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glowlight

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  1. Congratulations to those awarded places on the CAT - remember that this is akin to getting a place at vocational school, so a huge achievement. Because it is vocational training, keeping up with classes at local schools might be difficult, especially as they progress through the scheme, but if the end goal is to become a ballet dancer then it is a fantastic opportunity. And as they get older it can be difficult to get enough training locally at the level they need, so CAT can be a good way to get that without having to go away to boarding school. But it is a big commitment of time, so each family has to consider whether it is the right thing for them. Good luck.
  2. I guess the governors of the private ballet schools are stuck between a rock and a hard place. The only way to increase teachers' salaries and benefits would be to increase the fees they charge, which would not be what parents paying fees would want at all. And I suspect (but don't know) that their fees may be capped at what the government are prepared to pay for MDS awards.
  3. Wow - I had no idea that employer contributions to teachers' salaries were so high. I thought my private sector employer was generous offering up to 11%. Having said that I'm not criticising the teachers for wanting to maintain their salaries. No-one wants to have their salary eroded, especially with the cost of living increases we've seen recently.
  4. @Ebonee - personally I think I would ask for an extension. You've got nothing to loose my asking, and potentially lots at stake if you don't. I would have expected that 600 euro deposit to be enough to secure your place until you've made your final decision.
  5. I guess everyone has off days. If it's a good, reliable shop I'm sure they'll work with you and the student to help find the solution.
  6. @Lifeafterballet - when my dd worked for a US company she had to have a medical, but I believe that was for the company's medical insurance, not for the visa.
  7. It may be worth looking at the government guidance on DADAs for 2023-2024 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dance-and-drama-awards-guide-2023-to-2024-academic-year/dance-and-drama-awards-guide This was published at the end of March 2023, which I think was after most of the awards for 2023-24 were made, but it gives an idea of the rules in place.
  8. I'm not sure that this is true - or at least it wasn't when DD was auditioning. Northern Ballet School conducted a number of audition days, but you didn't have to go back for a second audition for DADA funding. My understanding was that successful applicants were ranked on the basis of their performance in the audition they attended, so when DADA funding was allocated to the school in March, NBS went down the list making offers from the top ranked downwards. Of course different schools may have different policies depending on how they choose to conduct their auditions. This is the government guidance on DADAs https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dance-and-drama-awards-guide-2023-to-2024-academic-year/dance-and-drama-awards-guide#student-eligibility @Swanwings - I would speak to the school and see what they say. I am sure you are not taking this decision lightly.
  9. Firstly congratulations to your dd @jenalexandra78. and fingers crossed that she gets the funding she needs. My experience (a long time ago ...and at NBS not Hammond) was that there was a fair bit of movement when it came to DADA funding in the first few weeks after offers were made as people who had been offered DADAs accepted offers elsewhere. I also know of occasions where a DADA student left mid-course and the DADA was offered to someone else already on the course, but that was rare and you certainly couldn't rely on it happening for you. Good luck.
  10. @LyndseyJ - it sounds as if a new school is just what your dd needs right now and I'm so pleased that she has that positive move to look forward to. Have you thought about applying for summer schools or performance opportunities such as English Youth Ballet?
  11. So sorry to hear your news @LyndseyJ.
  12. Nothing to be lost by sending a late application. The worst that can happen is they ignore it!
  13. glowlight

    Gcse dance?

    My DD did GCSE Dance many years ago. For her it was simply a chance to fill some of her school time table with something she loved doing. There was a definite mix in her class between those with little experience who had chosen it because they saw it as a soft option, and those who danced regularly. Although I think she found the 'free-riders' a bit frustrating at times, it didn't deter her and it gave her a chance to learn more about and explore contemporary dance, which she wasn't doing much of at the time. She did a solo choreography on the subject to Guantanamo bay for her exam piece, which she really enjoyed. I think we've still got the orange boiler suit somewhere!
  14. So hard for you and your dc's who are getting their first "no thankyou's". The way I framed this to my dd the first time was..It just means it's not the right thing for you at this time. Maybe life is lining you up for a different opportunity which is better suited for you. Learning how to handle knock backs at this early age is valuable too, even though you and they may not think so now. But if they keep dancing there will probably be more 'No's' than 'Yes's' down the road, and learning how to handle these positively is of great value. They're bound to be upset and that's OK. It can help them to build the determination to keep going. Keep looking out for new opportunities for them. Try to have some non-dance fun in between so their life isn't all about ballet. And @LyndseyJ - if part of the problem is that she is unhappy at her local school - perhaps you could look at other options locally. If it's not working for her maybe another move would be for the best.
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