Loulou

My dd is currently doing a pre professional programme in Europe, albeit in contemporary, she graduated last year and missed 2 of the 9 degree terms of studio training due to covid, plus there were virtually no jobs being advertised, so we agreed to one more year of funding her but that was it, she either needs a paid job or a “ normal” job which she readily agrees with. It was about a third cheaper for the fees than anything in the uk and her rent and what we give her to live on is what we were paying for her rent alone for her degree, so we just saw it as a 4th year of training , keeping her training up whilst applying for jobs . There are a lot more jobs being advertised this year, compared to last year, if it doesn’t work out, she will at least have got go live and dance in a beautiful city, but we all fully accept this will be the end of the road if she doesn’t get a job. She is also a qualified RAD teacher so that is an option. Oh and her course is 10 months, Oct to June, only break is 2 weeks at Xmas, not sure about Easter at the moment.

My 19 year old dd has one Claudia Dean as they are very expensive to import and we got stung with import duty as well, so would not buy another for the cost but she likes and it is flattering. A special leotard for her would be a yumiko that she can design herself, she has a few of those as they are unique, well unless someone does the exact same design HTH

Hi, I would feel exactly the same smoking is a big no no for me and fortunately my dd feels more strongly than I do about it. However one of her former ballet teachers went to one of the big Ballet schools, this was probably 30 or so years ago and they were actively encouraged to smoke as an appetite suppressant, this was also in the days that they would weigh the pupils. I’m just wondering if that has anything to do with it, not necessarily encouraged by the school hopefully anymore but maybe just known that’s what it does. Just a thought, hopefully not .

Hi Shauna, definitely try The Brighton Academy, my dd is currently in 3rd year of a BA ballet, the teachers and principals are all great, friendly and approachable and there are definitely students on the course who are 19/20. As others have said it’s degree funded by student finance. I’m sure if you call them or email they will give you more information.

My dd graduates this year and unlike some has an idea of what she wants to do if she cannot get a dance job, she has a passion for history and it came down to the wire whether it was dance or history and chose dance as it’s more age/ time constrictive. I’m sure she would happily now do a history degree but has no a levels and has already used her degree funding. She will be qualified as a RAD teacher this summer so that is something . She wants to do contemporary rather than ballet but don’t think that path is any easier

Has you DD tried The Brighton Acadamy, not many of heard of them as more musical Theatre/ performing Arts, but they have started a BA in ballet, my dd is in 3rd year and is very impressed with the quality of the teachers and teaching and she has been on most summer courses/ intensives and been taught previously by ex Birmingham Royal Ballet and Royal Ballet teachers. If not might be worth a look. They also do contemporary and jazz.

My dd also graduates this year, her school however are looking at the possibility of a 4th year due to lack of practical training as an option. She is also fortunate to have an Irish passport as her Dad is Irish and we applied last year, it came fairly quickly. I'm also encouraging her to look at MA's, encouraging her interest in photography and she will qualify as a RAD teacher this summer, think its a case of exploring all income streams possible and all options out there, but its so hard. We have had lots of "what's the point " conversations. Can see us funding her in some way for at least another 12 months

https://www.thebrightonacademy.com/

I don't seem to be able to post a link, but its theBrightonAcademy.com, site is black background with purple/ blue logo, also known as TBA, let me know if you still can't find it.

My dd is in 3rd year at The Brighton Academy having transferred from another school as mentioned below, she is doing the BA Ballet degree which has full student funding. The teachers are amazing ex royal ballet, Matthew Bourne etc, and its a small and very friendly and welcoming school. Whilst ballet is the main focus they do contemporary and jazz and the school also has great contacts and patrons. They are taking into 1st year in Sept 21.

That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking, even go back 2 weeks early to go the 14 day isolation, easier for upper school I agree, especially those living independently, just isolate with house mates

Yep, mantelpiece is the barre, rug rolled up and as we have a lounge/ diner, OH working at the dining table in the background whilst I work upstairs !

She took the exam in Glasgow, yes she got a distinction which she is extremely happy about, thanks

My dd did her adv 2 on 13/ 3 and her school called her with the result on Friday last week. HTH

She did thank you, it was a couple of years ago now.