Vocational schools before 16

[Balletlife4me]

Hi, I'm just wondering if in order to succeed and be successful at getting into an upper school, is it essential you have been to a lower school? When applying for upper schools is that taken into account if you've been to one? Also is the training that much better at lower schools than you can get at a really good local dance school? What are people's thoughts? Thanks

[Jan McNulty]

Hello Lifeisgood and welcome to the Forum!

 

I can't answer your query but I'm sure other members will be able to offer advice.

[lilacfairy]

In our experience the answer is no although my DD had an excellent local dance school, joined an associate scheme and was on a contemporary CAT putting in I'm sure just as many hours of training as vocational students.

[invisiblecircus]

It's definitely not essential but unlike auditions for lower school where they're looking purely for potential, you do need to have reached a certain standard to get into an upper school.

 

A full time vocational lower school will (or should) provide the necessary level of training to reach that standard but it is not the only route. There are different challenges for students who don't enter full time training until 16+, lots of joggling and often difficulty in finding enough classes to accumulate enough training hours but it can definitely be done. It is easier in some areas than others.