uniform

Access to the full range of academy uniforms.

Welcome goodie bag

A welcome pack for every Associate.

Meet your coaches

Claudia Dean

Claudia Dean

Founder & Director

Claudia Dean trained at The Royal Ballet School and danced with The Royal Ballet before returning to Australia. As founder of Claudia Dean World and Claudia Dean Academy, she combines her international connections and innovative coaching methods to inspire and guide the next generation of dancers.

Tierney Heap

Tierney Heap

Associate Coach

Tierney Heap trained at Elmhurst School for Dance and The Royal Ballet School before joining The Royal Ballet, where she performed for ten years, rising to First Soloist. She brings her extensive professional experience and classical expertise to inspire and guide the next generation of dancers.

Our Academy Network

Our Academy maintains strong connections with leading directors & coaches across the industry, creating valuable opportunities for our students. They are:

Paul Kay

Paul Kay

The Royal Ballet School - Head of Intensives & Talent Identification

Robert Parker

Robert Parker

Elmhurst Ballet School - Director

Dario Elia

Dario Elia

Dutch National Ballet Academy - Artistic Director

Lynne Charles

Lynne Charles

English National Ballet School - Artistic Director

James Butcher

James Butcher

The Royal Ballet School - Classical Teacher

Lisa Pavane

Lisa Pavane

The Australian Ballet School - Former Director

Progress & feedback

We track every Associate's development across the year. Each dancer takes part in a repertoire assessment with Claudia Dean, receiving written feedback. Families also receive a yearly report card, and we hold group parent and coach interviews to set goals for the year ahead.

How to apply

Apply by 31st October 2026

Submit your application through the form below.

Please include these 2 photos with your application.

Tendu devant with arms in 4th position

Tendu devant with arms in 4th position

Arabesque

Arabesque
Apply now

Already a UK Associate? You don't need to reapply. We'll be in touch about 2027.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about our UK Associates.

Where are classes held?

At Pineapple Dance Studios in London.

How is my child's group decided?

Your child's group is decided by their age as of 31 August 2027.

Do Associates need a uniform?

Yes. Associates wear the same uniform as our academy students in Australia. Accepted families receive a link to purchase the academy uniform.

How does payment work?

Classes are charged monthly. Add the accepted payment method and any sign-up payment details here.

Do current Associates need to apply again?

No. Current UK Associates don't need to reapply for 2027.

What should my child bring?

Add what students should bring, such as uniform, shoes, a water bottle and snacks for lunch.