windover60

@BalletEnthusiast re whistleblowing number handing complaints back to Rbs - this was my fear- they will ‘disappear’ rather than be published, so not whistleblowing at all !

As well as Mark Daly, this e mail address may be useful to those who are responding to the panorama programme - dnocivelli@leighday.co.uk. They are keen to gather nos of students over the years to keep the investigation ongoing. Hopefully this will lead somewhere and won’t simply disappear. Simply copying into your e mail to Mark is enough.

Im aware that there have now been many responses on here to Panorama and BBC sounds but felt compelled to add my contribution having been deeply moved but not surprised by both programmes. Its taken a while to formulate my response to make it acceptable ! My DD left WL in 2015 and experienced many of the issues that other members are expressing. First of all I must stress that in my opinion neither programme was sensationalist – the young people taking part have been so brave and I feel for every one of them and their parents. Several were in my daughter’s cohort or nearby years and sadly I have to say that their names and situations could have been substituted by many more, my dd included. It is testament to this forum that so many others have come forward to prove that these are not isolated cases. I can only speak for our position when I say that ‘emotional abuse’ is difficult to prove and quantify, particularly when you are 11 and it is perceived to be part of the system. For my dd, it was not an eating disorder but emotional abuse about her body image ‘her ugly legs’ were often referred to by the teacher to shame her in class and then as she was beaten down over the years, it was ‘you are not trying’ or as was said to us in parents meeting ‘shes lost the fire in her belly’. We had no idea how bad things were until afterwards as much was kept amongst the students for fear of being assessed out. My dd did not want us to complain and we abided by her wish to avoid further upset and bullying. Those students/parents who were ‘favourites’ must have witnessed this happening to others and aware of the eating disorders, emotional abuse and self harm that was occurring even though they could honestly say they had only had positive experiences. Like others, I could give many more examples. After leaving, my dd was not able to attend school for two terms, needed professional psychological support and medication for several years, and has ongoing issues with her mental health. However, she is now much more like her former self, is about to complete her third year at University and is enjoying dance again as recreation. Her experience at Rbs has taken its toll on all of us, but finally feels like a distant memory. I also just wanted to respond to a few other points that have been mentioned. We did contact the LADDO/Westminster safeguarding when this was raised as a possibility. My dd was told they were not investigating historical cases as needed concrete evidence of dates and times. Obviously this is not possible several years down the line. She was interviewed by itv a few years ago about bullying in ballet schools, she also wrote an article for The Sunday Times and Guardian after this, but nothing came of either project and we are not sure why. This in itself was distressing as it is harrowing to retell your experiences. She has not been able to watch or listen to either programme as the synopsis induced panic attacks and she does not want to relive it anymore. After my dd left we did write to the rbs governors/trustees as one of the issues of my dds final assessment was that she was not scored. As my husband and I worked in education where assessments have to be evidenced robustly, we questioned this. We were told that this was as she was recovering from injury and they knew she would fail. The AD said they could reassess but the outcome would be the same ie assessed out. Other injured pupils were scored so we brought the assessment procedure up with the governors. We heard nothing and a follow up phone call did not shed any light on the matter. In my opinion this is another example of rbs bullying and being untouchable. A mainstream school would not be able to do this (on another note the independent inspections are not robust and pupils are carefully chosen to speak to inspectors etc) I hope there are now robust assessment criteria in place. Finally, the whistleblowing phone line has been set up by rbs and although has ‘independent experts’ manning the lines, it is not clear whether the school is monitoring it also. I may be cynical, but this may be a way of complaints ‘disappearing’ rather than being published for public view. Too little too late in my opinion. I would urge people to also send written copies to Mark Daly and other places ( I need to look back to see what these are )mentioned on the forum to ensure they remain accountable. Sorry for the long post !

It is reassuring that this thread has now reopened. Please make sure that the itv details stay on the forum. Their investigation is completely confidential and they are very sensitive when talking to students. They are keen to hear about all experiences not just the current high profile investigation. It really feels a positive way to make these issues heard and change things for the better for future students.

So are dance lower schools inspected by ofsted then Anna or another body iss are private schools ? Does this only cover academics ?

I was lucky enough to watch the dress rehearsal as my daughter has been on work placement with the stage management team. What an experience that was for her and it was the best opera I have seen !

While I agree with your above comment Anna C, I think this thread is very important as people are speaking out in a situation in which they do not feel threatened. I'm not planning to say any more as we are no longer associated with the ballet world. However, we did have issues regarding fees following a medical letter so if anyone wants advice re that I'm happy for them to message me. Wishing everyone all the best in whatever you do - mental health and happiness is the most important thing and life is long ! That's my pearls of wisdom !!!

Dancermum2003 - we understand completely - I sincerely hope your niece gets the help she needs and a new future emerges for her. We were also too broken and exhausted to go in all guns blazing at the time. A lot of comments have been about upper schools so I just wanted to add that I was talking about a lower school (WL) where children are 12/13 when this is happening to them. Totally unacceptable and seemingly untouchable ( even with the strength of balletdadblog) . It is hard to imagine the effects of this until it happens to you. My advice would be do not be afraid to remove your child immediately if you feel it is necessary. Cost implications can be dealt with legally.

Sadly, from personal experience, I have to agree and sympathise with the comments in this thread by Sadielou, ribbons, taxi to name a few. I haven't followed this thread for a while, as we have now left the ballet world, but feel very strongly about these issues. The issue for us was not that the school chose to replace British students with those from overseas, but the lack of duty of care before, during and after the process. Many aspects of the 'balletdadblog' resonated strongly with us - same place, different time. My Dd was treated in an appalling manner - I understand that I cannot be specific on this forum - but generally, immoral assessments ( different rules for different students, no standardised assessment criteria or evidence), no reasons given, no emotional or physical support during injury, emotional bullying - being shouted at and belittled in class as well as inadequate pastoral care to name a few. 'Whistleblowing' made things worse for her. This all resulted in post traumatic illness and several years of support from mental health professionals. This high profile lower school is responsible for this and seem to be untouchable. However, away from the ballet world, things are finally moving forward for us - there is another world out there where happiness and self belief can be found once more. I do not plan to comment any more but wanted to support the other stories that have been told. We were very niave year 7 parents and I would have welcomed some insight when making our decision - the British girls in our year who had successful, positive experiences ( about 4 in total) were those who had parents in the profession or who were very knowledgable about it, outside Physio support and teaching to supplement and strengthen ( frowned upon but essential ) and unlimited financial support to attend everything and anything that is out there ! Such is the reality of the British system, in my opinion !

Absolutely correct. I am waiting to see what the moderators decide to do as I also have comments to add but do not wish to do so simply to have them removed.

Now sold

Yes I have messaged you x

Two pairs of freed pointe shoes from special order - new and unused. £15 each or £25 for both pairs. Other ballet clothing md equipment for sale also including high leg strappy leotards, ballet wrap skirts, the-footstretcher, pirouette master, Bloch ballet bag. Please message for details and for pictures. ,

Dd has received an offer of a day place, invitation to scholarship audition and waiting list for boarding for tring sixth form. We know of others with similar offers. Obviously circumstances for funding are different this year with no Dadas available. I wondered if anyone knows of anyone with an offer of a boarding place for sixth form with scholarship audition ? Also any information about home stays ( costings, availability) would be welcome as we live too far from the school for a day place to be an option. Many thanks in advance x

Looking for a pair of new Bloch Amelie 103 pointe shoes size 5.5 xx. Out of stock at suppliers til November and dd needs a new pair for a festival end oct.