Throughout the day, you’ll participate in two invigorating workshops, expertly guided by industry leaders. The culmination of the day will be a series of electrifying performances by local street groups as part of Street Dance Connect. This segment will offer a unique sharing of information, with leaders from these youth groups sharing their expertise, enlightening you on what they have to offer and how they can nurture your talents. Rest assured, you’ll leave with a renewed sense of inspiration, a wealth of knowledge, and a contagious excitement for your dance future.

For those new to the CAT programme, this Open Day serves as your portal to understanding our extensive offerings including the grants available and the unwavering support we provide on your dance journey. The best part? This event is entirely cost-free, and we extend a warm invitation to parents and guardians to join us in this enriching experience. It’s a day you won’t want to miss.

Free workshops are taking place ahead of the Street Dance Connect performance; House led by Tomo and Popping led by Juelz. These workshops are a part of the Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) Street Dance Programme 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. 

If you’re new to the CAT Street Dance Programme, the Open Day is your gateway to comprehending the extensive offerings and the support we provide on your dance journey. 

Book your place on the free workshops by registering your interest below.

Nestled within DanSci Studio and Exeter University, the Exeter Contemporary programme 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

 Talented young dancers join us from the South West 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.

We invite anybody who has energy, commitment, potential and, most of all, passion for dance. If successful you will get to train with like-minded dancers, improve your technique, creative approach, and experience training from industry leaders. If you would like to audition, register your interest online and your free place will be confirmed by a member of the CAT team.

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 levels, with classes designed at a general level for this day, ensuring an inclusive and enlightening experience for all.

The day runs 10am-3pm, with a Q&A session followed by an informal sharing from 2-3pm which parents/guardians are very welcome to attend.

Our amazing teachers will include:

• Thomas Page leading the Contemporary workshops 

• George Hicks leading the House workshops

• Jazz Gritt leading the Creative workshops

This is a completely free event and places must be booked in advance!

Each session will have a practical component (2-hour workshop led by a guest artist), which will be followed by a networking/informal meet facilitated by the Making Connections team. The Making Connections team are Adrienne Hart (Artistic Director, Neon Dance) and Sarah Ferris (Swindon based dance artist and teacher).

Making Connections was born from a desire for a space to improvise, be creative with others, to bring regional based creatives together for personal and professional development, to feel embedded within a community and to be inspired.

Confirmed guest facilitators include:

• Yael Flexer

• Helen Ganberg

• Thomas Page

• Marie Louise Flexen

• Mark Powell (Prime Theatre)

Please note, we appreciate that it can be challenging to find a spare 3 hours each month and would therefore welcome anyone who can commit to the workshop but not the networking (or vice versa). Our intention is to work with and curate an offer for local creatives and we hope to grow and adapt this initiative with those who take part.

Making Connections will take place on the last Friday of the month 1.30pm – 4.30pm from September to November 2024 and January to March 2025.

Booking for Reverse Pitch 2025 now open 

This event is exclusively for those aged 14-20 who take part in any of our classes, activities or programmes. Tickets are free and can be booked below

 Unveiling a New Artistic Choice

At Reverse Pitch 2025, the spotlight is on the artists, and the audience holds the reins. Imagine this: 4 to 6 talented young artists, each armed with a 15-minute slot to captivate the audience with their ingenious pitches. The mediums of expression are boundless – from live performances that will leave you spellbound, to thought-provoking talks that challenge conventions, and cinematic marvels that transport you to another realm. It’s a celebration of art in its myriad forms.

Empowering Your Voice

But here’s the twist – you have the power to make a difference. After every artist has presented their vision, it’s your turn to be the judge. Cast your vote for the pitch that resonates with you the most. This isn’t just about appreciation; your vote determines which artist receives a £2,000 commission to bring their vision to life. Your voice is the catalyst for change in the art world!

 The event 

• 6-6:30pm Arrive (free refreshments available)

• 6:30pm Auditorium opens

• 6:45pm Event starts

• 7:30pm Interval where Swindon Dance will be laying on refreshments (all free) and the artists will be on the landing to meet everyone

• 7:50pm Second half

• 8:35pm Voting for your favourite

 The evening will end at 8:45pm