EXETER CONTEMPORARY PROGRAMME
Nestled within DanSci Studio and Exeter University, the Exeter Contemporary Programme (ECP) operates bi-weekly from 11am to 5pm on Sundays during term time. Under the tutelage of industry-leading choreographers and artists, students delve into skills and techniques of:
contemporary
ballet
jazz
improvisation
choreography
performance
BENEFIT FROM WORLD-CLASS DANCE TRAINING
Talented young dancers join us from the Southwest 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.
For prospective dancers, we strongly recommend attending our free Open Day or Experience Day as a vital introduction to our world of dance excellence
AIMS
Develop tomorrow’s outstanding professional and unique artists
Seek out, nurture and develop exceptional talent for dance
Provide access, supporting participants both geographically and financially through the DfE grant scheme
OUTCOMES
The development of autonomous learners
The development of artistically and physically dynamic dancers
WHAT TO EXPECT
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1 Open Day
Discover the essence of the Centre for Advanced Training at our Open Day – a prime opportunity to gain insights. Engage with our CAT team, get your queries addressed, and witness our world-class instructors in action, guiding our talented students through a practical session.
If you're new to the CAT programme, this Open Day is your gateway to comprehending the extensive offerings; including the grants available and the support we provide on your dance journey. The event is cost-free, and we warmly welcome parents and guardians to attend this enriching experience.
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2 Experience Day
Step into the world of CAT and experience the excitement of our programme first-hand. Gain valuable insights into our specialised training before you take that important audition leap.
Throughout the day, you'll have the unique opportunity to meet our dedicated teaching team and participate in two enriching classes. Learn about the audition process, explore the fully funded places we offer, and understand the commitment expected from CAT participants.
We embrace dancers of all experience stages, with classes designed at a general level for this day, ensuring an inclusive and enlightening occasion for all.
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3 Audition
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.
For those eager to audition, the process begins by registering your interest online. A member of our CAT team will confirm your free place, paving the way for an exciting journey into the world of dance.
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4 Levels
The CAT Programme runs with 2 levels taking place simultaneously. The levels are set by the CAT team at the beginning of the year based on ability, strength, maturity and technique. If the CAT team feels any student is in the wrong level at any point throughout the year then this can be amended in discussion with the student and the parent/carer.
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5 Graduation
Past students have progressed into full-time training at Europe's top vocational schools and conservatoires and are now working professionally in the dance industry.
Meet your team
Katie Purcell
HEAD OF CENTRE FOR ADVANCED TRAINING
Over the time I have been lucky enough to be the Head of the Swindon Dance Centre for Advanced Training I have seen first hand the impact its programmes have had on our students. In many cases, how amazing the opportunities have been for them working with renowned artists and teachers and how it has opened so many doors for some of them to go onto to further their training and thus lead such successful careers. Without the CAT and the stepping stones it provides many young people would not have been able to access such high quality teachers and training. It is a constant reminder to me, why the CAT is so unique and special to many students, past and present, which makes me incredibly excited for the prospective students.
Meet your team
Catherine Lee
Catherine graduated from De Montfort University with a degree in dance and has worked in the industry for the last 25 years! She has worked for a variety of dance companies; performance and community based and has received funding to study with Trisha Brown Dance Company.
Catherine currently directs Fanclub Dance with her colleague Emma Wyke. The company commissions choreographers of national and regional status to create work for small scale venues. Catherine also teaches dance at Exeter College.
COORDINATOR
Meet your team
Maryam Pourian
TUTOR
Maryam trained in Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance and related Dance subjects at the Central School of Ballet, London. She obtained her Advance Ballet at the Royal Academy of Dance and is a full member of the International Dance Teachers Association.
She has studied, Classical Ballet, Vaganova, Balanchine, Pointe work, Pas de deux work, Classical Repertoire, various contemporary techniques including; Graham, Cunningham and Release. In Jazz she has studied Mattox, Street, Commercial, Hip Hop plus Tap, Tango, Greek, National, Salsa, Bollywood, African and Physical Theatre.
Maryam currently works as part of the ‘Dance in Devon’ team in and around the south of the Region, facilitating events and workshops, mentoring emerging choreographers and practitioners, linking teachers and artists with schools and employment, bridging the gap between the office and the local community. Is the 2nd Year Ballet and Jazz teacher for the BTEC Performing Arts at the City College Plymouth, she also teachers at The Hartley House Dance Club and at various schools across the region, and previously at the Dartington College of Performing Arts, Totnes and the University of Plymouth.
Maryam has performed at a national level with ‘Adventures in Motion Pictures’ Director; Matthew Bourne performing in the Nutcracker! London Season and UK Tour, with B2B Theatre in 2008, with Attik Dance Theatre, in ‘Bluebeard’ Director - Steven Langridge, Choreographer - Will Tuckett in Austria, with ‘ac-au-Tac Dance Theatre, as well as performing in the Resolutions Dance Festival, London, Bea Theatre, and as a soloist dancer/actor in the Bregenz Opera Festival, Austria, with English National Opera at The London Coliseum.
Her early career included performances in; La Boheme - Raymond Gubbay Productions at The Royal Albert Hall, in One touch of Venus - Opera North at Saddlers Wells, in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake - Saddlers Wells Season and East Asia Tour, Carmen with the English National Opera Company at The London Coliseum and in Nixon in China also with the English National Opera Company. She was a dancer in the Masquerade Ball scene in The Phantom of the Opera – The Film, and was part of the World Tour of Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake 2002-2003.
Meet your team
Ben Dunks
TUTOR
Ben is the Artistic Director of Attik Dance in Plymouth. He trained in Performing Arts (majoring in Dance), at the Queensland University of Technology and then at the Australian Ballet School in Melbourne. He subsequently performed with a multitude of companies in Australia, Ireland and the UK, working with more than 25 directors and choreographers.
Meet your team
Emma Holbrook
MUSICIAN
Emma became interested in drums at the age of 9 after seeing a drum corps at a street carnival. It wasn’t long before she was playing snare drum in a military band, being involved in parades and competitions all over the country. During her school years she began to develop interests in other styles of music and taught herself how to play the drum kit and piano. Emma studied Film at sixth form college and university where she started to become more focused on evolving her skills in editing and post production whilst still maintaining a passion for music.
After leaving the University Of Reading in 2004 she started to establish herself as a creative and technical freelancer and began to work on projects within music, theatre and film production. She has worked extensively on music videos, short films, fringe theatre and promotional videos but more recently she has begun to specialise in offline and assistant editing for feature length drama and documentary. In July 2012 she was accepted into the BBC Wales assistant editors talent pool and is now pursuing a full time career as an editor and composer in the Southwest.
She started working for the CAT in 2009 and specialises in playing the Peruvian Cajon drum accompanying teachers in contemporary dance classes. Emma has also composed music at CAT residencies using sequencers and virtual instruments. Examples of her music and film work can be found at www.laconicfilm.co.uk
Meet your team
Sally Geater
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
info coming soon
FAQs
What is the CAT?
Swindon Dance's Centre for Advanced Training delivers world-class dance training to young talents aged 11-19. Our programmes cater to dedicated dancers with a passion for their art. We are one of nine National CATs across the UK read more.
How many CAT programmes are there?
Swindon Dance CAT comprises of five programmes: Exeter Contemporary, Exeter Street Dance, Swindon Ballet, Swindon Contemporary and Swindon Street Dance.
What does the CAT scheme involve?
Individual training plans (ITP);
Physio support (by a dance specialist);
Grants towards fees;
Financial support towards travel;
Financial support towards dancewear;
Paid support for external classes;
Specialist intensives during half-term;
Dance training;
Auditioning mentor/support when in year 13 and applying for conservatoires/full time dance training;
Opportunity to access additional supporting classes during the week.
Do I need to live in Exeter to attend?
No, the CAT scheme is open to students across the Southwest of the UK. Students from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset travel to train with the CAT.
Does it matter if I haven’t had a lot of contemporary experience?
No formal contemporary experience is required; we are looking for enthusiastic and motivated young people with exceptional potential and an interest in dance.
How do I register on an Open Day or Experience Day?
The Open Days and Experience Days are a chance for young dancers and their parents/guardians to find out more and see how the programme runs. You will meet the team, hear about the training, and take part in a taster class. Please fill out the register your interest form and a member of the CAT team will be in touch. You will receive confirmation of your place and any further information about the day itself via email. If you have any difficulties completing a form online please get in touch cat@swindondance.org.uk
Do I have to audition?
Yes. Entry is by audition only after which, if you are successful you will be invited to join the CAT. The CAT team will provide full information regarding the audition a few weeks prior to your audition date. If you are nervous about auditioning please get in touch with the team who will be able to support you through the process.
How can I join the CAT?
Entry onto the CAT is by audition only. In previous years the audition has included a technique class, a solo and an informal interview. If you would like to apply please complete an application form. The audition is your opportunity to demonstrate your potential by taking part in a practical dance session and creative workshop in front of a selection panel. Our next auditions will be held between March and July 2025. The CAT audition is FREE to attend but an application form must be completed and submitted in order to reserve a place.
What are the fees?
The CAT is supported by the Department for Education (DfE) via means tested grants. For those who qualify - training is FREE or subsidised, read more.
How will I fit this in with my schoolwork?
All CAT classes happen out of school hours. The programme leaders and/or mentors can help you plan your time using your Individual Training Plan (ITP) so that you fit in both your schoolwork and your dance lessons.
What are the term dates?
Term dates for 2024-25 can be found below, these have been provided as a guide and are subject to change year on year.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
For further information contact the Centre for Advanced Training team
on cat@swindondance.org.uk / 01793 601700
Testimonials