Kat09

Thank you to all - so many lovely messages of support . This is a special forum - keep treating each other with kindness - I will be dropping in from time to time - maybe my addiction is balletcoforum 😛 xxx

Thanks Harwel - high alert is a horrible place to be especially over an extended timeframe - I hope that all settles quickly for your lovely son xx

Spacy ❤️

Thank you 💕

Keep your eyes and ears wide open and prepare to do battle (and not be popular) if you have to - ultimately be prepared to walk away if your concerns fall on deaf ears and your dc are continuing to struggle.

I think we naturally are so proud and want to believe so much in the dream - it’s hard to walk in with open eyes and see the ugly side when there is so much beauty all around ,and, when your child has so much talent and beauty it is human nature that you will think that they will fly however hard it is . i would love to roll back the years, oh the benefit of hindsight!! i hope that others can learn from our experience and know that each individual is following their own path which might be totally different to the child standing next to them at the barre.

Thanks Angel - what a path we have travelled together xx

Thank you for your good wishes Jan and for the link - technology so not my forte x

Thank you so much and all good wishes to your daughter

It’s. Been a privilege and pleasure to be a part of this forum for the last 5 years. I’ve been from the trepidation of auditions for US, the thrill and pride of acceptance into prestigious Ballet schools for my daughter and the absolute despair as the dream crumpled and fell away from us. Thank you all for sharing insight, wise words and for some (you know who you are) broad shoulders and comfort for me to cry on. I sign off with a blog post from my beautiful daughter for whom the path was just too difficult. She fell as many do however her fall could have had a softer landing had those who had responsibility for pastoral care taken their responsibilities seriously. if you have a child away from home please follow your intuition and gut instinct - you will know your child far more than any school - never doubt yourself. i wish all of you and your dancing children nothing but joy as you follow your paths best wishes Kat https://instagram.com/p/Bjifth2AvJA/

Congratulations!! I'm absolutely thrilled for you xx

Have a look at Ballet Cymru -you'll love it

Only my opinion, as our problems surfaced much later, but if his emotional well being is being compromised by being away from home , maybe bring him home, let him continue to dance locally and with an associate programme and look to going away again at 16 ,when he will be more mature and possibly more in a position to know that this really is the life that he wants. Best of luck with it all.

We know of a recent Laine graduate now dancing in 42nd street - the more versatile the dancer , the more chance of work. Classical contracts are like gold dust whichever school you graduate from.All the best and congratulations to your daughter.

sorry - not needed

It would be interesting to hear if anyone has experienced excellent/supportive pastoral care within the UK vocational system ....

It's knowing how and where to rock the boat and not to be a lone voice crying in the wilderness .....

If any of you are lucky enough to be within striking distance of this amazing opportunity please do seize it .... Emma offers an environment and approach that will allow your DD/DS to flourish and achieve their potential - Emma will have total belief in your child - imo that is far more important than the Kudos of attending a big name ballet school, where you, the parent, is a lone bye stander to the regime your child has signed up for, where your child might be struggling physically/mentally without you ever knowing .... before it's too late.. As a parent, I come across Emma when my DD needed help - It is my belief that had my daughter met Emma and trained with her from an early age, then she would now be following the career that she dreamed of. I cannot recommend her or this opportunity highly enough. Wishing you the very best of luck Emma - it is your time to shine..

thanks John - yes that would be useful This Friday, 17th

SCS or Amphitheatre - looking for 2 tickets please

Have sent you a pm Dancing2003

In the article I read it stated that her parents will be moving to the UK to support her ...

Reading this blog has catapulted me back into the nightmare that is vocational school , when things go wrong ..... more wine needed !!

if this is still available I'd love to take it

I would definitely go look and attend an open day - Paul , Ray and Gail are wonderful people. Your dancers will be in good hands both technically and most importantly the pastoral care is strong.