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: 
Anna Watkins (Coordinator)
Telephone: 01793 601702 option 1
Email: Anna.watkins@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 a range of street styles including; popping, breaking, house and hip hop, also choreography, performance skills and contextual studies.

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:
Charlene Smith (Student Liaison)
Telephone: 01793 601702 option 2
Email: charlene.smith@swindondance.org.uk

Open Days and Auditions:

During these unprecedented times and in lieu of being able to hold Open Days we wanted to provide some resource and further information about the Swindon Contemporary Programme and Swindon Street Dance Programme. Hopefully what we have provided will give some insight into the training and the format of the courses.

We have included:

• Programme Information
• Dates at a glance
• Footage of pieces created and performed by students
• Building Information
• Audition Information

Please get in touch with us via email cat@swindondance.org.uk if you have any questions at this stage. We are aware this is a lot of information to digest, so do not worry about asking any question big or small. At present we have suspended the Centre for Advanced Training Programme for the safety and welfare of students and families. Currently, we are hopeful that auditions will run as normal. If not, we will update those that have expressed an interest nearer the time.

Stay safe & best wishes,
Swindon Dance, Centre for Advanced Training Team

Auditions:

UPDATE Sept/Oct 2020: We are still accepting applications -so please get in touch if you would like to join.

Apply online

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