The Cresset’s thriving performing arts programme provides opportunities for all ages and abilities to explore their individuality and celebrate their community through the arts. The programme provides an excellent grounding for children and young adults interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts, with a number of young people from the programme progressing to successful careers in the West End or as professional actors.

The Cresset hosts weekly dance and drama classes within the purpose-built In-Step dance studio on the first floor. Opened in 1997 with funding from the National Lottery, the air-conditioned dance studio is equipped with a sprung dance floor, full-length mirrors and barres. Students from age 3 up to adult enjoy a diverse mix of dance classes including ballet, street dance, jazz, contemporary dance, tap, and fitness classes. Larger classes and workshops also take place in the air-conditioned Studio 2 on the ground floor.

During the course of the year a number of festivals and dance shows are staged at The Cresset. These include the Peterborough Stage Dance Festival, which serves as a regional qualification event for the National Stage Dance Finals, and the Inspire Dance Festival, which offers young people the chance to work with a professional dance company to choreograph their own new dance pieces. There are annual dance festivals for both primary and secondary age children, and Easter and Summer Schools, in which a team of skilled dance and drama facilitators work with up to 30 young people each week, culminating in a public performance of a specially devised work.

The focal point of the performing arts calendar is the autumn youth production. In recent years this has included Little Shop of Horrors, Return to the Forbidden Planet and the hugely popular High School Musical.

Hire the Studio

The In-Step Dance Studio is available for hire as a rehearsal or workshop space or for new classes.

Wheelchair Accessible

The Dance Studio is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

For more information on any aspect of our Performing Arts Programme please call Debbie Eason, Dance Co-ordinator on 01733 842500, or use our contact form.

 Print this page