Lowry CAT give a taste of life at a world-class specialist dance school

Ever wondered what it’s like to be part of a world-class, specialist dance school? If you’re aged 11-16 and are thinking about a career in dance, The Lowry Centre for Advanced Training in Dance (CAT) is hosting open days to give a taster of what it’s like to be part of the scheme.

Lowry CAT is running two open days, one on Saturday 7 May at Newbiggin Hall in Cumbria and a second on Sunday 8 May at the Lowry in Salford.

Lowry CAT is the North-West base for national scheme, Centres for Advanced Training, which enables young dancers, aged 11-16, who show potential for a career in music and dance, to get the specialist training they need to fulfil their potential, regardless of their personal circumstances.

The primary aim of the scheme is to provide a strong foundation from which students can access professional training conservatoires, advancing their potential towards a sustainable and successful career in dance whether as a performer, choreographer or otherwise.

BBC Young Dancer winner in the contemporary category, Matthew Rawcliffe graduated from CAT in 2017 and now works with Holstebro Dance Company in Denmark. “CAT was such an important part of my development as a dance artist,” he says. “The tutors are so passionate and thorough and it really pushed me to develop my skills beyond technique and investigate further the possibilities of a career in dance. It’s a fun, challenging and very supportive environment for getting into contemporary dance.”

Other graduates from the programme have gone on to study dance at major UK conservatories and vocational schools including: Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance; Central School of Ballet; the Northern School of Contemporary Dance; London Contemporary Dance School (The Place); and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and Bird College.

Following the open days Lowry CAT is holding open auditions on 29 May at The Lowry to join the Autumn entry onto the scheme. Suzanne Astley, Centre for Advanced Training Manager explains: “We are looking for young people who demonstrate exceptional commitment and enthusiasm for dance. We are holding auditions for places on The Lowry CAT Scheme and we will be looking closely at the potential of each student regardless of their previous dance experience and personal circumstances.”

Visit the Lowry website for more details about Lowry CAT’s free open days, on Saturday 7 May at Newbiggin Hall in Cumbria and Sunday 8 May at the Lowry in Salford.