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YDA to become London Vocational Ballet School Young Dancers Academy embarks on an exciting journey with new name and identity Photo credit: George Liang London, 18/08/23 – Young Dancers Academy, a leading provider in vocational education is thrilled to announce a transformative change that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in its illustrious history. Effective 11th September, Young Dancers Academy will officially adopt a new name and identity, reflecting itscommitment to progress and excellence. After careful consideration and extensive consultation with stakeholders, YDA has chosen a name that embodies the essence of its mission, vision, and dedication to nurturing future artists. The new name, London Vocational Ballet School, embodies the school's pride in being a leading London-based vocational dance provider whilst nodding to a greater global awareness, reflecting its mission to empower students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in anever-evolving world. "We are thrilled to unveil our new name, London Vocational Ballet School - LVBS for short - which represents a bold step forward for our school," said Gavin McCaig, Director of Business Operations. "Our commitment to providing an exceptional educational experience for our students remains unwavering, and this name change reflects our determination to reach even more dancers as we expand our premises in London and develop a richer, more diverse curriculum for the budding young artists who come through our doors. From September, the school will boast two large studios and a coaching studio with harlequin flooring and mirrored walls, as well as new classrooms and equipment. It’s a really exciting time for us!” The rebranding initiative extends beyond a mere name change, encompassing a fresh visual identity that embodies the dynamic nature of LVBS. The school's new logo, colours, and design elements were carefully chosen to convey a sense of innovation, unity, and professionalism, mirroring the ambition of LVBS’s studios and learning environments. In addition to the new name and visual identity, LVBS will be introducing new collaborative learning opportunities with other vocational schools and the broader arts sector, coupled with a renewed emphasis on community engagement and arts-access for the wider community. Kelly Richardson, Chair of the Board of Directors said: “Over the years, we’ve been so proud of Young Dancers Academy and its achievements. Its heritage is so important but it feels like the right time for the school to move towards a bigger, brighter future. Our new school name and branding is reflective of our ambitions as a school and as a charity and I can’t wait to see things flourish as we take our next steps.” The transition to London Vocational Ballet School will be accompanied by a series of events and activities throughout the year that engage students, parents, faculty, alumni, and the wider community. These events will provide opportunities for everyone to come together and celebrate the school's rich legacy while looking forward to the promising future that London Vocational Ballet School represents. As YDA evolves into LVBS, it invites all stakeholders to join in celebrating this momentous transformation and to embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we embark on a journey of innovation, excellence, and collective achievement. For more information about London Vocational Ballet School and its exciting transition, please visit www.londonvocationalballetschool.com or contact hello@youngdancersacademy.com.

I’m interested to know if anyone knows, or can point me to where to find out, the Upper School destinations of these schools’ students, this year and maybe for the past few years? I know White Lodge has been discussed on the forum for RBS Upper School but haven’t seen where they do go, and am at a loss on where to start on the others. Apologies if there’s a thread I’ve missed. thanks!

My DD has an audition for YDA for mid way entry for year 8! Can anyone advise what to expect for a audition give any advice about auditions for vocational schools as all we know that it will be a class for the audition, this would be the first audition my DD has done for a vocational school place! I think I’m more nervous than she is as I know how much she really wants this!

Heard good and bad stuff about this school. DD didn’t get offered place at WL at finals. Wondered what Yda school is like as not boarding school but we have a flat in London we can use and I could live there and work from home while dd at school. Been told easy to get a place if know right people? Any views welcomed

Does anyone have a dd at YDA Associates? Mine is joining this Sept and I'm looking at uniform. There are some optional items- warm up and tracksuit and I'd like to know whether most kids wear them? If they do I'd like to get them but don't want to waste money if most don't use them. And any tips on other things for a YDAAC newbie much appreciated!

Sorry for starting a new thread but I didn’t want to post in several and am interested in hearing about all vocational schools. What are the chances of being offered a vocational school place into Year 10? If you are not successful for scholarship funding (or are ineligible) can you still be offered a place if you can pay fees?

Age 10-12 white skirted Wear Moi leotard with YDA logo stitched on back. Only worn a handful of times as DD never properly grew into it. Very good condition - only thing is a small ‘pull’ in the skirt at the back but hardly shows. £10 + postage

I've got 2 pairs of YDA embroidered black tracksuit bottoms (everyday uniform) which were worn for one term when my daughter started year 7. They are 76cm long, waist 60cm. Size Youth Medium. https://dancique.co.uk/collections/yda-uniform/products/yda-joggers?variant=22923025671 (She was on the small side for an 11 year old.) £10 +p&p for pair.

It's around this time of year that leaver's destinations for y11 students come out. YDA have had another year of fantastic results. Of those who auditioned for classical schools many had multiple offers, with 5 being offered places at ENBS, all who went to Elmhurst finals were offered places at Upper school there, and the same with Central. One student is off to Rambert, while the students who auditioned for musical theatre upper schools have been offered funded places at Laines and Arts ed. For such a small school that does not get any government funding these are really fantastic results.

Has anyone heard if they have got through to the next round of auditions?? The first audition letter said you would hear within 7 days, so thought we would hear today.

Age 10-12 YDA Associates leotard. Excellent condition, £15 including postage.

Does anybody have any first hand experience of this??

Hello, I was just wondering if anyone's DC is auditioning for YDA Associates this weekend? If so, has further information (times, etc) been sent yet? I would be grateful also for feedback from those whose DS/DD has auditioned recently.

Hi, I was wondering if anyone else have booked their DC/s for the Young Dancers' Academy Easter course this coming April, or if anyone else have had experience of it in the previous years? How did they find it? Amy feedback would be greatly appreciated.

For parents with children auditioning for secondary schools this year who are not necessarily yet "in the know" I thought I would mention YDA in London whose 2015 academic results have been published by the Local Authority. YDA is a small private vocational day school but it has some scholarship and boarding places. 89% of last year's Yr 11s attained 5+ GCSEs at A-C compared with an authority average of 62.6% and a national average of 53.8%. YDA was also rated as outstanding in its last Ofsted and it has a strong and growing reputation for its training and great vocational results. Last year's leavers went to a range of top upper schools including ENB and Elmhurst. I should just say I have no interest in plugging the school other than my child attends and is happy there....

Hello everyone! Sorry, I keep asking similar things! What I really would like to know (from anyone with experience of both) is which is the better associate programme, LJB or YDA? DD is at one and we have been offered the other. I want to make sure we are making the right decision if we change. She is 10, auditioning for vocational school next year. Would any of you advise doing both? (I don't think this is an option financially, but wondered what thoughts you experienced parents may have). Thank you all in advance :-).

Am I right in thinking that the academic year of your DD you put down on the application form is the year they are going into in Sept??

Hello everybody :-) Do any of you know how much the fees are for YDA accociates on a Saturday, and the class times? I can't seem to find the info on their website. Thank you.

My daughter has got a place on the Associates course starting in September. We have had to leave our current dance school as their lessons are only on a Saturday. I have told our dance school we are leaving & they said they had never even heard of YDA & they don't think it will be as good as I am hoping! Daughter got SWL for Royal this year she is 9 she really just wants to pursue ballet. I have found a local ballet teacher who can teach my daughter in the week & seems lovely. Feel bad leaving her current school & now they have said they actually have a ballet class in the week which is for Grade 3 plus but my daughter has only done Grade 1. also they offer Contemporary & Jazz which they want her to do so she can do YDA & stay. The other ballet lady I have found teaches a Russian method is an examiner & seems excellent quite old school but gets good results & girls seem to like her. Feel sad, awkward to be leaving our current school but feel if my daughter just wants to do ballet then YDA would be great for her. Anyone got any experience suggestions????

Is the YDA Associate course one worth pursuing? if offered a place is it worth giving up our regular Saturday dance classes.I know its meant to be in conjunction with your normal lessons but my daughters dance school only teaches on a Saturday.Any advice appreciated

My DD has a friend who auditioned for YDA Associates on Sunday and has not heard anything yet. Wondered if anyone on here has had news?

Does anyone know if the young dancers academy have an associate scheme? Have looked on their website but there is only info on full time courses which we could not afford as appt there isn't funding? Dd would be auditioning for a year 7 place. Thanks

DD is currently in year 8 but would love to audition for a year 10 place at a vocational schools though my husband and I aren't to sure whether this is a good idea yet. I seem to hear lots about the top vocational ballet schools in UK on this forum and less about others so I was wondering what other vocational schools are there in the UK that take from year 7? (Ballet only please)

If you have a DD/DS preparing for entry in 2016 this might be of interest. Just seen on YDA Facebook page Young Dancers Academy and West London School of Dance 36 mins · NEW!....NEW!....NEW!....NEW!....NEW! WEST LONDON SCHOOL OF DANCE VOCATIONAL PROGRAMME Preparing students for entry into full-time vocational college at 16 Programme Starts from Monday 20th April 5 Classes per Week More info and application form go to our website: www.westlondonschoolofdance.com

I have just found out about this school, what are people's thoughts and opinions?