Professional Diploma: Dance (16+)
Level 6 Trinity Diploma in Professional Dance
Professional Diploma: Dance
The Hammond's full-time, three-year Level 6 Trinity Diploma is designed to develop exceptional, versatile performers ready to launch successful careers in the performing arts. Rooted in outstanding classical ballet training and delivered by an expert faculty of experienced industry professionals, the course combines technical excellence with artistic development, creativity and performance experience, enabling every student to realise their full potential.
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Students benefit from an intensive programme of professional training, developing the versatility and adaptability demanded by today's performing arts industry. The curriculum includes:
Classical Ballet
Pointe Work
Virtuosity
Jazz Technique
Tap
Contemporary Dance
Commercial Dance
Choreography
Ensemble Singing
All students are tutored in singing through ensemble classes, and have the option to purchase additional 1-2-1 singing classes.
The Hammond Dance Company
Training Beyond the Studio
From the very beginning of their training, Dance students become part of The Hammond Dance Company—a unique opportunity that bridges the gap between vocational training and professional employment.
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Designed to reflect the realities of working in the dance industry, the Company provides students with the experience of rehearsing, creating and performing as part of a professional ensemble. Through original repertoire, creative collaborations and regular performance opportunities, students develop the technical excellence, versatility, discipline and teamwork expected by today's leading dance companies.
More than simply a performance group, The Hammond Dance Company is an integral part of our training. Students learn the expectations of company life, gaining invaluable experience in rehearsal etiquette, artistic collaboration, adaptability and professional practice. These are the qualities that employers look for and that help our graduates stand out at auditions.
By the time they complete their training, our students have not only refined their technical ability but have also developed the confidence, resilience and professional mindset needed to transition successfully into the industry. Whether pursuing careers in contemporary or commercial dance, touring productions, cruise entertainment or international dance companies, The Hammond Dance Company provides an outstanding foundation for the next stage of every dancer's journey.
Launching Professional Careers
The Hammond's Level 6 Trinity Diploma is carefully crafted to produce highly skilled, resilient and industry-ready performers. Alongside exceptional technical training, students develop the professionalism, creativity, discipline and confidence required to build long and rewarding careers in the performing arts.
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Graduates leave The Hammond equipped to secure opportunities across the UK's and international performing arts industries, with many progressing into professional dance companies, West End and touring productions, commercial performance, cruise lines, television and live entertainment, as well as specialist postgraduate and conservatoire training. Throughout their training, students are encouraged to develop the independence, adaptability and entrepreneurial mindset that enables them not only to enter the profession but to build sustainable and fulfilling careers within it.
At The Hammond, our ambition is not simply to prepare students for their first professional contract, but to equip them with the skills, resilience and versatility to enjoy a lifetime of success in an ever-evolving industry.
Course Information
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Year One establishes the technical, artistic and physical foundations that underpin professional dance training. Students develop strength, technique, musicality and performance skills across a broad range of disciplines while becoming familiar with the expectations of vocational training. Alongside practical classes, students begin their Healthy Performer journey, learning the importance of safe practice, injury prevention and maintaining physical and mental wellbeing throughout their careers
Core Training:
Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Commercial, Vocal Technique, Choreography, Partner work, Dance Performance, Fitness (Yoga/ Pilates), Contextual Studies, Injury Prevention, Management, and Rehabilitation Program
Healthy Performer Programme:
Exceptional performance begins with exceptional wellbeing. Our Healthy Performer Programme equips students with the knowledge, support and practical skills to train safely, perform confidently and build long, sustainable careers in the performing arts. Through expert guidance in injury prevention and rehabilitation, fitness, safe dance practice, anatomy and physiology, performance psychology and resilience, students develop both the physical and mental foundations for professional success.
• Injury Prevention Management
• Rehabilitation Program
• Student Support
• Fitness (Yoga, Pilates)
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Safe Dance Practice
• Performance Psychology and ResilienceOptional Teaching Qualification:
Students wishing to broaden their career opportunities can choose to study for the Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (DDE), awarded by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). This internationally recognised qualification provides an excellent foundation for those considering a future in dance teaching alongside or beyond their performing career.
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Building on the foundations established in Year One, students expand their technical ability, artistic expression and performance confidence. Training becomes increasingly challenging and industry-focused, introducing specialist techniques, collaborative performance projects and reflective practice that encourage students to develop as adaptable, independent performers.
Core Training:
Ballet, Virtuosity, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Commercial, Vocal Technique, Choreography, Partner work, Dance Performance, Reflective Studies. Double Work Latin, Industry Preparation, Swing Performance Project, Stage Vocal Practice.
Healthy Performer Programme:
Exceptional performance begins with exceptional wellbeing. Our Healthy Performer Programme equips students with the knowledge, support and practical skills to train safely, perform confidently and build long, sustainable careers in the performing arts. Through expert guidance in injury prevention and rehabilitation, fitness, safe dance practice, anatomy and physiology, performance psychology and resilience, students develop both the physical and mental foundations for professional success.
• Injury Prevention Management
• Rehabilitation Program
• Student Support
• Fitness (Yoga, Pilates)
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Safe Dance Practice
• Performance Psychology and ResilienceOptional ISTD Teaching Qualification:
Students wishing to broaden their career opportunities can choose to study for the Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education (DDE), awarded by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). This internationally recognised qualification provides an excellent foundation for those considering a future in dance teaching alongside or beyond their performing career.
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The final year focuses on refining performance excellence and preparing students for successful careers within the performing arts industry. Alongside advanced technical training, students receive comprehensive professional development, performance opportunities and individual career guidance, graduating as confident, resilient and highly employable performers ready to take the next step into the profession.
Core Training:
Ballet, Virtuosity, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Commercial, Vocal Technique, Choreography, Partner work, Dance Performance, Reflective Studies. Double Work Latin, Industry Preparation, Swing Performance Project, Stage Vocal Practice.
Healthy Performer Programme:
Exceptional performance begins with exceptional wellbeing. Our Healthy Performer Programme equips students with the knowledge, support and practical skills to train safely, perform confidently and build long, sustainable careers in the performing arts. Through expert guidance in injury prevention and rehabilitation, fitness, safe dance practice, anatomy and physiology, performance psychology and resilience, students develop both the physical and mental foundations for professional success.
• Injury Prevention Management
• Rehabilitation Program
• Student Support
• Fitness (Yoga, Pilates)
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Safe Dance Practice
• Performance Psychology and Resilience -
Students receive comprehensive preparation for the transition from training to the professional stage through a range of industry-focused opportunities designed to build confidence, professionalism and employability.
Our programme includes:
Audition Technique – Developing the skills, confidence and resilience needed to excel in professional auditions.
Industry Panel Days – Exclusive opportunities to perform and network with leading agents, casting professionals and industry experts at events in both Chester and London.
Professional Portfolio Development – Expert guidance in creating industry-standard CVs, professional headshots, Spotlight profiles, dance showreels and vocal showreels, ensuring students graduate with a polished and competitive professional portfolio.
Dance Captain Project – Developing leadership, collaboration and rehearsal management skills, preparing students for positions of responsibility within professional productions.
The Hammond Graduate Showcase – A flagship performance providing graduating students with the opportunity to present their talent to invited agents, casting directors, producers and other influential industry professionals, helping to launch the next stage of their professional careers.
Subject content is subject to change based on curriculum review.
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Each year, students undertake approximately seven weeks of intensive rehearsal alongside their regular training, culminating in a professionally directed dance production. Working within a rehearsal environment that mirrors industry practice, students gain invaluable experience of the discipline, collaboration and performance standards expected of professional performers.
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Throughout their training, students benefit from an inspiring programme of workshops and masterclasses delivered by leading choreographers, performers, creative practitioners and industry specialists. These sessions expose students to a diverse range of styles, creative approaches and current industry practice, enriching their training while providing valuable insight into the professional world.
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Student progress is continually monitored through a combination of formative and summative assessments across all core disciplines, alongside the evaluation of live performance. Equally important is the development of independent, reflective artists.
Through regular tutorials, constructive feedback, self-assessment, reflective practice and personalised target setting, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, continually refine their skills and strive for excellence throughout their training.
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At The Hammond, our mission is not only to train exceptional young performers but to prepare them to thrive and succeed in the professional industry. Our teaching faculty is made up of a remarkable team of specialists who bring a wealth of real-world experience to the studio and classroom. With professional credits spanning the West End, national and international tours, international cruise lines, film and television, and prestigious dance and theatre companies, our staff ensure that every student learns directly from those who know what it takes to succeed on the professional stage.
Alongside world-class training, each student benefits from personalised one-to-one guidance to help them make the right choices for their chosen career path. Whether exploring routes into theatre, dance companies, television, or further study, our dedicated mentors provide tailored advice that recognises each student’s unique strengths, ambitions, and potential.
Students also gain invaluable professional experience through a wide range of performance opportunities. From fully staged productions and public industry showcases to projects designed to mirror the pace and standards of professional rehearsals, these experiences prepare our students for the demands of the industry.
A highlight of our programme is the The Hammond Graduate Showcase in London, where graduating students perform for an audience of industry leaders, including agents, casting directors, producers, and artistic directors of major companies. This crucial platform enables our students to both secure representation and build meaningful connections so they are able to step confidently into their professional careers.
At every stage of their journey, The Hammond is committed to creating opportunities, nurturing talent, and ensuring that our students leave us not only as outstanding performers, but as industry-ready professionals with the skills, resilience, and connections to succeed.
Dance & Drama Award
The Dance and Drama Awards (DaDAs) offer annual scholarships to exceptionally talented performing arts students studying at some of the country’s leading providers of professional vocational training in dance, drama and musical theatre. This funding is available to Professional Diploma students only.
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The DaDA is only available to young people on our Professional Diploma: Dance (16+) and Professional Diploma: Musical Theatre (16+) courses. DaDAs are allocated based on highest score at audition.
A DaDA is a means-tested award which means the value of the place is dependent on the household income. You can see how much a DaDA will be worth to your household here (please note, this is based on gross income).
Life After The Hammond
Graduating from The Hammond is the beginning of an exciting professional journey. Whether students aspire to perform professionally, continue their education or explore specialist training, our experienced staff provide personalised guidance and advice to help them make informed decisions about their next steps.
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Many graduates progress directly into employment across the performing arts industry, securing opportunities in dance companies, musical theatre, commercial performance, cruise lines, television and live entertainment.
Others choose to continue their education through undergraduate or postgraduate study, building on the strong technical and artistic foundation gained at The Hammond.
Graduates of the Level 6 Trinity Diploma may progress to the BA (Hons) Professional Practice, a work-based, part-time distance learning degree delivered by Middlesex University in association with Trinity College London. The qualification also provides a recognised pathway for graduates wishing to apply for a range of postgraduate programmes, including selected Master's degrees.
To see where a Hammond education can lead, visit our Alumni page and discover the achievements and career destinations of our recent graduates.
For further information about the BA (Hons) Professional Practice, please click here.
Chester Life
As a future Cestrian, it’s important you know the what, which and why of this ancient, vibrant city. Whether you’re grabbing a bite to eat in the Market, enjoying a picnic in Grosvenor Park, or indulging in some culture at the Storyhouse, a day in Chester is always sure to be a place that inspires.
Dance Show review from Canal Street
“The Professional Diploma Dance Show at The Hammond School (26th–28th March 2026) proved to be an exhilarating and deeply inspiring celebration of emerging talent, all brought together under this year’s evocative theme, Images.
From the very first moment, the performance space was alive with energy and intent, immediately signalling that this was no ordinary student showcase, but a production of genuine professional calibre. Under the expert guidance of guest artistic director and recently appointed patron David Needham—whose near 30-year association with the school is evident in every polished detail—the evening unfolded with confidence, creativity, and flair.
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The programme was impressively ambitious, with Act One presenting 12 diverse and captivating pieces, followed by 10 equally compelling works in Act Two, culminating in a joyous and high-energy “Finale Party” that left the audience uplifted and thoroughly entertained. Each piece felt distinct, yet collectively they formed a cohesive exploration of movement, mood, and visual storytelling inspired by the central theme.
What stood out most was the exceptional standard of the 55 first, second, and third-year students. Their technique, discipline, and emotional intelligence on display were nothing short of remarkable. Whether performing classical ballet or contemporary choreography, these young dancers demonstrated not only mastery of their craft but also an ability to connect deeply with the audience—an essential quality for any successful professional career.
The production also highlighted the immense contribution of the dedicated teaching staff, whose inventive choreography brought variety and depth to the programme. The creative team equally deserves high praise: the music choices were evocative, the set design imaginative, and the wardrobe, sound, and lighting combined seamlessly to enhance each performance.
Special recognition must be given to principal Jennifer Roscoe, whose dedication and vision have clearly played a pivotal role in making this outstanding event possible. Her leadership is reflected in the high standards and evident pride that radiate from every aspect of the production.
Ultimately, this was a thrilling and polished showcase of dance at its very best—an evening that not only celebrated the students’ current achievements but also offered a tantalising glimpse of the bright futures that undoubtedly lie ahead for these gifted performers.”— Peter Johnson