Lowry announces open day and auditions for its Advanced Dance Training Centre

Lowry has announced that it will host an Open Day and auditions for young dancers aged 11-16 ahead of the 2025 autumn intake for the Lowry Centre for Advanced Dance Training (Lowry CAT).

The famous arts landmark is calling for any young person in the North West with a passion for dance, and who may be interested in exploring this art form further, to head down for the open day on Sun 8 Jun, and for the auditions which will take place on Sun 29 Jun.

Lowry CAT is open to young people aged between 11 and 16 who would like to explore dance in more depth and commit to intensive training to develop their full potential physically and artistically in dance. Once on the scheme, students may stay until 18.

Part of a national programme funded by the Department for 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 a broad and balanced education. This will enable them, if they choose, to proceed towards self-sustaining careers in dance.

Since its inception in 2004, National Dance CATs have been providing young people with accessible and inspirational dance training. Successful applicants gain access to highly specialised dance training in their locality, whilst continuing to live at home.

The Lowry CAT offers weekly intensive training throughout the year in Contemporary Technique and other dance techniques, including ballet, plus workshops in choreography, improvisation, health & wellbeing, injury prevention, contextual studies and pilates.

Dancers are offered the unique opportunity to work creatively to develop their artistic and creative skills not only during their weekly sessions but with professional dance companies & artists in intensive workshops and courses. Artists include Akram Khan Company, Phoenix Dance Theatre and Rambert Dance Company.

As part of the MDS funding, a number of means-tested grants are available for families, allowing the widest possible access across the North West region.

Sally Wyatt, Centre for Advanced Training Manager said: “We are looking for young people who demonstrate potential in 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.”

The training programme has a highly successful track record, graduates from the course have gone on to study dance at major UK conservatories & vocational schools including: London Contemporary Dance School (The Place); Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance; the Northern School of Contemporary Dance; Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance; Central School of Ballet; Bird College of Performing Arts.

Book to attend the Lowry CAT Open Day on Sun 8 Jun here ahead of auditions on Sun 29 Jun. To apply to audition, fill in the online form here.