THE Lowry has announced dates for a series of free open days during May and June for young dancers of the future.

The open days, held at The Lowry and other North West venues, will prepare young people to audition for an exciting training opportunity — The Lowry Centre for Advanced Training in Dance (CAT).

They will attend a practical workshop led by a professional dance artist.

This will be followed by a creative session and questions

and answers about dance opportunities across the region.

The CAT is open to young dancers aged between 11 and 16 who would like a career in dance.

The training programme is already a success, with graduates now studying dance at such places as the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance, the London school of Contemporary dance, the Central School of Ballet, and the Northern School of Contemporary Dance.

The CAT is part of a national programme funded by the Department of Education.

A number of grants are available, 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 exceptional commitment and enthusiasm for dance.

"We are holding auditions for places on The Lowry CAT course for September and we will be looking closely at the potential of each student regardless of their previous dance experience.”

Open days are scheduled at various venues across the region in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Cumbria. The events are free to attend, but places are limited and must be booked in advance.

Places for most open days can be booked through The Lowry Box Office on 0843 208 6000 or visit thelowry.com/events/northwest-dance-open-days2