Enriching lives through dance
Our Centre for Advanced Training provides access to world-class dance training opportunities for young people aged between 11 – 19 years. The training is suitable for dancers with talent, passion and commitment to pursue dance.
Read our response to the recent Panorama episode
Swindon Dance’s Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) delivers world-class dance training to young talents aged 11-19. Our programmes cater to dedicated dancers with a passion for their art.
Comprising the Exeter Contemporary, Swindon Ballet, Swindon Contemporary and Swindon Street Dance programmes, we are one of nine National CATs across the UK.
Talented young dancers join us from the South West to embark on this transformative journey. Supported by the Music and Dance Scheme under the Department for Education, grants make our training accessible, often free or at a subsidized fee. We’re also committed to alleviating additional financial burdens, covering travel, class reimbursements outside of those offered by CAT, performance tickets, and physiotherapy sessions when necessary.
Programmes
Exeter Contemporary Programme
Nestled within DanSci Studio and Exeter University, the Exeter Contemporary programme operates bi-weekly from 11am to 5pm on Sundays during term time. Under the tutelage of industry-leading choreographers and artists, students delve into skills and techniques of:
- contemporary
- ballet
- jazz
- improvisation
- choreography
- performance
Swindon Ballet Programme
Nestled within Swindon Dance, the Swindon Ballet Programme runs weekly on Sunday afternoons from 11am to 5pm during term time. Under the tutelage of industry-leading choreographers and artists, students delve into skills and techniques of:
- ballet
- strength + conditioning
- music appreciation
- choreography
- performance
- pointe (if appropriate)
Click the link below to find out more about this new strand.
Swindon Contemporary Programme
Nestled within Swindon Dance, the Swindon Contemporary Programme operates on Saturdays from 11:3 am to 5:30pm during term time. Under the tutelage of industry-leading choreographers and artists, students delve into skills and techniques of:
- contemporary
- ballet
- jazz
- improvisation
- choreography
- performance
Swindon Street Dance Programme
Nestled within Swindon Dance, the Swindon Street Dance Programme runs weekly on Sunday afternoons from 11am to 4:30pm during term time. Under the tutelage of industry-leading choreographers and artists, students delve into skills and techniques of:
- hip hop
- popping
- breaking
- house
- commercial
- improvisation
- choreography
Join the CAT
For prospective dancers, we strongly recommend attending our free Open Day or Experience Day as a vital introduction to our world of dance excellence. These are free to attend and must be booked in advance. Open Days take place in February, Experience Days in February and April. Auditions will take place between March and July.
Information Pack
Fees and Grants
A place with the CAT can either be fully or partially funded by the Music and Dance Scheme, Department for Education. Grants are awarded based on mean-testing which looks at household income. Families who do not qualify for a grant will be required to pay the full fee.
Grants are available to those whose household income sit within ‘relevant’ income brackets:
Up to £32,728 you will receive a Full MDS Grant
Between £32,728 – £72,003 and you will receive a Partial MDS Grant
*Relevant household income is taxable income, minus £2,156 per dependent.
The MDS Grant ensure that young people, regardless of access barriers can benefit from high-quality dance training, different opportunities within dance and work with professional dance companies. Grant holders can also claim funding support for travel and other permitted costs.
FAQs
Please read our FAQs regarding Swindon Dance Centre for Advanced Training. If we haven’t addressed your query please don’t hesitate to contact us cat@swindondance.org.uk
