Salford arts hub looking for young dancers hoping for a professional career to show their skills at open day

Young dancers thinking about joining a prestigious training programme can try out for it at an open day this May

Young dancers in Greater Manchester hoping to pursue a career on the professional boards have the chance to try out for a prestigious training programme.

The Lowry Centre for Advanced Training in Dance (CAT) is running an open day at the Salford culture hub in May ahead of auditions later in the month.

Dancers aged between 11 and 16 will be able to showcase their talents and steps in the hope of being accepted on the scheme and begin the journey towards dancing for a living.

Here’s what young dancers and their parents need to know.

What is the open day, when is it taking place and who is eligible?

The Lowry Centre for Advanced Training in Dance is holding an open day at The Lowry on 8 May.

It is open to young dancers aged between 11 and 16, with those on the programme able to stay until 18.

The CAT scheme exists to help young dancers make their way into the professional ranks

The workshop runs between 9.30am and 1.45pm.

There is also an open day in Cumbria the day before the Salford one and after that there is an audition on 29 May for entry onto the CAT dance scheme.

The Lowry CAT also runs audition preparation drop-in sessions every Thursday between 4.45pm and 5.45pm.

What is the Lowry Centre for Advanced Training in Dance?

The CAT dance and music scheme is part of a national programme funded by the Department of Education’s Music and Dance Scheme (MDS).

Centres for Advanced Training (CATs) exist to help identify and assist children with exceptional potential, regardless of their personal circumstances, to benefit from world-class specialist training as part of their education.

The primary aim of the scheme is to provide a strong foundation from which students can access professional training conservatoires and ultimately have the best chance of making a career in dance, whether as a performer, choreographer or in other roles.

The Lowry CAT offers weekly intensive training in contemporary dance technique, ballet technique, choreography and health and wellbeing.

Dancers also get to work on developing their artistic understanding and voice with professional dance companies and artists such as Studio Wayne McGregor and Akram Khan Company.

What has been said about the dance open day?

Suzanne Astley, Centre for Advanced training manager, said: “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.”