We sat down with CYD? Super Convention Sponsors, Shockout, to discuss how you can apply for their specialist training courses.
Training at Shockout prepares you for the industry by developing technical excellence, performance readiness, physical and mental resilience, and professional insight — all within a supportive yet challenging environment.
The program nurtures you as both a dancer and an artist, offering the tools, experience, and industry exposure needed to thrive in today’s competitive dance world. At Shockout, you're not just training for the stage — you're preparing for a sustainable, dynamic career in the dance and performing arts industry.
Yes, students at Shockout have extensive opportunities to work with guest choreographers and industry professionals. While our core faculty is made up of established industry experts, we also recognise the importance of exposing dancers to a wide range of creative voices and teaching styles. To support this, we regularly host external workshops led by guest teachers from across Europe and Los Angeles, giving students direct access to some of the world’s leading choreographers and performers.
Most recently, Shockout welcomed JaQuel Knight and Luther Brown from the United States — world-renowned choreographers who have worked with global superstars including Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson, and many more. These experiences not only enhance students’ technical and creative development but also give them invaluable insight into the demands and expectations of the professional dance industry.
Shockout offers specialist training in three key pathways: Professional & Commercial Dance, Musical Theatre, and Street & Hip Hop. We are proud to be the first university to offer Professional & Commercial Dance as a degree, setting a standard in industry-focused higher education.
These courses are available from BTEC level through to undergraduate degrees, ensuring a clear progression route for aspiring performers. In addition, Shockout runs a thriving Academy for younger dancers, building strong foundations from an early age, and offers postgraduate programmes such as MA Dance and PGCE for those looking to further specialise or move into teaching.
Applying to Shockout is straightforward. Prospective students begin by submitting an application online via www.weareshockout.com for their chosen course. Once reviewed, candidates are invited to attend an audition, which is the primary basis for selection. These auditions allow us to assess technical ability, performance potential, and readiness for professional training. Successful applicants will then receive either a conditional or unconditional offer.
Yes. Shockout is committed to supporting talented dancers with financial assistance. We offer the Elliott Campion Scholarship, available for selected students on Academy, BTEC, and degree courses, which helps reduce tuition fees for those who demonstrate exceptional ability and commitment. For undergraduate students, our degree programmes are also eligible for UK student finance, while our BTEC courses are fully funded for 16–19 year olds. In addition, bursaries may be available to support students with extra costs during their training.