JulieW Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 The new academic year is zooming towards us and I just wanted to wish everyone luck, but especially those students (and parents) who are new to it all. It can feel really daunting now it's so close (after mainly being excited up to now). Remember it's normal to be nervous and you are not alone. Parents - you're lucky to be able to link up with lots of like-minded people on here. We didn't have that luxury when my son was off to WL 10 years ago (hfbrew and I met back then!). Lots of children will be homesick to a lesser or greater extent. This is normal - speak to the house staff and be guided by them. My son was used as an example for years of someone who was about as homesick as they get but still managed to get over it and succeed! Some won't be homesick at all - don't take that as an insult ;-). There are lots of ups and downs while they're at vocational school - appraisals, being picked or not for parts etc - try to enjoy it - it goes so fast and I wish I could turn the clock back and do it all again - well, sometimes :-) Not everyone will make it to the final year, nor will everyone become a professional dancer, but it's a fantastic opportunity and they will gain so much from the experience. (I wonder whether, in a few years I'll be saying that perhaps they'll meet their future lifelong partner...) You'll miss them a lot but they'll soon be home. Good luck and best wishes from me. (And make sure you tell other parents about the forum - there's still lots who haven't found us.) 43 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 What a lovely post 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amethyst Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Yes I agree. What a lovely post 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dramascientist Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Oh Juliew thank you for such a nice post, feeling a bit out of sorts after leaving DD at Ballet West yesterday! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiz Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 I have been thinking of all the parents whose dcs have gone off to vocational schools today. Hugs to you all. x 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jan McNulty Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Good luck to you all. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nutcracker-x Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Good luck to you all xxx 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harwel Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Thanks for the lovely post. Getting a bit more jittery each day now (that's me not my DS). Just want him settled now, so roll on Sunday. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulieW Posted September 1, 2014 Author Share Posted September 1, 2014 Oh yes, I remember that jittery, slightly sick feeling! A bit like waiting for exam or audition results. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kat09 Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Feeling slightly sick JulieW - thanks for your lovely post x 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harwel Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 That's just it JulieW, little nervous flips in my stomach at the mere thought of it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hfbrew Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Great post Julie, I was also reflecting on our 10 year journey! My sympathy to all you parents carrying your mobiles all day long waiting for any contact at all! My ds first text was "fine". Yep just that, didnt even bother with a full stop! Whilst remembering every student away from home deals with the situation in their own way its also worth remembering that they are also being normal in that for some its normal to phone every 5 mins, others not at all! Not sure which is worse.... 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O`Brien Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 The very best of luck to all children starting at Vocational School. And my thoughts are with their parents too. When it gets tough for you just remember, it`s what they want to do. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Can we also spare a thought for all those dancers starting or staying at "ordinary schools" who may have mixed feelings about not going away. I personally know of several dc who had to turn places down due to financial reasons. There is not just one way to achieve your dreams. Enjoy your school & dance school, keep working hard & your day will come. 19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amanda-w Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Lovely post Julie, glad I'm not the only one feeling sick and jittery :-( never been one for panic attacks but I think I've been having one long one for the last few weeks :-( 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susankelly693 Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Hello Everyone Hope! Everything doing well. My name is susan kelly from USA,I am a professional dancer and teach different different dance like Ballroom, Mambo,Salsa, argentine tango etc.You need to learn new dance professionally call 216-393-7769 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tulip Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Good luck everyone, been there and worn the T shirt so to speak. All I can add is it gets easier and becomes in a way normalised. You will miss your children, but this is their dream. A big journey, enjoy and hold on tight the roller coaster is about to begin. Always remember your children are exceptionally lucky to be having this opportunity. As a mum I won't lie, it does hurt a lot when you miss them, but what is the alternative stop them from going, I think not. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2dancersmum Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Good luck to all the excited children and hugs for all the nervous jittery parents. I don't think the nervous jitters really go away until you actually see them again at exeat or half term. Phonecalls and facetime are good and offer some reassurance but there is nothing quite like seeing your child's face light up as they talk endlessly of school to know you have made the right choice. On the subject of phonecalls, remember also that some children also go through phases - calling when they are feeling down (for the only 5 minutes of feeling down of the day), not calling when they are busy or sometimes avoiding calling because they are happy and hearing mum or dad's voice makes them feel homesick. I know my youngest DD refused to talk to her sister when elder DD phoned home that first half term, just because hearing her voice upset her because she missed her so much. Same with her brother who went to uni at the same time. Anyway, try to enjoy the rollercoaster. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornishprincess Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 (edited) all the best to all our dc whether they are going to vocational school or taking another route, whether they are just staring or returning...all of them are precious and special and unique. Enjoy your life, each one of you. Live well and live blessed (feeling a little emotional myself....) Edited September 2, 2014 by cornishprincess 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mariska Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Our DS started at the State Ballet School in Berlin in January of this, as it as his greatest wish. He was only nine at the time, but adement that he wanted to go and fully aware that he would be away form home, only a two-weekly visit by us possible, as it is about a 5-6 hour drive from where we live (depemding upon traffic, which is generally bad), but he insisted this is what he wants to do. Hence we let him go and the first two weeks were difficult for all of us, his older sister included. The only communication we had was via whatsapp and it never went beyond "yes", no" fine. We agreed every day to call, at a time specified by him and shortly before that time he would send a message asking not to call. However, after the first two weeks were over, all was fine and the messages had more content and we spoke on the phone at least once a day. he has been home for the summer break just now and I was dreading him going back and the same procedure starting again, but all was and is fine. The main thing to consider in all of this are how the children, and surely if we know that they are happy, we are a lot happier too:) 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O`Brien Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Wow Mariska. Full Time Ballet Training at the age of nine. UK schools could take a leaf out of Germany`s book. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
osmum Posted September 3, 2014 Share Posted September 3, 2014 A very emotional time. I know you English will look after my little Aussie girl, who is flying off on her own on Friday. Thanks to the balletcoforum members who have offered to look out for her if needed. 12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JulieW Posted September 10, 2014 Author Share Posted September 10, 2014 Been thinking about your daughter osmum - what a journey!! Hope everything's gone to plan. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tulip Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Good luck with your journey everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jazzpaws Posted September 13, 2014 Share Posted September 13, 2014 DD has just finished her first week at Central and is loving it, was over the moon to find out that her ballet teacher taught her last year at SA's She is at Student Castle which is lovely Hope everyone else's start has gone as well as hers 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juliet Posted September 14, 2014 Share Posted September 14, 2014 I met my daughter yesterday in Covent Garden after her first week at Upper School. She is loving being independent and travelling in each day on the tube,she seemed so confident and happy and I thought how lovely being in the hub of things at such a young age....I think she's really going to grow up this next year! She's really enjoying being at Wolf house and fending for herself although I don't know how long this novelty will last! They have broken them in very gently this week with only an hours ballet class each day and I think she's keen to get going.....probably next week will be more full on. They were lucky enough to watch Lauren Cuthbertson and Vadim Muntagirov rehearsing Manon in one of the studios......I confess to being jealous of this!! Today she is meeting her two sisters for breakfast in CG.....one lives up there and the other is modelling for LFW.....and then older daughter and DD are off to the butterfly exhibition at one of the museums. My husband and I will be gardening today! 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amethyst Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 My daughter is new to vocational school and seems to have settled in very well at Tring and loving it! ???? 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tutugirl Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 That's great Amethyst . Is she in 6 .1 ? If so with my DS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amethyst Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 Yes tutugirl 6.1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now