KIERAN WARNER

Kieran Warner joined the Centre for Advanced Training Urban strand in 2010 and worked with artists such as Borrke Milliner, Robert Hylton, Banksy, Clara Bajado and many more.

How did you discover the CAT scheme?
Through friends already enrolled onto the scheme.

What had been your experience of dance before the CAT scheme?
I had dabbled in my childhood, teaching myself MJ routines and things I found on YouTube. Then I met friends who had some training and began sharing with me.

What has the CAT scheme taught you?
Professionalism, compared to my peers in the industry I think I have a greater level of professionalism which I gained from the CAT programme and my tutors. That includes; punctuality, attitude and pushing to be/do my best.

Where has the scheme led you so far?
It led me to enroll and complete my BA Degree in Circus Arts from the National Centre for Circus Arts. Since then I’ve started my own Circus & Hip Hop Theatre Company, Simple Cypher and we performed nationally and internationally in theatres, festivals and other events. I am recognised in the UK for being one of the top Hip Hop dancers and now teach and judge across the world on a weekly basis. I organise dance events across the UK with dancers travelling to attend from all over Europe, America & Asia.

What are your future aspirations?
To continue to move, to be happy and healthy and to inspire the next generation just as I was inspired to become who I am.

What advice would you give to a young person who is interested in auditioning?
Give your all, enjoy the moment and if this audition isn’t successful then you try again, we all take knock backs and fail but it’s the getting back up that makes us reach our goals.

What impact has the financial support of a Department for Education Grant had on your dancing?

Without the grant I could not have afforded the training, it was difficult enough to fund the scheme partly. This grant and those similar are life changing and make a huge difference for young people without strong financial support.