SWINDON BALLET PROGRAMME
BENEFIT FROM WORLD-CLASS SPECIALIST DANCE TRAINING
Nestled within Swindon Dance, the Swindon Ballet Programme (SBP) runs weekly on Sunday afternoons from 11:00am to 5:00pm during term time. Under the tutelage of industry-leading choreographers and artists, students delve into skills and techniques of:
ballet, strength + conditioning
music appreciation
choreography
performance skills
pointe (if appropriate)
male virtuosity
Talented young dancers join us from Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Berkshire 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 Experience Day as a vital introduction to our world of dance excellence. Entry onto the programme is by admission workshop only, these are held between March and July each year.
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 Experience Day
Discover the essence of the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) at our Open Experience Day – a prime opportunity to gain insights. Engage with our CAT team, get your queries addressed, and take part in a practical session guided by our world-class instructors.
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.
Find out more about the Swindon Ballet Programme Open Experience Day
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2 Admission Workshop
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.
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3 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 needs to change 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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4 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 ACTIVITES
Over the time I have been lucky enough to be Head of Activities at Swindon Dance I have seen first hand the impact of the Centre for Advanced Training 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
Hollie Brown
MANAGER
Hollie’s passion for dance started at a tender age of 3 years old, where she attended local dance classes. She then went on to study dance and performing arts at school and college, as well as, at the age of 15, teaching street dance locally and choreographing for Swindon Town Football Cheerleading Club. From there she was lucky to gain a place on the very first cohort of the Swindon Dance Centre for Advanced Training, Swindon Street Dance Programme, being taught by some of the most influential and prominent names within the industry.
Her full-time training started at Liberatus School of Performing Arts, gaining a diploma in Dance Studies, performing and choreographing. Whilst at Liberatus she got to perform at some of the UK’s most prestigious venues, including The Royal Albert Hall, Sadler’s Wells and Clothes Show Live. She went onto to work aboard as a professional singer and dancer, and after a little soul searching, returned home to continue a career in teaching and choreography and continue her professional develop, expanding her skills and knowledge. She has an established career in teaching and pastoral care, being a former Head of Year within mainstream and special educational settings.
Hollie returned to Swindon Dance in 2018, where she completed a level 6 Diploma in Dance Pedagogy and most recently, in 2021 she gained the only Street Dance teaching qualification in the UK through the renowned Urban Strides.
Meet your team
Chris Lee Wright
TUTOR & STUDENT PATHWAY SUPPORT
Chris was trained at the Legat School of Russian Classical Ballet in the Legat/Vaganova system and after graduating joined Gothenburg Ballet (Sweden). He has over 33 years experience as a ballet dancer, performer, ballet master and teacher and has worked with major ballet companies, musical theatre, opera, film and vocational institutions.
Chris was a full time teacher at English National Ballet School for 5 years, at the Rambert School for 8 years and was Deputy Head of Dance at the Hammond School.
Meet your team
Sarah Ferris
TUTOR
Sarah’s early dance experience and training was with Swindon Dance’s, Youth Talent Programme, Youth Dance Company and Dance Foundation Course. She then completed her dance training at The Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance. Sarah has been working with Swindon Dance in many roles, over the last ten years.
Sarah was the Coordinator of the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) Swindon Contemporary Programme since 2008. She took over the role as Programme Manager for the CAT in 2016.
Sarah has taught ballet, contemporary, and choreography. She gained her diploma for teaching in the life-long learning sector (DTTLS) from the British Ballet Organisation. Alongside her teaching, she has regularly created performance work with adults and young people.
Sarah has been a member of Swerve Dance Theatre Company, led by Artistic Director Helen Ganberg since it began in 2005. As a member of Swerve she has toured theatres, performed in festivals, outdoor events and in dance on film works.
Meet your team
Lucy Gallagher
COORDINATOR
Info coming soon
Meet your team
Danielle Coleman
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Daniele started dancing aged 8 with Judith Hockaday in Swindon, during which she competed in UK competitions and was an All England Finalist on many occasions. She went on to complete a Foundation in Dance Instruction with the ISTD in Classical Ballet, Tap and Modern Jazz; prior to training professionally with a full scholarship at Bird College in London. She graduated with both a BA(Hons) Dance and Musical Theatre Performance alongside a National Diploma in Professional Musical Theatre.
Prior to training as a Physiotherapist at Cardiff University, Daniele had been lucky enough to perform at the London Palladium and Peacock Theatre in London. Daniele graduated with a first class honours and worked for a year in Wales, before moving back 'home'! She has specialised in Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic Injury and Rehabilitation for the past 3 years at the Great Western Hospital, splitting her time between Outpatients and the Trauma Wards. Daniele has also attended a Progressing Ballet Technique course.
Meet your team
Rhianne Groom
SPORTS THERAPIST
Info coming soon
Meet your team
Vicki Plomer
STUDENT WELFARE OFFICER
Vicki was a student on the Foundation Dance Course based at Swindon Dance and completed her dance training at Millennium Performing Arts (MPA). She is now an independent dance artist with a Level 6 Diploma in Dance Teaching and Learning (DDTAL) & a Level 3 Diploma in Counselling. As well as teaching Vicki was the Coordinator for the Swindon Dance Centre for Advance Training (CAT), Street Dance Programme (Swindon), the Programme Manager for Swindon Dances Level 3 Performing Arts Diploma and Level 6 Diploma in Dance Pedagogy. Other work includes the Head of IPS & Social Media, Foundation Course Coordinator and Audition Secretary at MPA.
Vicki is a dancer and founding member of Sole Rebel Tap and Swerve Dance Theatre Company. For the past 11 years Vicki has worked with Curious Company and choreographer Marie-Louise Flexen on a variety of corporate events, festivals and street theatre. With over 13 years of teaching experience Vicki has taught in many settings; including the Swindon Dance Community Dance Programme, Marlborough College International summer school and Millennium Performing Arts.
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 Swindon to attend?
No, the CAT scheme is open to those across the Southwest of the UK. Young dancers from Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Berkshire travel to train with the CAT.
Does it matter if I haven’t had a lot of ballet experience?
No formal ballet 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 Experience Day?
The Open 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 attend an admission workshop?
Yes. Entry is by admission workshop only after which, if you are successful you will be invited to join the CAT. The CAT team will provide full information regarding the admission workshop a few weeks prior to the date. If you are nervous 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 admission workshop 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 admission workshop is your opportunity to demonstrate your potential by taking part in a practical dance session in front of a panel. Our next admission workshops will be held between March and July 2026. These are 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 progamme 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 2025-26 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