Where we are based:

Swindon.

Age range:

For young people aged between 11–17 years

Core curriculum:

The Swindon Dance CAT is a part-time, pre-vocational training programme that gives young people from across the South West who have a passion for dance, access to high quality dance training outside of their academic studies. The Swindon Dance CAT supports each individual student to develop the technical, creative and performance skills in dance as well as the knowledge and understanding that will prepare young dancers for higher vocational training and ultimately a career in dance if they decide to follow this pathway. The Swindon Dance CAT runs 3 programmes:

Swindon Contemporary Programme 
The  Swindon Contemporary Programme is based at Swindon Dance and runs on Saturday afternoons. It follows a 6 term format each of 5 weeks, with intensive courses during the academic breaks; key dates are given at the start of each year.  Students study; ballet and contemporary dance techniques, improvisation, choreography and performance skills, healthier dancer and dance contextual studies. There are weekly enhancement classes on Wednesday evenings in ballet and contemporary for all students that can make it to Swindon after their school day.

Contact: 
Hollie Brown (Coordinator)
Telephone: 01793 601702 option 1
Email: CATcoordinator@swindondance.org.uk

Swindon Street Dance Programme 
The Swindon Street Dance programme is based at Swindon Dance and runs on Sundays. It follows a 6 term format each of 5 weeks, with intensive courses during the academic breaks; key dates are given at the start of each year. Students study; Popping, Hip Hop, House, Breaking, freestyle, choreography and performance skills.

Alongside the regular term timetable of classes for each programme, the intensive courses during the academic breaks introduce students to guest choreographers and dance companies; there is a yearly end of year performance at Swindon Dance and other external performance projects. Each student is expected to attend other classes, workshops and performances outside of the Swindon Dance CAT to further enhance the work of the weekend training. The Swindon Dance CAT actively encourages and financially supports them in this endeavour. Students and parents meet with the team to discuss their personal training needs through an individual training plan (ITP).

The Swindon Dance CAT is delivered outside of school hours, in half terms and school holidays and every effort is made to keep a balance between academic studies and dance training.

Contact: 
Hollie Brown (Coordinator)
Telephone: 01793 601702 option 1
Email: CATcoordinator@swindondance.org.uk

Open Days and Auditions:

Entry onto the CAT programme is via audition only. Auditions are held annually, from March – July for entry onto the programme in September. The CAT audition is FREE to attend but an application form must be completed and submitted in order to reserve a place at the audition. 

We recommend students interested in joining the CAT attend an upcoming open day or experience day. To book your place on an open day or experience day click the link below.  

FIND OUT MORE

Apply online

If you have already attended an open day and/or are familiar with the CAT then feel free to apply to audition straight away. No previous dance experience is necessary but we do look for energy, commitment, potential and a passion for dance. For further information please visit www.swindondance.org.uk/cat