Here's how you can apply to Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts

BOA

BOA is a high-performing 14-19 academy specialising in creative, digital and performing arts located in the heart of Birmingham’s city centre.

Specialising in the arts, we provide a dynamic and personalised learning pathway for each individual. It is our philosophy to unlock each student’s potential. Through our teaching, partnerships, industry links, pastoral care and monitoring we aim to foster ambition and a culture of high expectations and standards.

AcroPAD

AcroPAD offer a range of high quality products and services, all based around our inflatable flooring and equipment. Allowing students to explore and develop their skills to be a technically rounded performer while massively reducing the risk of injury. Space saving, highly functional, easy to store, and portable makes AcroPAD products a key piece of equipment to have in your facility. We also offer AcroPAD Workshops, Workshop Intensives, Masterclasses, Private Lessons, and Product Hire.

Harlequin

HARLEQUIN FLOORS; supplier of professional floors for dance, the performing arts, entertainment and display.

Recognised as world leaders in advanced technology flooring for dance and performing arts, Harlequin Floors is renowned worldwide, with operations in Europe (London, Luxembourg, Berlin, Paris and Madrid), the Americas (Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Forth Worth) and Asia Pacific (Hong Kong and Sydney).

Harlequin dance and performance floors are versatile and durable because they’re designed in close collaboration with the artistic, technical and medical world. Harlequin sprung floors offer assurance for better protection from injuries for dancers, providing them with a feeling of optimum safety.

Royal Academy of Dance

The Royal Academy of Dance is one of the world’s most influential dance education and professional membership organisations.

Founded in 1920, they are present in 79 countries with over 14,000 members worldwide, 1,000 students in their teacher training programmes and a quarter of a million students examined on their syllabi. They set global standards for exams in classical ballet, teacher training and Continuing Professional Development for dance.

Acrobatic Arts

Mandy Yip

Dance Educator, Founder Acrobatic Arts Inc

As the founder and CEO of Acrobatic Arts Inc, Mandy manages the staff and delivery of all training programs, and the Acrobatic Arts syllabus in over 4500 dance studios in USA, Canada, UK, Australia and over 25 other countries. She heads the Acrobatic Arts examination program, and trains and certifies adjudicators to administer exams in studios around the world. Over 350,000 dancers participate in Acrobatic Arts classes on a weekly basis!

Mandy created the Acrobatic Arts training and certification program, and the Acrobatic Arts curriculum, seeking advice and recommendations from industry experts in physiotherapy, artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, biomechanics, pilates, inversion, anatomy of movement, ballet, contortion, circus arts, and more to create the most comprehensive, researched program possible. Mandy also created the Acrobatic Arts App, My Acro App, the Acro Adjudicator App, and the AcroDance Preschool App.

A lifelong learner, Mandy has attended and achieved certification in countless courses, including contortion, hand balancing, inclusive learning, tap, jazz, gymnastics, and safe coaching, to name a few. Mandy currently sits on the advisory board for YPAD, and assists with the mission of keeping kids safe in dance through this organization. Mandy has taught thousands of dance teachers, and provided expert classes at Dance Teacher Summit (NYC), Dance Teacher Web Live (Las Vegas), Dance Teacher Summit (LA), Toronto Dance Teacher Expo, Calgary Dance Teacher Expo, Move It Dance Convention (London), Can You Dance Super Convention (Liverpool), Victorian Dance Festival (Melbourne), and CLI Studios (LA). Highly sought for clinics and workshops across North America, Europe and Australia, Mandy is known for bringing passion, technique and in-depth practical knowledge to engaging classes.

Derek Piquette Bio:
Derek Piquette
Dancer, Instructor, Choreographer, Director

Dancer, Director, Choreographer and Teacher Derek Piquette began dancing at the young age of 10 in his hometown of Chicopee, MA. From there his dance career accelerated quickly. By the age of 16, he received full scholarships for several ballet intensives and won several National Titles. Derek then moved to Miami to follow his dreams of becoming a professional dancer, training over 50 hours a week and taught at Stars Dance Company. As a performer, he was a principal dancer in the Bridge To Artists productions of Carmen and The Maid. He has also performed in the Paul Mitchell Fashion Show, Revlon Hair Show and MOVE the World Charity Event. One of the most exciting experiences in his young career took place in 2015, when he competed on Season 12 of So You Think You Can Dance, finishing among the top 4 stage dancers and performing for over 37 million viewers. He followed up his appearance on the show with the So You Think You Can Dance Live Tour, performing in 70 cities across North America. In early 2017, Derek launched his newest project, Intrepid Dance Company, which had its first performance entitled “HER” that he directed and choreographed. Currently Derek is the lead role in Cirque Du Soleil’s KOOZA as the “Trickster” traveling under Big Top in Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Singapore and China. One of Derek’s most recent endeavours included competing as a finalist in 2019 on NBC’s World Of Dance Season 3.

As a teacher and choreographer, Derek has worked for various dance organizations including On the Floor, Hit the Floor, CLI Studios, Mather Dance Company Online, Acrobatic Arts, Step Up 2 Dance, Twilight Dance Convention and Top Ten Dance Challenge where he has judged, taught, and assisted top choreographers in the industry. His career has taken him to destinations throughout the United States, Canada, London, Central America, Australia, China and Singapore where he has taught at over 200 competitive and professional dance studios. Since 2014, Derek choreographed more than 350 award winning pieces, including pieces for stars on Dance Moms, Disney Channel’s Backstage and So You Think You Can Dance. Derek currently teaches and assists for On the Floor: The Ultimate Dance Experience, working with young dancers all over North America. He has also choreographed pieces and been a principal dancer in On the Floor’s Gala for SickKids Hospital in Toronto for 4 years and has helped raise over $250,000 for the ChildLife Program.

With his inspirational drive and love of dance, Derek has achieved many professional and artistic goals and helped other dancers do the same. Derek is especially focused on working with young dancers around the world, hoping to instil in them his enthusiasm for dance and inspire them to become the best they can be. A natural teacher, Derek has an exceptional way of connecting with his students, whether it be in class, through choreography or through performing. He makes a lasting impression, leaving his students touched, encouraged, and educated.

Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing

The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) is one of the world’s leading dance examination boards. From Ballet to Ballroom, they have 12 dance faculties covering Theatre, Dancesport and Social Dance.

Since 1904 they have provided training for dance teachers and examiners, enabling teachers to enter their students for examinations, develop new techniques and spread the joy of dance.

As a registered educational charity and membership association, the ISTD’s mission is to educate the public in the art of dancing in all its forms, to promote knowledge of dance, to provide up-to-date techniques for our members, and to maintain and improve teaching standards. They support their members through updated teaching syllabi and techniques, plus a wide variety of courses, summer schools and congresses.

British Theatre Dance Association

BTDA is a forward thinking Dance Association which offers both Regulated and Self-Regulated Examinations in a wide variety of dance disciplines. In addition we have a varied performance award programme. Why not visit our website for further details, there’s something for everyone.

Associated Board of Dance

Associated Board of Dance Ltd – ABD (by guarantee) is an international dance examination board offering regulated and accredited examinations.

ABD is a non-profit organisation. ABD is a member of and recognised by the following professional regulatory bodies: British Dance Council – BDC, Theatre Dance Council International – TDCI, Graded Qualifications Alliance (GQAL), Board of Dance Qualifications & Training (Full Awarding Body Accreditation) – BDQT and Sports & Recreation Alliance – SARA.

Showtime Circus

LIFE IS BETTER UPSIDE DOWN!

Showtime Circus was founded in 2018 and is a fully inclusive circus school for babies, children and adults. Having franchised in 2023, we are now able to extend our welcome to many circus families all over the UK.

We aim to provide a safe space for everyone to explore learning and try many skills on their own personal journey. With CPD accredited teachers who are able to tailor their technique to individuals, we welcome any and everyone and have classes to suit children and adults from all different backgrounds. We really are a caring, community, circus family.

There are many, many circus skills and we know the importance of finding something that you just "click" with and the confidence it gives us when we master it - and we aim to give that confidence to all and know the transferable skills it gives a child too.

We are proud to have grown so quickly to a place where we can now offer business owners their chance to open their very own circus school by franchising with us and we are really excited to see many more students be able to experience the JOY of the circus.

Move It

MOVE IT the world’s biggest dance event gets set to celebrate its 20th anniversary from 7-9 March 2025 at ExCeL London. Immerse yourself in three electrifying days of MOVE IT magic, bringing the entire dance and performing arts community together under one roof. Whether you’re a dancer, teacher, spectator, or professional, this unforgettable event has something to inspire everyone, no matter your skill level.

Gibraltar National Dance Organisation

Partner

Dance Informa

Partner

DANCE INFORMA is an international digital dance magazine and the largest global dance platform catering to dancers, educators, audiences, industry and dance enthusiasts.

With magazines published online in Australia (since 2006), the US (since 2008) and the UK (from late 2023), they are THE industry go-to resource for everything dance, including the latest dance news, reviews, advice, and opportunities.

Dance Informa aims to empower dance artists by keeping them engaged, informed, inspired and connected in their creative endeavours.

Dance Informa directories are a valued dance resource, sharing information on Events, Auditions, Courses, Jobs, Choreographers and more!

They publish news daily and curate editions bi-monthly across all magazine separately.
They also partner with various global dance events to support the local dance community.

Subscription is free and they offer a free basic listing service too!
Or you can say more by upgrading to a Premium listing or asking about one of their heavily discounted advertising packages.

Subscribe and start reading today!

BGU

Partner

CAPA College

Partner

CAPA College is dedicated to helping young people take the next step toward a successful career in the Arts. Their full-time, intensive training provides the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to launch a professional career, all delivered in an environment that’s unlike anywhere else in the North of England.

Their ethos is based on three key values: Accessibility, Collaboration, and Excellence. As Wakefield’s only Department for Education-funded Free School, they make outstanding creative education accessible to all with no tuition fees and strong academic and pastoral support.

Collaboration is at the heart of CAPA College's approach, with students taking part in live performances, professional projects, and masterclasses that prepare them for the creative industries. They strive for excellence in performance, production, academic achievement, and personal development. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2022, CAPA College ranks in the top 1% nationally for student progress. Their alumni go on to train at top conservatoires and universities, pursuing successful careers from West End stages, blockbuster films, and behind-the-scenes roles in production and design.

Their state-of-the-art facilities and industry-standard equipment allow students to work at a professional level, guided by experienced staff with global expertise. This is a place where creativity thrives, ambition is nurtured, and potential is given the platform to shine. CAPA College are proud of the community they've built and are excited for what’s to come.

The future starts here.

CAPA College's Pathways:

MUSICAL THEATRE:
Blending dance, drama and singing - this pathway is the ultimate gateway to the world of musical theatre. From choreography and acting through song to songwriting and collaborating on original productions, we provide the skills and confidence to thrive on any stage.

DANCE:
Turning passion into a professional career! With expert training across styles from ballet to commercial and countless opportunities to perform, CAPA College shapes their students into accomplished performers ready to step out.

DRAMA:
Their Drama Pathway immerses students in the world of stage and screen, covering acting, directing, and scriptwriting. Taught by industry professionals, their students gain essential skills, creative confidence, and exciting performance opportunities to prepare for a successful career in theatre and film.

FILM & TV
Offering hands-on, industry-level training to help aspiring storytellers explore their unique vision as a filmmaker. Guided by award-winning professionals, students gain technical expertise take part in exciting projects that prepare them for a dynamic career in film and television.

PRODUCTION
The journey into the technical and creative world of theatre and live events. CAPA College provide professional training for future technicians, designers, and creatives who get to explore hands-on projects, diverse job roles and get to grips with all the latest industry-standard equipment.

The Worx

Partner

The Worx is one of the leading performing arts colleges in the North of England providing the very best triple-threat training. 

Their students are trained to become professional, ambitious and employable performers in all genres of this ever changing industry. They take great pride in entrusting their students’ training & education to their hand-picked faculty including West End performers, choreographers, directors, and experienced dance, Musical Theatre and academic educators. 

Shockout

Partner

Hamilton Theatre Arts

EDEN THEATRE ARTS

CTC

D16 PERFORMING ARTS COLLEGE

Established in 2015, we are East Anglia's first and only dedicated Full Time Industry Led Performing Arts College. We aim to develop and broaden our students skills and knowledge of Musical Theatre in a professional and highly disciplined Performing Arts College environment. 

D16 Performing Arts College celebrates individuality and versatility and prides itself on training students to an extremely high standard. A 100% fully funded Level 3 Extended BTEC Course that is completely Industry Led, in Norfolk. Whatever your favourite style, our course will enable you to develop and progress within all areas of performing, preparing you for the industry and allowing you to progress to the next stages of further training/higher education.

Our 100% success rate speaks for itself.
100% of our students have graduated with a Distinction
100% of our students have graduated with a place at vocational college.

Join us and become part of an alumni of excellence.

MTS College

ELLITE STUDIOS COLLEGE

Savage Performing Arts Academy

Dance Inc Studio Centre