FAQs

What is the CAT?

The Centre for Advanced Training for South Asian and Contemporary Dance is funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF). It is a partnership project between dx and sampad, South Asian Arts and is supported by a Steering Group consisting of Birmingham’s leading dance organisations. For more information see About CAT. The programme is aimed at young dancers aged 11 and 16 who have shown exceptional talent in two strands: Contemporary or South Asian (Kathak or Bharatnatyam) dance styles. Students attend the programme alongside their formal education, and have access to high quality teaching that allows them to engage with professional artists to realise their potential. The curriculum is a framework where the students develop technique, choreographic and complementary training in a challenging yet supportive environment. 

How old do I have to be?

Our intake of students is from aged 11-16.  

When do I attend?

The CAT Programme fits in around the academic term, from September to July. The contemporary students attend on Sundays and the Summer Iintensive.

Will I get Individual Training?

Each student works with their Subject Leader to develop an Individual Training Plan (ITP) which is designed to maximize their training and set individual targets and goals. The ITPs help the student identify both their strengths and weaknesses and develop a structured action plan to help them to develop their technical and creative skills.

How do I apply?

To apply you will first need to complete an application form. The auditions take place in two stages. The first broadly consists of a dance class containing two styles of dance and a creative task, and an interview with the student. The second consists of the tasks in the first stage, with an additional interview with parents and guardians.

Is there any Financial Support?

The Centre of Advanced Training for South Asian and Contemporary Dance has been made possible through funding from the Department for Children, Schools and Families music and dance scheme, This support means that the CAT can offer individual students financial investment through the course, through a means-tested grant. All students are eligible for a Student Training Bursary allowing them to invest in the required additional home-tutoring. Depending on the level of their grant, some students may also be eligible to apply for Additional Support.

What do I wear for the audition?

For the contemporary strand: for the audition we recommend that you wear something comfortable. Leggings and a t-shirt are ideal. You will need to wear bare feet and have your hair tied back securely.  

For Bharatanatyam: Ideally you should wear a dance practice sari but leggings and t-shirt would also be fine. You will need to be barefoot. A long plait should be secured at the back to prevent its movement distracting from the dance. 

For Kathak: Females, a suitably tailored salwar or churidar kamez and for males a tailored salwar or churidar kamez, would be ideal. However, a pair of leggings or jogging bottoms and a t-shirt would also be fine. You will need to be barefoot. Long plaits should be secured at the back to prevent its movement distracting from the dance.

For both strands: Jeans are not acceptable. We also recommend that you bring a jumper to keep warm when you are not dancing. There are full changing facilities at DanceXchange with lockers provided.

How long is the course?

You can stay on the Centre for Advanced Training for South Asian and Contemporary Dance until you are 18 years old.

I’m interested in the South Asian strand, where do I stay during the residential?

We will ensure that accommodation is provided for all the students attending the residential. Normally they will stay at Birmingham University accommodation or at a nearby city hotel. All students will be chaperones by CRB checked adults. We will also cover all costs for food during the intensive.