Kieran Warner

Kieran was on the Swindon Dance, Street Dance Strand between 2010-2012. He then went on to train at the National Centre for Circus Arts before embarking on a career battling, judging and teaching within the national and international street dance scene.

Year started the CAT: 2010

Year left/graduated from the CAT: 2012

Kieran Warner joined the Swindon Dance Centre for Advanced Training in 2010 when he was  18.  During their time on the CAT they worked with artists such as Robert Hylton, Banxy, Brooke Milliner, Shawn Aimey, Clara Bajado, Bboy Mouse, Roxy Milliner, Fred Folkes, Yami Rowdy, Bboy Spin, Natasha Khamjani…

What had been your experience of dance before the CAT?

I had dabbled in my childhood, teaching myself Michael Jackson routines and things I found on YouTube. Then I met friends who had some training and began sharing with me.

Reflecting back now, what did the CAT scheme teach you?

I think I have a greater level of professionalism which I gained from the CAT programme and my tutors. That includes; punctuality, attitude and pushing to be/do my best.

Where did you go after CAT – what has been your career trajectory?

After CAT I got my BA degree at the National Centre for Circus Arts. With fellow alumni, Christopher Thomas, we formed ‘Simple Cypher’ – Circus & Hip Hop theatre company. I’ve travelled extensively whilst battling, judging and teaching within the underground street dance scene, became a European pioneer of NYC dance style – Litefeet, and toured with ‘Simple Cypher’ with 3 shows (currently working on our 4th).

What are any of your future aspirations, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

I enjoy helping to nurture street dance communities and now I’m based back in Bristol, my goal is to push the community to thrive both socially and professionally. 5 years from now I hope to enjoy the progression of ‘The Jam Festival’, ‘Litefest’ & the south west scene.

As a male in dance, what advice would you give to other aspiring young male dancers?

Dance is for everyone and if there’s an opportunity to try it, take it. It wasn’t an option for males at school during my time. We need more safe spaces for all young people to be able to socialise, find a passion and potentially a career path.

We are celebrating 20 years of CAT – what difference do you think the scheme has made to the UK dance landscape?

Some of the UK’s figure heads came from the CAT scheme. I’m happy to be a key figure within Hip Hop & Litefeet. There’s legends such as Frankie Johnson and Paris Crossley who are also working globally as innovators and educators after their time on the CAT.  

What advice would you give to a young person who is interested in auditioning?

The programme is one of a kind and whether you know dance is your future or maybe you’d just like to try, go for it. The audition is a good place of getting a feel for the course if you haven’t been able to attend an open day. Students go on to have all types of careers in and outside of the dance industry. Learning life skills such as how to set goals, working in a group, body co-ordination and more. And if this audition isn’t successful then you can try again, we all take knock backs but it’s the getting back up that makes a difference. 

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?
The partial bursary made it possible for me to attend the programme. My mum wasn’t in a position to pay for me and I couldn’t afford the full fees on a part time job.