Auditions open for South Asian dance students

Centre for Advanced Training for South Asian and Contemporary styles ready for September’s intake.

Auditions are now open for new students aged between 11 and 16, with potential and commitment to training as Bharatanatyam or Kathak dancers to join the Centre for Advanced Training for South Asian and Contemporary Dance Yuva Gati programme, led by Birmingham-based DanceXchange and Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage.

The programme is funded by the Department of Education Music and Dance Scheme and is the West Midlands partner in the national CAT network. Operating at DanceXchange on a residential, intensive basis during school holidays, the opportunity to study Bharatanatyam and Kathak at its highest level through a student-centred approach is unique to this CAT within the UK. The course is complemented by local teaching provision delivered by each student’s Home Tutor and the scheme provides a limited number of means-tested grants and bursaries towards tuition costs.

Artistic Associate of CAT Yuva Gati, Shane Shambhu explains, “Our programme offers solid holistic training in South Asian dance styles through studying anatomy, physical expression and South Asian stories, deepening a student’s connection to their South Asian heritage.

“Students are led on a journey to become strong, independent and creative individuals with a solid foundation in the creative arts to follow their talent and potential into new and exciting places.”

The Yuva Gati programme is delivered by an outstanding artistic team, and students have the opportunity to work with artists and companies from the UK and beyond. The CAT is championed by a broad network of dance tutors, community dance leaders, and teachers from around the country, who play a vital role in signposting their talented students to the programme and supporting their ongoing development.

“Our unique training programme incorporates a myriad of global dance and theatre experiences and is an extremely exciting way to take students’ dance talent to the next level through performance opportunities and interactions with international artists,” says Shane.

To learn more about the scheme book here to attend a free Summer Series Workshop on 24th and 25th July led by international guest artists including Leela Samson, Aditi Mangaldas & Drishtikon Foundation, Mithul Sengupta, and Renjith & Vijna.
Entry to the scheme is by audition. Due to safety guidelines as a result of COVID-19 this will initially be remotely.

Auditions will take place on 14th August and 12th September and full details and application forms are available here
For more information email Alexandra.Henwood@dx.dance.