With the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training (CAT) End of Year Show coming up, it’s that time of year again where we say farewell to our wonderful CAT graduates. We look back at their time on the programme and celebrate their individual journeys, plus their highlights and advice for future students interested in a career in dance.
The End of Year show is an exciting time for the students to share the choreography they have been working on over Spring and Summer Intensives and the skills they have developed. Over the course of the programme, they have had the opportunity to work with a range of choreographers, from different dance styles and backgrounds. One particular highlight for for Arthur was working with Far From the Norm last year for their End of Year Show performance, he said he enjoyed it because “the atmosphere was electric and everyone was so excited for the show!” and Esme agrees “I loved the Far From the Norm” piece last year ( but I have a feeling I will have a new favourite after we graduate)”,Bethan shared her favourite End of Year Show piece was working with SAY, “working with Sarah and Yukiko was an amazing experience because they really pushed me out of my comfort zone.” Charlotte enjoyed “the hip hop dance battle…as I loved watching everyone come together and dance.”
Audition Toolkit was another favourite memory the students experienced together. Audition Toolkit gives students the opportunity to travel across the country to experience workshops and taster classes at Trinity Laban, The Place and Northern School of Contemporary Dance. They connect with other passionate young dancers and find out more about the process of auditioning. Esme shared Toolkit was her favourite memory because she “became so much closer with my grad group but also had the chance to meet the people I would later audition with and a few I’m now sharing a house with next year.” Bethan added Audition Toolkit “brought our year group closer together.”
The students on the CAT make friends who they might go on to dance with again in the future. Students become part of a tight knit and supportive community when they join the CAT, Willow shared “CAT has helped me to connect with so many likeminded individuals who share the same passions and creativity.” Bethan shared “everyone is so supportive and there is always someone to help you and push you in the right direction.”
Looking back at how far they have come, the CAT students shared the areas they have developed in most. Esme shared her mindset has developed most, “more specifically my confidence in myself and my dance.” Charlotte shared she has developed her creativity the most, “as I have discovered my own way of moving and how I can use this in other styles.” Elektra shared he loves improvisation, “as it allows me to project my true emotions and fixations within that very moment.” Arthur adds he has learnt “not judge yourself if you have an off day and be patient with yourself when learning something new.”
It is a full circle moment for the students to look back on how far they have come on their dance journey, and a time to feel proud of what they have achieved. When asked to offer advice to their younger self, Adama shared “everything will work out the way it should be, don’t worry, just enjoy the ride of life.” Charlotte said, “worry less, trust yourself and ask for help when needed.”
As the students finish the DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training,, the future lies ahead of them and there is lots to be excited about! Adama shares she is most excited about “living with my friends in Leeds and seeing what I’m capable of on my own,” and Francesca is looking forward to “exploring other dance styles at Uni and meeting new people who share the same ideas and dance styles as me.” Elektra is excited about the fresh start and “being able to be the versatile dancer that I’ve always dreamt to become.” Arthur shares he is excited about “living with the friends I have made with CAT and continuing to grow as a dancer” and Esme says, “to do what I love all day everyday!”
Interested in finding out more, or joining the DanceEast CAT? You can find out more about the CAT here.
