YOUNG people in Worcestershire interested in South Asian dance styles have until Friday to take part in on-line auditions for an advanced training programme.

Beginning in September, the Government-backed programme is open to anyone aged 11-16 with a passion for dance. Previous dance experience is not necessary, just the enthusiasm, potential and commitment to train as Contemporary dancers and Bharatanatyam or Kathak dancers. Means-tested grants enable students to join regardless of personal circumstance.

The initiative is being run by The Centre for Advanced Training for South Asian and Contemporary styles and offers high quality training, which is funded by the Department of Education Music and Dance scheme and led by DanceXChange, the Birmingham-based dance agency, in partnership with Sampad South Asian Arts and Heritage.

Alexandra Henwood, head of learning and participation at DanceXChange, explained: ““We are looking to recruit talented and committed individuals who can train with us to reach their maximum potential. We have an outstanding artistic team, and students have the opportunity to work with industry professionals and award-winning choreographers.”

The auditions are for two programmes; the Contemporary strand, Dance Generation, recruits young people from the West Midlands, and the South Asian strand, Yuva Gati, is a national programme, recruiting students from across the country. This opportunity to study Bharatanatyam and Kathak at this elite level is unique in the UK.

Director of Sampad, Piali Ray, added: “This programme is crucial in shining a light on the next generation of British South Asian Dancers, who will continue to forge the future of the sector.” Full details of the online audition process are available at dancexchange.org.uk/cat-auditions.