matchstickmen

I believe the bursaries are awarded from the audition as the other year my dc's friend got one - the parents hadn't asked for a bursary and they hadn't been asked for any financial details, rightly or wrongly, they just accepted it in lieu of a scholarship! The first time we applied to YBSS I sent the deposit and dc was unsuccessful at the audition but offered a place, again we couldn't afford the place (deja vu!) and they kindly tore up my cheque so I would double check the non refundable bit? Although that was 3 or 4 yrs ago. I have since been upfront and not submitted the deposit when I apply, but am fortunate to be able to get to the audition and treat it as class/audition practise for dc, if successful then a bonus! That said, dc didn't enjoy the experience as much as it was over subscribed and the classes were very full, dc was dancing with a lot of much older boys so perhaps was a little intimidated which may explain the lack of offer this year. Putting it all down to experience. If York was closer for us, I think I would choose that venue as from fb, they appear to have had about 40 attendees as opposed to the 100 in London. So perhaps bear that in mind if planning for next year Peanuts. Good luck and again, well done to all,

thank you Janet!

Thanks for that suggestion Amos73, perhaps I will email them but I guess it depends how you define financial need, my husband and I both work so on paper probably earn too much to be considered financially in need but by the time we have paid vocational school fees and our hefty mortgage, there really is no money in the piggy bank for summer schools. Is that a need, probably not. Would be uncomfortable taking a bursary when there are others who may have genuine financial constraints, it is our choice to be permanently broke pursuing the ballet dream Dc understands it is funded place or not at all and has been lucky enough to have received a scholarship before so it is only fair that someone else gets the opportunity. We are cool with it! (apologies, just discovered smiley faces, can't resist ) MM

we heard yesterday after the London audition on 30 apr, an offer of a place without scholarship which sadly we have had to turn down as we cannot afford the fees without any help. they said they were overwhelmed with applications for funding which is suspect is indicative of the fact it appears to be the only summer school which offers the opportunity of funded places. Sadly for our little family, summer schools are luxuries, so it will be a summer of stretching and swimming to keep dc fit! Was worth a try and there is always next year I guess. Well done to all those who were successful. MM