Our Centre for Advanced Training provides access to world-class dance training opportunities for young people aged between 11 – 19 years. The training programme(s) are suitable for dancers with talent, passion and commitment to pursue dance.
Training takes place at weekends during term time and also in the form of intensives and residencies during the school holidays. Students are supported to learn, explore and develop by some of the UK’s most inspiring dance professionals.
Swindon Dance’s Centre for Advanced Training offers four separate programmes (Swindon Street Dance, Swindon Contemporary, Swindon Ballet and Exeter Contemporary), making up one of nine National Centres across the UK.
The National Dance CATs are supported through the Department for Education’s Music and Dance Scheme, meaning that for those that qualify training is FREE or subsidised. To find out more about the other National Centre’s visit the National CAT website. www.nationaldancecats.co.uk.
OUR TRAINING PROGRAMMES
Exeter Contemporary Programme
Training takes place on Sundays Dancers meet fortnightly on Sundays from 11am-5pm during school terms. The programme focuses on a variety of contemporary techniques, ballet, and jazz dance techniques, improvisation, choreography and performance skills. The Exeter CAT meet at DanSci DanceStudio, and Exeter University. Students from Devon, Cornwall and Somerset travel to attend this programme.
Swindon Contemporary Programme
The CAT Swindon Contemporary Programme is based at Swindon Dance and runs weekly Saturday afternoons between 11:30 to 5:30pm. Students study; ballet, contemporary and jazz dance techniques, improvisation, choreography and performance skills. Young dancers usually travel from within Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Dorset.
Swindon Street Dance Programme
Formerly known as the Swindon Urban Programme training covers technical, creative & performance skills through different styles including: Popping, Hip Hop, Breaking, House and Commercial. This programme meets every Sunday at Swindon Dance from 11am-4:30 pm. Young dancers from all over South West region travel to attend this programme.
Swindon Ballet Programme
Based at Swindon Dance the Ballet stand runs on Sunday afternoons between 11am and 5pm. Students will study; Ballet technique, Strength and Conditioning/Pilates, an introduction to Pointe work, an introduction to Contemporary, Male Virtuosity (if applicable), Music Appreciation as well as workshops in Anatomy, Healthier Dancer, Choreography, Drama.
JOIN THE CAT
Applications are accepted from young people, aged 11-19 years. Swindon Dance CAT welcome applicants from the South West of the country to apply. We encourage both non-experienced and experienced young dancers to apply.
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. On first entry to the CAT, applicants must be 15 or under to qualify for a grant. Families who do not qualify for a grant will be required to pay the full fee. Please read our grant information sheet by clicking the link below for more information.
