Lowry advanced dance training open for applications

Published: 7 July 2020
Reporter: David Chadderton

The Lowry Centre for Advanced Training in Dance

The Lowry Centre for Advanced Training in Dance has opened applications for the next year of its annual scheme starting September 2020, open to young people from the North West aged 11–16.

The scheme offers young people with exceptional potential world-class specialist training as part of a broad and balanced education. Previous graduates have gone on to study dance at major UK conservatories including Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, The London School of Contemporary Dance, Central School of Ballet and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

The CAT application and audition process for the first time will utilise remote classes and dance experience days to ensure all potential candidates and young dancers interested in the scheme have the opportunity to be considered digitally. Interested parties are invited to take part in dance workshops delivered via Zoom on Friday evenings in June, July and August 2020 as well as one of two Digital Experience Day Workshops, where more in-depth training and a greater insight into the course is offered. CAT management and artist teams will informally observe all weekly classes and the Experience Days instead of holding more traditional live auditions.

Jade Aitchison, The Lowry CAT Manager, said, “we understand that this process is new to participants and to us and so we hope that by offering free weekly dance classes and online experience days, we are making it as accessible as possible for as many interested candidates to be able to try out for our scheme.

“We are looking for passion, commitment and creative potential in dance and we feel that by observing students via our online Zoom classes over a number of weeks rather than in just one single audition, we will be able to really get a sense of who has these key ingredients to pursue a career in dance.

“We are aware that there will be a reasonable level of challenge due to differing home environments, environmental distractions and WiFi connectivity issues. But with the unique recruitment process designed to run over a long period of engagement, we are confident this will allow for a process that is as fair and equal as possible, giving young people the opportunity to demonstrate the breadth of their ability and potential.”

All interested candidates can apply for the Weekly Workshops and Digital Experience Days on a Google form.

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