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Via Helen for DanceXchange and SAMPAD

West Midland Online Dance Auditions Open

The Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) for South Asian and Contemporary styles is pleased to announce the opening of online auditions for the September intake. The programme is open to young people aged 11 to 16 years with a passion for dance. Previous dance experience is not necessary, and applications are welcomed from young people with the enthusiasm, potential and commitment to train as Contemporary dancers (open to West Midlands students only) and Bharatanatyam or Kathak dancers (open to students across the UK).

The prestigious CAT programme offers high quality training and is the West Midlands partner in the national CAT network. Funded by the Department of Education Music and Dance Scheme (DfE), it is led by DanceXchange, the Birmingham-based dance agency, in partnership with Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage. Places on the scheme are by audition only and the DfE offer means-tested grants enabling students to join the programme regardless of personal circumstance.

Alexandra Henwood, Head of Learning and Participation at DanceXchange said:

“We are looking to recruit talented and committed individuals who can train with us to reach their maximum potential,

We have an outstanding artistic team, and students have the opportunity to work with industry professionals and award-winning choreographers.”

The auditions are for two programmes; the Contemporary strand, Dance Generation, recruits young people from the West Midlands, and the South Asian strand, Yuva Gati, is a national programme, recruiting students from across the country. The opportunity to study Bharatanatyam and Kathak at this elite level is unique to this CAT within the UK.

Director of Sampad, Piali Ray OBE said:

The Yuva Gati CAT programme delivers outstanding training, mentorship and opportunities to young people who show extraordinary talent in dance. This programme is crucial in shining a light on the next generation of British South Asian Dancers, who will continue to forge the future of the sector,”

Potential students for both Contemporary and South Asian styles can sample a flavour of the programme at an online Open Day on 25th July which will offer a workshop, taster sessions and a Question and Answer opportunity with tutors.

Booking for the Open Day and full details of the online audition process are available at dancexchange.org.uk/cat-auditions The auditions deadline is 14th August.