abitwornout

Totally agree, I always wondered how much my non dancing child was affected as we had to fully commit to dance training for dd in the 2 years prior to upper school auditions. You could also be unhappy at a “normal “ school but I guess you do go home to family in the evening. I like the idea of full time vocational training starting at 18 .

I personally think that leaving it till they are 16 is a better option. Children change a lot from age 11-16 . Being at a “normal” school will give them a chance to evaluate their options . I think then if they still want to dance by the age of 14/15 then you can take extra classes to help get them there. It isn’t an easy route ( this is the one we took) As parents we spent many hours driving to dance classes and my dd had long days at school ( plus GCSEs) then straight to dance classes . ( dinner was mostly eaten in the car en route) It was hard but we got through it. It showed us that she was 100% committed on getting there and still had the talent at 16 to do so .

I can’t imagine how difficult it must be for children to go through puberty surrounded by a wall of mirrors day after day .

Can highly recommend Dance Essentials at Centre Pointe, Denton, Manchester .

Unite student accommodation, Clarence Dock Village . This is also the recommended accommodation for students doing the graduate program at Northern.

I don’t think Northern’s latest audition notice had height restrictions . They did specify in 2020 but no mention of heights in this years notice .

My daughter auditioned for upper schools in her blue Gaynor Minden cap sleeved leotard . It was the leotard she was most comfortable in and it has a lovely classical look . You would be ok in any simple leotard ( I don’t think they usually like criss cross straps etc ) it’s important to feel comfortable in your leotard.

All I’ve seen from RBS is their annual report which just gives student numbers . Nothing specific about their journey to grad year.

In case anyone has missed Elmhurst’s 2021 graduate destinations. A huge Well done to them all xxx https://elmhurstballetschool.org/en/graduate-destinations/

My dd and friends are attending the Senior summer intensive at Northern Ballet in Leeds . Has anyone any recommendations for accommodation. Do Northern Ballet recommend anywhere near to their studios?

Very much enjoyed watching this , (although I wish there had been some applause ) Especially pleased to see two Elmhurst 2020 grads dancing. How I miss live theatre .

I think we should remember that these children and their parents are on balletcoforum. As if 2020 hasn’t been bad enough for them without comments such as yours .

As a parent of a child at upper school I strongly disagree with your comment. They are in no way struggling to attract students to their school . I can assure you that the process is just as competitive as ever. If not more so as students look to have a back up of Alevels as well.All vocational schools are upping their game with marketing themselves, it’s called moving with the times. The standard of the students in the current upper school is exceptional. Students have left because their dance needs are better met at other schools ie a more contemporary focus and sometimes after 5 years at one school you are ready for a change . This happens across all schools . For new parents looking at upper schools for their children I can honestly 100% recommend Elmhurst . I can only speak from my dd experience and she feels that there is a very “positive vibe” in the school . Being a healthy dancer/athlete is very much at the forefront and the school . This includes looking after children’s mental health as well as physical. We must remember as parents we have to work in partnership with any school to get the best for our children . No school is ever going to be perfect and sometimes schools are not the best fit for your child. I am very sorry for any students who have been unhappy there for whatever reason. Perhaps living away from parents doesn’t actually suit a lot of children. As I say this is my point of view from my current experience of the school .

Our kitchen is now a ballet studio, I wonder how many times dd’s teachers have seen me crawling along the floor trying to avoid the camera just so I can get a cup of tea 😂. Our dog had featured on zoom as he particularly likes to join in with the stretch classes 😬

Is anyone else not getting any response from Dance Forward. I have emailed and I have not had any reply !!!