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.
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, Swindon Street Dance, Exeter Street Dance Programme (new for Sept 2024) and Bournemouth Contemporary (pilot) Programme (starting Nov 2024), 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
Bournemouth Contemporary (pilot) Programme
NEW FOR NOV 2024 | NEW FOR NOV 2024 | NEW FOR NOV 2024
Swindon Dance’s Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) is shaking things up with a brand new programme launching in November 2024, all about Contemporary Dance! Whether you dream of a dance career or just want to dip your toes into the world of contemporary moves, the Bournemouth Contemporary (pilot) Programme is here to spot and support talented 11-19-year-olds. No matter your background, get ready for top-notch training that could pave the way to a successful career in contemporary dance.
This 10-week pilot programme will kick off in November 2024 at Pavilion Dance South West. Get ready to fill your Saturday afternoons with contemporary, improvisation, choreography and ballet.
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
Exeter Street Dance Programme
NEW FOR SEPT 2024 | NEW FOR SEPT 2024 | NEW FOR SEPT 2024
Held at the vibrant DanSci Dance Studios, the Exeter Street Dance Programme run 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:
- hip hop
- popping
- breaking
- house
- commercial
- improvisation
- choreography
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)
Swindon Contemporary Programme
Nestled within Swindon Dance, the Swindon Contemporary Programme operates on Saturdays from 11:30 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
At CAT, we extend a warm welcome to individuals filled with energy, dedication, undiscovered potential, and above all, an unwavering passion for dance. If successful, you’ll join a community of like-minded dancers, honing your technique, nurturing your creative approach, and benefiting from the knowledge of industry leaders.
For those eager to audition, the process begins by applying online. A member of our CAT team will confirm your free place, paving the way for an exciting journey into the world of dance.
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 (DfE). 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 DfE Grant
Between £32,728 – £72,003 and you will receive a Partial DfE Grant
*Relevant household income is taxable income, minus £2,264 per dependent.
The DfE 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
