AliKat Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 My DD was also at the Rambert School summer course, She was in Class 1 and also missed out by a few days on being in an older class as the classes were allocated based on the age of participants as at the date of the Summer School.This did not deter her from really enjoying the week. Initially she felt that she could be stretched more in ballet as she has been lucky to have training in associate programmes at RBS and Tring for a number of years. However, the level of difficulty increased during the course of the week and she came away with some valuable corrections and her love of ballet intact. She also enjoyed Rep but would have liked to have done some work on pointe. She has had very little experience of contemporary and again very much enjoyed contemporary class whilst being able to cope with what was taught. I think we have to bear in mind that a number of the participants would not have had the level of training available at vocational schools and their associated courses and this would have to be reflected in the level of difficulty on offer to try to ensure that everyone had an enjoyable experience. Overall the summer school was very well run and my DD would definitely go there again. Amassive thank you to the faculty and student helpers at Rambert School. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlueLou Posted July 31, 2016 Author Share Posted July 31, 2016 A week at Chantry Dance last week for us - just love these people, they really made every dancer feel special. Many have been to all four years which speaks volumes, and one attendee offered further training as a direct result. International mix for people, and a chance to learn company choreography. The Greek Bachaelia (and yes there is no chance I spelt that correctly) definitely a highlight. Only recently became aware of this school and liked it on Facebook. They posted some fab photos and videos of their summer school. Are there residential options? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meadowblythe Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 Not sure, this is the only summer school that is close enough for us to attend daily. There were quite a few overseas students there though, so presumably there is something that can be arranged. Paul and Rae are very approachable so do ask the question of them, sure they will be able to help. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dance*is*life Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 I'm curious as to why some schools - such as Hammond and even at RAD Headquarters - would have one hour classes? To me a one hour ballet class seems very short, especially for older students. Did your children find the length of class limiting? Or was it enough because they had several classes a day? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 Hammond & RAD summer schools tend to attract students who are not yet in full time training. One hour is a long time if you are not used to that regime. These students often havnt built up the stamina & regular breaks are needed. Recreational dancers will often only be used to 45-60 min classes. I've not experienced an RAD summer school but 1 hour of ballet followed by 1 hour of jazz followed by 1 hour of musical theatre etc means that after the first class the students are generally warmed up for the day. Dd didn't find it limiting at all though she was only 11 when she did it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 Dd is off to Bird tomorrow which does attract a lot of vocational students age 14-17 Apart from the very highest level group which I wouod assume to be the very oldest students the class lengths are 1 HR 15 mins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piccolo Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 I think that Bristol Russian Summer School deserves a mention after the lovely week dd has just spent there in the Intermediate class. She learnt 3 character dances, Russian, Hungarian and Italian, a Fairy solo from Sleeping Beauty and a group repertoire piece, amongst other useful things. Parents were warmly welcomed into a small performance at the end of the week. Yury and Chika explained what they had taught the children, which was quite nice when the only feedback I get from dd is 'stuff'. I think we'll be seeing more of this company. 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliKat Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 I absolutely agree Piccolo. DD went to the Bristol Russian advanced summer school last year and is looking forward to attending again later in August. Chika and Yury are wonderful and really enjoy sharing their knowledge and love of ballet with their students. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piccolo Posted July 31, 2016 Share Posted July 31, 2016 Yes, I noticed that too AliKat. What a lovely rapport they have with the children, lots of lively interaction, and they achieved so much in a week! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted August 1, 2016 Share Posted August 1, 2016 Just wanted to follow up on our impression of the Ballet West Summer School. It has a very different 'look and feel' to other residential courses that dd has done, and was more like staying at a family home (a family with great dance studios) than anything else. Dd was rather startled to discover she was in the same group as some of the full time students, but said that they were all very nice and not in the least scary. DD does regular pilates and limbering but still found the body con a serious step up from anything she has done anywhere else. There was a noticeable difference in her core after only a week. The sharing of work at the end was really lovely (and as other parents have said its the only way to find out what they have actually done). My one tip would be, that if you are staying in one of the chalets be sure to take an umbrella with you. Would definitely consider doing this again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spax Posted August 2, 2016 Share Posted August 2, 2016 My ds attended Rambert and enjoyed it. The conditioning was full on. He was put into group 2. Group 1 would not have been challenging enough for him. He said the teachers were excellent and he goes to a vocational school. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwimum6 Posted August 3, 2016 Share Posted August 3, 2016 I have been impressed by the quality of teaching and the standard of dancing of participants at the Russian imperial masters of ballet summer school taught by Vagabova Academy teacher, so much attention to detail. Highly recommended. Long days and students kept very busy! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mae989 Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 (edited) My daughter has just finished the BBA Summer Intensive. She said it was the best SS she has done and today was taught by Anna Rose O'sullivan. She can't wait until next year. Sorry can I ask what is BBA and do you have a link please? Edited August 5, 2016 by Mae989 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mae989 Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 I have been impressed by the quality of teaching and the standard of dancing of participants at the Russian imperial masters of ballet summer school taught by Vagabova Academy teacher, so much attention to detail. Highly recommended. Long days and students kept very busy! Can I ask how old your DD/DS is and if it has boarding facilities? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 Dd has just completed an amazing week at Dunsford, nr Exeter (Dpa, run by the amazing Layla Harrison.) A great range of genres and guest teachers including (dd's highlight) Anna Rose O'Sullivan and Elisha Willis. We had an amazing demo this afternoon with ballet, pas de deux, jazz, drama, street, commercial, tap, yoga, singing and drama. Saw more of dd than in recent voc school show. Dd's audition shots for next year fine too. Such a good week with amazing dedication from all who are part of the organising team. Maybe local, but definitely national in quality. ???? 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandsfoot Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 My daughter just completed the Cecchetti Summer School at Tring. Really enjoyed making new friends after some initial wobbles. Lovely atmosphere and excellent pastoral care. I think aimed more at the recreational dancer than serious vocational one however everyone got an equal chance to shine in the choreography competition at the end, which was lovely to watch and I was totally amazed what could be achieved in one week. Did lots of different styles jazz, greek, modern contemporary and daily ballet class. Only downside (from my DD's perspective) is that phones were only allowed for one hour in the evening - digital detox. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwimum6 Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 Can I ask how old your DD/DS is and if it has boarding facilities? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwimum6 Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 He is 16 almost 17. The standard is phenomenal.... So much so that some working professionals have come to take class. Up to age 14 in the pre senior class and students from all over the world. No boarding facilities though... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Piccolo Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 Dd has just completed an amazing week at Dunsford, nr Exeter (Dpa, run by the amazing Layla Harrison.) A great range of genres and guest teachers including (dd's highlight) Anna Rose O'Sullivan and Elisha Willis. We had an amazing demo this afternoon with ballet, pas de deux, jazz, drama, street, commercial, tap, yoga, singing and drama. Saw more of dd than in recent voc school show. Dd's audition shots for next year fine too. Such a good week with amazing dedication from all who are part of the organising team. Maybe local, but definitely national in quality. This looks like a little gem of a course. Just goes to show you don't have to sit on certain prestigious summer school wait lists (although we love to!) when there other courses that are, as you say Karen, national in quality. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richieN Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 richieN does your dd go to regular ballet classes at Centre Pointe? I am thinking about classes there for my dd from September if her current dance teacher allows it as there is only 1 class a week for her level at her current school and she is asking to do more ballet. My dd will just be doing the Monday at the moment at the summer school to see how she gets on as she is just 7 and not danced for so many hours before. Hi Princessballerina, No, she is not in Centre Pointe regular classes at the moment. We're seeing how things develop with the summer class. Also dd is on the short waiting list for RBS Junior Associates, so we're keen to see how things play out with that before committing to something that we might have to change. However, 'a friend of a friend' highly recommended them highly. Her dd goes. We went over to see Centre Pointe recently just to get a look at the place ahead of the summer school . They are undergoing an ambitious expansion of their studio with a performance area, extra studio space, coffee shop, ballet shop with pointe shoe fitting room. I was impressed with the 'buzz' of the place when we went. Will let you know more once we get more from the summer school. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
double trouble Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Mae 989 BBA is Beckenham ballet academy lovely sch and beautiful studios ! One of my dd is doing her RAD teaching there . My other dd would of done the sum sch but she had to work that week they r on FB . They also did an Easter course def worth looking into if you r near x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
double trouble Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 My dd did the Russian master sum sch at Sadlers wells she found it far too advanced and was waste of money she ended up just doing the 2 hour ballet class in the morn as that was all she could cope with !! If she had auditioned she would never of been accepted but she was asked if she wanted a place and told she didn't need to audition !! Dd is at MT sch only does 1 ballet class a day and a good standard but she said the students there were amazing !! She sd the teaching was so good but too advanced and what I found sad was that no one cared when she was upset !! The students she spoke to who were all nice to her even asked her why she was there as they all went full time ballet school !! She was told to try but she has had enough training to know that she would injure herself if she wasn't doing it correctly !! If your DC are at top ballet schs I would say this sum sch would be excellent but unfortunately for my dd not a positive experience ! The teacher that asked my dd to attend had always been lovely and used to teach my dd so didn't question it ! Although it wasn't right for my dd she did say that she enjoyed seeing the wonderful talent and it made her realise that she loved her MT training but very expensive wk for us and disappointing that the one sum sch she went to wasn't right for her !! She has attended other ballet sum sch and really enjoyed them x 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoglett Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 My dd did the Russian master sum sch at Sadlers wells she found it far too advanced and was waste of money she ended up just doing the 2 hour ballet class in the morn as that was all she could cope with !! If she had auditioned she would never of been accepted but she was asked if she wanted a place and told she didn't need to audition !! Dd is at MT sch only does 1 ballet class a day and a good standard but she said the students there were amazing !! She sd the teaching was so good but too advanced and what I found sad was that no one cared when she was upset !! The students she spoke to who were all nice to her even asked her why she was there as they all went full time ballet school !! She was told to try but she has had enough training to know that she would injure herself if she wasn't doing it correctly !! If your DC are at top ballet schs I would say this sum sch would be excellent but unfortunately for my dd not a positive experience ! The teacher that asked my dd to attend had always been lovely and used to teach my dd so didn't question it ! Although it wasn't right for my dd she did say that she enjoyed seeing the wonderful talent and it made her realise that she loved her MT training but very expensive wk for us and disappointing that the one sum sch she went to wasn't right for her !! She has attended other ballet sum sch and really enjoyed them x What a shame. ..thanks for sharing even though you were disappointed. ..it really helps the rest of us. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stardancer Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 My dd has just,come back from cymru in Wales,it has been a terribly sad week for both of us. When we arrived last Monday my dd was told, when prompted to,go around the corner and it is in there somewhere, with no idea where to go, no times of classes or even what they are doing. The teacher was bullish and making personal remarks to students, no one talked to my dd, not one word all week. Then last Thursday I got a text off my dd to collect her as it is too much, I found her in a corner so upset that everyone just walked by her I tried to find someone, and was told by the cleaner to sign her out. Since then, no one has phoned to see where my dd is, there was a show in the theatre last sat,but with forty students in a class suppose they do not care, I am so upset for my dd it should of been a chance of a life time instead it was a nightmare No one talked to her all week no one new her name, or even cared,the teacher had anger issues,shouting,and making personal remarks at students 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lifeafterballet Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 How awful for your Dd Stardancer ???? Xx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flowerpot Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 What a horrible experience for your dd. I would be so upset too x Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewinelake Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 That's dreadful, stardancer. I'd be wanting a refund just to make the point to management. Our DDs happily settled in at RAD's Summer Stages, London. A nice bunch of girls and excellent pastoral care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 My dd has just,come back from cymru in Wales,it has been a terribly sad week for both of us. When we arrived last Monday my dd was told, when prompted to,go around the corner and it is in there somewhere, with no idea where to go, no times of classes or even what they are doing. The teacher was bullish and making personal remarks to students, no one talked to my dd, not one word all week. Then last Thursday I got a text off my dd to collect her as it is too much, I found her in a corner so upset that everyone just walked by her I tried to find someone, and was told by the cleaner to sign her out. Since then, no one has phoned to see where my dd is, there was a show in the theatre last sat,but with forty students in a class suppose they do not care, I am so upset for my dd it should of been a chance of a life time instead it was a nightmare No one talked to her all week no one new her name, or even cared,the teacher had anger issues,shouting,and making personal remarks at students What a dreadful experience for your DD. Have you explained what happened and how distressing it was for your DD and you to the management? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixiewoo Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 (edited) DD and her friends arrived this morning at York Dance Assembly summer school, and were delighted with their timetables They were all so excited to go and explore, that they barely said goodbye! Edited August 8, 2016 by Pixiewoo 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loulabelle Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 I'm sorry to hear of your dd's unhappy experience. I think you should definitely ring them and feed it back. I am very surprised it was so awful for her, my DD did their SS a couple of years ago and still says it's one of the best she's done. She didn't know anyone either but was well looked after. The classes were much smaller then though, only 20 at the most. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahw Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 I'm so sorry to hear that stardancer. I agree you should call and give feedback. I would raise issues about child protection if she left early and no-one even chased it up. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oldermum Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 My dd went to Ballet Cymru summer school and thoroughly enjoyed it. She was lucky enough to be invited to move out of group 4 15+ intermediate advance level to the international group 18+ advance professional/graduates. It was tough going but she enjoyed the challenge, I think the guest male teacher aimed his class at the adult level. I was pleased to go in to watch his class on Thursday morning and could feel his frustration when students were holding back and not putting their hand up when he asked who could dance specific steps at one stage he did shout at them and ask if they knew how to do anything, but this course was aimed at the professional level and I was very proud of my dd for grasping this opportunity with both hands. She didn't make the same amount of friendships has she had the previous year in group 4 and the course wasn't as structured but that was the level - the opportunities to socialise in this group wasn't the same, classes ran over. On Thursday I noticed as soon as students finished their break they were back on stage practising on their own. I know in group 4 new friendships were made, a friend who knew nobody went home with lots of new friends in fact she was invite to go out for tea with them one evening. I'm sorry your dd didn't enjoy the experience star dancer, my dd spoke to your dd and knew her name, unfortunately she didn't leave the theatre on Thursday and she didn't see you dd upset or I assure you she would have gone over to comfort her. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dancexox Posted August 9, 2016 Share Posted August 9, 2016 Stardancer I was so saddened to hear of you Dds experience. I know that they would be totally mortified and you must contact them to allow them to address the issues you raised. We have participated in numerous workshops/summer schools with Ballet Cymru and have always found the company to be so supportive. I know one of the guest teachers was quite full on (in my Dds words!) but as another parent mentioned this group was geared at the professional level of dancers. She initially found him quite vocal but realised this was his way of really pushing the class to get the most from them but I can see how some individuals may have found this too much. They are a wonderful company who do so much for the local community and nurturing local dancers. You really must make contact- they certainly would not want a repeat of your DDs experience and would want the opportunity to address it. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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