Professional Diploma: Dance (16+)

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 Resilience

Optional 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.

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 Resilience

Optional 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.