New advanced training centre for dance

DanceXchange and sampad South Asian Arts have collaborated with Birmingham’s leading dance organisations to create the UK’s first ever Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) for South Asian and Contemporary dance.
Setting up in 2008 as part of a national network including six other regional centres, the CAT will accept 40 students on a pilot basis in January 2009. Exceptionally talented pupils aged 11–18 will attend the CAT alongside their formal education, and will receive means-tested grants to pay for the activities. They will be able to work in the genres of Bharatnatyam, Kathak and Contemporary dance, as well as contextual studies, and choreography with professional artists.