YOU’VE BEEN SPOTTED

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

You’ve been handed this card because a member of our team has seen great potential within you. We believe you have the talent, passion and commitment to excel in 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 Swindon Contemporary, Swindon Ballet, Swindon Street Dance, Exeter Contemporary and the Exeter Street Dance Programme, we are one of nine National CATs across the UK.

Our programmes run at the weekend during term time. Under the tutelage of industry-leading choreographers and artists, students delve into: 

• technique

• choreography

• performance

• improvisation

Talented young dancers join us from Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, and Dorset 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.

A member of our team has witnessed your talent and with that in mind, we would to see you at one of our recruitment events. From January to March we hold Open Experience Days. Step into the world of the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) and experience the excitement of our programme first-hand. The Open Experience Day is your gateway to comprehending the extensive offerings; including the fully funded places available and the support we provide on your dance journey. The event is cost-free and with classes designed at a general level for this day, it is sure to be an inclusive and enlightening experience for all. Admission Workshops take place from March to July and 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.

RECRUITMENT EVENTS

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    OPEN EXPERIENCE DAYS

    Step into the world of the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) and experience the excitement of our programme first-hand. The Open Experience Day is your gateway to comprehending the extensive offerings; including the fully funded places available and the support we provide on your dance journey.

    Throughout the day, you'll have the unique opportunity to meet our dedicated teaching team and participate in an enriching class. Learn about the admission process, and understand the commitment expected from CAT participants.

    The event is cost-free and with classes designed at a general level for this day, it is sure to be an inclusive and enlightening experience for all.

    Exeter Contemporary Programme, Sunday 8th Feb 2026 @DanceSci Studio, Exeter

    Exeter Street Dance Programme, Sunday 8th Feb 2026 @DanceSci Studio, Exeter

    Swindon Contemporary Programme, Saturday 24th Jan & Saturday 14th March 2026 @Swindon Dance

    Swindon Ballet Programme, Sunday 25th January & Sunday 15th March 2026 @Swindon Dance

    Register your interest here and a member of the team will be in touch to confirm your place.

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    ADMISSION WORKSHOPS

    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.

    This relaxed and friendly session will involve taking part in a practical class, sharing your own short dance or learnt phrase, and an informal chat with the CAT team.

    For those eager to join, the process begins by registering your interest online. A member of team will confirm your free place on the workshop, paving the way for an exciting journey into the world of dance.

    Exeter Contemporary Programme, Sunday 15th March & Sunday 14th June 2026 @DanSci Studio, Exeter

    Exeter Street Dance Programme, Sunday 15th March & Sunday 14th June 2026 @DanSci Studio, Exeter

    Swindon Ballet Programme, Saturday 11th July 2026 @Swindon Dance

    Swindon Contemporary Programme, Saturday 11th July 2026 @Swindon Dance

    Swindon Street Dance Programme, Saturday 11th July 2026 @Swindon Dance

    Apply online here and a member of our team will confirm your free place, paving the way for an exciting journey into the world of dance

Testimonials

  • “Before I joined the CAT, I had dabbled in my childhood, teaching myself Michael Jackson routines and things I found on YouTube. Then I met friends who had some training and began sharing with me. 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”

  • “I discovered the CAT through my secondary school. The CAT team came to give a workshop and recommended that some of the students should audition. Being part of the CAT taught me of the different possibilities there are in dance. The scheme gave me a taste of what dance schools would be like and through working with such a variety of different people gave me a glimpse of how broad contemporary dance is”