Blue Makwana

Blue joined the Centre for Advanced Training progamme at The Place in 2009, when she was 12. Now working in the sector as a professional dancer, choreographer and teacher.

Year started the CAT: 2009
Year left/graduated from the CAT: 2016

How did you discover the CAT programme?
My mother discovered the CAT programme at The Place whilst in conversation with the parent of a young
dancer, who at the time was a student on the programme.

What had been your experience of dance before the CAT?
Prior to joining CAT, I had never danced. My mother however was a professional dancer, so I was
immersed in dance from a young age. My sister and I would both observe our mother whilst she was
participating in weekly Ballet and Jazz classes. We would both be so inspired, and we would rush home and
create our own choreographies together. From there, our interest continued, and we eventually found out
about The CAT Programme.

What has the CAT taught you?
To sum up in a short paragraph what CAT has taught me is impossible.
Physically, I have been taught the foundations of Ballet and Contemporary techniques and I was given the
space and time to continuously deepen my understanding of these practices. I was fortunate enough to
have incredible teachers during my time on CAT, who provided me with such a wealth of knowledge in
these techniques. This then enabled me to implement some of this knowledge into my teaching and
choreographic practices, and I was also able to develop a strong physical skillset which has enabled me to
have a successful career as a performer.
I was also taught how to look after my body and how to achieve longevity whilst on an artistic career path.
I was naturally a disciplined person before I joined CAT, but training weekly with a goal and constant
support and encouragement, massively increased this practice.
I was given an unwavering amount of support with the development of my creative practices, and I was
given tools to help me generate material and formulate steps into a choreographic work. I was able to
absorb creative wisdom from my incredible teachers, my talented friends who were also on the
programme and wonderful guest artists from the industry, which is a privilege I have never taken for
granted.
Lastly, the amount I learnt about the dance industry and arts world whilst being on the CAT programme
was incredibly vital ahead of embarking on this career path. Having an understanding about the variety of
opportunities available to me, is still incredibly valuable information and CAT was able to offer this
knowledge to me in abundance.

Where has the programme led you so far?
Thus far, the programme has led me to discover multiple pathways in the industry. I am a professional
dancer, choreographer and teacher and I simply would not be where I am now without CAT. I owe so much
to the programme. Words cannot justify how instrumental it has been to my career path.

What are any of your future aspirations?
My main aspiration is to be a contributing artist to the continuation of technical and formal dance training.
It has been surprising and concerning to witness the dilution of technical dance training and I endeavor to
keep it alive – in any way I can.

What advice would you give to a young person who is interested in auditioning?
My best advice to a young person auditioning is to work hard and continue developing and understanding
your goals. It is such a privilege to be in the position to audition for wonderful training programmes such as
CAT, so don’t take it for granted. I would also encourage someone to understand why they are heading in
this direction. In times where you are struggling to find the motivation, this “why” will be your inspiration
and I believe it is something you should keep at the forefront of your mind.

If you received a bursary to cover all/or part of your fees when attending the CAT. What impact has the
financial support of a Department for Education Grant had on your dancing?
I am incredibly grateful and fortunate to have received a bursary to attend CAT. If it wasn’t for receiving
this support, my access to all the incredible training I have received might not have been possible. I owe a
lot of my success to the fact that I was given a bursary to train, learn and develop on the CAT programme
at The Place.

If it wasn’t for my time on the CAT Programme, I strongly believe I wouldn’t be where I am now. I will
always be thankful for what CAT generously have me.

Photo Credit: Elly Welford