Clara Posted October 16, 2013 Share Posted October 16, 2013 Thank you all for the fab feedback as always! I feel a bit odd because although dd has happily been cruising along on her path achieving and doing well in the various different dance opportunities that have been available to her, I have always viewed her separately to the children who are currently on the major dance journeys (Not that I ever doubted this is somewhere she would want to be.........eventually!) I just wasn't prepared for it right now! I really enjoy reading about all of the other dc's successes and feel for those who don't quite make where they are aiming for at first......But to think of dd as one of these children is a bit nerve wracking! In truth I don't know if she's ready yet. She's a lovely little dancer.....but at the top of those who will be auditioning.......Then no, she is probably a long way off. She would absolutely love to audition for White Lodge and Elmhurst as ballet is her first love, but I don't know whether to deter her or just let her go for the experience?! I might sound like I'm being harsh but I have assisted my own dancer teacher for nearly 20 years and although have no claims to be an expert I do have some knowledge of the ballet world and whilst I do totally believe that dd is truly gifted in some aspects, she definitely has other areas that need a lot of work too. She is also keen to audition for Tring but hasn't really said anything when I mentioned Hammond. For those with experience, is the dance course at Hammond purely dance or does involve other elements of performing arts? She would be mortified if she had to sing solo at an audition as it definitely isn't her strength! She takes classes in modern, tap, contemporary, musical theatre dance and creative dance on top of ballet lessons.I have emailed her ballet teacher (Not the one I am assistant to!) to ask for some advice (I rarely get to see her in person as I'm always at work whenever she has to be dropped off or picked up from lessons)Also, has anyone who has let their children audition for vocational schools noticed any difference in them if not successful? I would hate to see dd lose her love and passion for dance.....or even her dream. I have explained that no at this age doesn't mean it will be no in 2 or 3 years or even 5 when she finishes high school. (She will be applying for a year 7 place) As an aside, at NYB this year she was significantly behind her peers grade wise but she didn't seem in the slightest bit put off by this and I did also wonder then whether she'd feel inadequate in any way but she absolutely loved the whole experience! As you can probably tell, I'm the pessimist/realist and she is thankfully the optimist with a head full of dreams reaching the sky! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theodore Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Clara, I think the best way to cope with the audition rounds is to explain to your DD just how difficullt gaining a vocational place can be, but what fun you'd have together whilst trying. We used the audition days as a treat to spend time together. Nights in hotels,using the pool where possible. Dinner together, free to chat without the usual distractions. Plenty of time to get DS ready before the audition. We had a lovely time together, and DS never seemed stressed. He was eventually offered a place at everywhere we auditioned, Tring , Elmhurst, and WL. He started yr7 at WL in September and I am so glad we got to spend that precious time together. I miss my little ballet boy so much. 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O`Brien Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Clara, I think the best way to cope with the audition rounds is to explain to your DD just how difficullt gaining a vocational place can be, but what fun you'd have together whilst trying. We used the audition days as a treat to spend time together. Nights in hotels,using the pool where possible. Dinner together, free to chat without the usual distractions. Plenty of time to get DS ready before the audition. We had a lovely time together, and DS never seemed stressed. He was eventually offered a place at everywhere we auditioned, Tring , Elmhurst, and WL. He started yr7 at WL in September and I am so glad we got to spend that precious time together. I miss my little ballet boy so much. How is he getting on Theodore,if you don`t mind me asking? Has he settled in? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clara Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 Wowzers Theodore!! What an amazing talent he must be! A massive well done to him, but yes you must really miss him. Is he enjoying it all? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theodore Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 He absolutely loves it. sends text just with ballet class was sooooooooo amazing. When i call in the evening it sounds like they are having a riot. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa O`Brien Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 That`s great to hear ,Theodore. It must be a huge relief to know he is happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theodore Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 It is hard not having him at home and i do miss him something awful. Still have to pinch myself that my little boy is at WL, just 2 and a half yrs after his first ever dance lesson. No one else in the family has ever danced, which makes it even stranger. No idea where the talent comes from. He went from 0 - grade 6 in 18 mths. Won a JA place after just 4 months. Had a wonderful teacher though, who taught him one - one mostly. He also worked so hard, and grins like mad every time we drive through Richmond Park, back to his second home ( his words not mine). 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2dancersmum Posted October 17, 2013 Share Posted October 17, 2013 So glad your DS is settled and happy Theodore - at the end of the day happy children who thrive is what we all want. Clara - pictures in post 33 above tells you what a child in year 7 at Hammond will have on top of their classical ballet training. Re singing solo at the Hammond audition - they do expect them to be nervous and it really is more about being prepared to have a go, a willingness to try. On their website they state re the solo vocal "no previous preparation required as this is only an indicator for our own records and will not affect the overall outcome of the audition." Different schools will suit different children - getting a place at any of the vocational schools is a huge achievement and as a poster above said - treat each audition as an enjoyable day out and a new experience. My DD auditioned at 6th form level, not year 7, but she changed her mind about which were her favourites during the audition process as being at the school is very different to reading about it. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pas de chat Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 It's not too late! But get cracking on the forms and photos . I agree if Ballet is the main focus do RBS and Elmhurst as the main thing and consider others as a plan b . Welcome to the roller coaster ! Yes we only put our forms in last week-end for WL and got the date for January today. January will be a very busy month! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billyelliott Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 Busy and probably expensive , but exciting times - all the best ! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomuchtallent Posted November 1, 2013 Share Posted November 1, 2013 Well photos and forms ready!will post on Monday!! My dd has wanted to audition for so long but suddenly in the last 3 months my husband and I decided against it.Then we had a change of heart when we saw how sad she had been and we felt really guilty.So a mad rush to get things sorted! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomuchtallent Posted November 1, 2013 Share Posted November 1, 2013 Just to add, it was only the ballet schools we decided against but not the all round musical theatre schools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spax Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 (edited) I was going to say Young Dancers Acadamy. My ds did year 7 there (he was year 6 really) and got into year 7 at White Lodge. My ds loves it at WL and today he said he was 'home at his other home'. He doesn't come home at weekends and I have to call him to remind him he has a mum and dad I still wonder if he hadn't gone to RBS workshop 3 1/2 years ago because his sister did and was asked by RBS to audition what he would be doing today. He did a ballet class a week but only because he loved JA's and was required too. He was doing 3 nights of Street Dance though and got through to Paris finals! In the end he had to choose between Street Dance and Ballet. Ballet won by miles because of JA's and 2 performances a year for 3 years at the ROH. Loved it! Edited November 3, 2013 by Spax 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spax Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 He absolutely loves it. sends text just with ballet class was sooooooooo amazing. When i call in the evening it sounds like they are having a riot. I second that! The laughter coming from their dorm is so loud. My ds is in hysterics all the way through our conversation, or lack of conversation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billyelliott Posted November 3, 2013 Share Posted November 3, 2013 Ditto , hardly hear any sensible conversation from DS as he is too busy having fun with his mates and today was so glad to go back to school as home is soooo boring ! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Is anyone considering auditioning for Year 11? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anna C Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Nope. Dd is already heavily into GCSE work and felt it would be too difficult to even consider changing schools. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxi4ballet Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 Mine too, but I was curious whether anybody was going to give it a go... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2dancersmum Posted November 7, 2013 Share Posted November 7, 2013 I would suspect that it would only really be practical if your DC was not edcuated in England or Wales as it would be extremely difficult with GCSEs subjects, not to mention the fact that no sooner would they start at their new school and they would be auditioing all over again for 6th form. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomuchtallent Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 I think this question has been asked before but can find. For year 7 audition,can you wear convertible tights?how many do?I know it's not good for normal tights as they need to look at feet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lifeafterballet Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 Dd wore socks for her year 7 auditions. I think that is what is on the letters they send out. RBS and Elmhurst that is ! They continue to wear socks in year 7 too ! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomuchtallent Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 Thanks for the info xxx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 Yes it's socks (which caused a panic for us as dds audition was very last minute & we didn't have any. They also wear socks in Year 7 until the teacher decides they can start wearing tights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 That's for Hammond by the way. Don't know about Tring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
along for the ride mum Posted November 17, 2013 Share Posted November 17, 2013 (edited) Yes it's socks (which caused a panic for us as dds audition was very last minute & we didn't have any. They also wear socks in Year 7 until the teacher decides they can start wearing tights. Same for Elmhurst I believe Edited November 17, 2013 by along for the ride mum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DancingDays Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 From the info I have for auditions this year, it's bare legs for Hammond, Elmhurst and Royal but tights for Tring (plus jazz pants and shoes for the Modern section). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
choccy Posted November 18, 2013 Share Posted November 18, 2013 To all the parents who are wondering about whether their child should audition because they are not ready to leave home .......My daughter wasn't ready to go away to Vocational School at year 7 so she carried on with her training and then succeeded in getting in MA'S and a full time place at Elmhurst in year 8. My advice would be to just to go with the flow - Your kids will tell you if the time is right and auditions don't harm anyone - very good experience for the real world! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 Was anyone at Hammond yesterday? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
straceydor Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 yes me and my DD were there. A really nice day had 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Picturesinthefirelight Posted November 19, 2013 Share Posted November 19, 2013 Dd said she saw a girl she met at summer school auditioning. Fingers crossed Straceydor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomuchtallent Posted December 28, 2013 Share Posted December 28, 2013 Has anybody had more info on the RBS Jan 26th audition.Im still waiting for the time ect. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pas de chat Posted December 29, 2013 Share Posted December 29, 2013 Yes we had ours about 2 days before Xmas. Our class is at 3.30pm so not a great time for DD as she tends to flag mid afternoon hopefully the nerves will be buzzing. The lady said to me that if you live far away she will try and put your audition later in the afternoon as she is aware that some trains are infrequent on Sundays. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tomuchtallent Posted December 29, 2013 Share Posted December 29, 2013 Thanks pas de chat I think I will give them a ring.If we have the same time maybe we can meet up. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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