Lifeafterballet

When my dd auditioned for Elmhurst they had their first audition and then if successful were invited to a final audition in March. No one was offered a place for year 7 at the first audition. There was also no funding auditions. Have things changed ?

Cross training is an excellent way to prepare for auditions. Our dds vocational school is introducing an enrichment program including such sports as tennis, gymnastics and swimming. Dd played rugby, netball and ran cross-country right up to and after her auditions.

Definitely the canvas worn ones ! Good luck x

If dd's plan A doesn't happen : to dance Aurora with the BRB ! Then plan B will kick in : play rugby for england ! I think the latter is more achievable !! we just go with the flow !

The knot in your stomach that you feel all the way through the audition process just tightens when they are successful.! In my experience its stressful getting in but far moreso staying in ! I fear the upset my dd will experience if she comes home and also the loss if she stays and her friends go home ! Its the ultimate rollercoaster ride I wish all getting on board the best of luck xx

Plymouth Elmhurst Associates is an hour and a half ballet class on a Sunday so it doesn't clash with Totnes RBS Associates on a Saturday. If we had been closer I would have definately travelled to Elmhurst itself for the 3 classes and the studios are a lot nicer. Seems a bit more special !

If you are within driving distance of Birmingham, Elmhurst Associates is on a Saturday morning and some of the children then go onto RBS Associates in the afternoon. Two birds one stone ! Makes the trip worthwhile ! My dd did both in year 6. Didn't know about it before then. Glad we were only on the rollercoaster for a year ! 3 might have been very stressful for us expectation wise. I believe its only the Elmhurst Associates at the school that offer the 3 classes but it seems to be evolving all the time.

Most recommended item : a hanging shoe tidy ! X

They are never left alone ! At dd school all the year 7 children are in the same house and support and guide each other ! I found the houseparents to be very experienced in organising and supporting the children ! Its us mums who do the panicing ! Have you cleaned your teeth etc ! They become organised very quickly ! X

Hi ! Some dc go home every weekend after saturday morning RAD classes ! We live too far away so dd stays and takes part in the activity program ! In house activities and trips are available ! Week days Dd has an opportunity to call us from 6:30pm (has her phone earlier than that but too busy) to 8:30pm when she hands it in ! They have their phones all weekend after rad classes !in my experience the houseparents are fab ! They all have a mobile and are available to sort out any problems ! Taking your dc out of school during working hours is by permission of the artist director like with any school ! Imo homesickness is very individual ! Some dc who go home every weekend can still suffer ! We have been extremely lucky with dd ! On the one accasion she did struggle one of the other mums very kindly took her out for the day as we couldn't get there ! Hope this helps ! Feel free to pm me ! I remember feeling very anxious about the whole journey and unfortunately didn't discover this forum until after ! Good luck to your dd xx

Acosta and Rojo in Romeo and Juliet ! Goosebumps !

Too much psychology for my liking ! Its a bit of an insult to people with real abandonment issues !

My dd has telephoned every night she has been away ! I have learned the trick is little and often ! If we keep it brief none gets upset ! I love the fact that her time with her phone is restricted ! I can relax knowing she can't call ! Got a bit worried the other morning when she called from the payphone in the house !!!

I just remembered that French and Saunders clip staring Darcey Bussell ! Made me smile ! Must watch it again on you tube ! So funny !

We have missed a most important factor in life ! " Unlucky "

Oh Billyelliott ! I'm with you but it does get easier ! Their life away from home becomes part of our lives ! Dd is away with your ds this weekend having a fantastic time I'm sure ! It doesn't stop us missing them dreadfully ! Especially post summer holidays ! Leave weekends are special times ! I try not to dwell on the ballet and acedemics but happiness and friendships ! What a life ! What an opportunity ! What a sacrifice !!! Wouldn't have it any other way ! Look forward to friday ! Special times ! Xx

I have just returned from a meeting with my ds's A level Physical Education teacher and have experienced for the first time the head tilt and raised eyebrow. Ds keeps his love of ballet a secret from his school mates for fear of being tormented ! We have supported and encouraged him to be proud of what he does and so to declare his 'sport' for his A level. Ds was reluctant to do this ! Now I know why ! "We will call him Billy Elliott from now on " says his teacher. I understand teenagers being silly about it but not a grown man !! This is going to be tough ! Dh is a nurse so our family is accustom to 'really' !!

Hi Billyelliott, I'm sure your ds will have the most amazing time at his new school ! We will be there at 14:00 ! Might see you ! I'm going to miss my dd ! It has been lovely having her home for the summer ! She is so excited about returning to school ! Thank god she is taking her clarinet with her ! The dog and I are not going to miss that !!

At last a phone call ! Wow ! Loving it ! Totally in ore of the teachers ! Only 12 in his class ! All really friendly ! I am so relieved ! 3 hot meals in one day ! Tired but really happy ! Looking forward to the showcase on saturday

Thank you for your support ! I guess I feel bad because his little dd is a full-time student there and I have never had any anxieties about her at all ! He has been so looking forward to it ! He has never had a male teacher or danced with other boys so he will learn an awful lot I am sure. It will either make him or break him ! Fingers crossed not the latter !

The worst drop off ever ! I warned ds he would be small ! He went from a confident 14 year old to a rabbit in headlights within minutes. Haven't heard from him since ! Don't know whether this is a good thing !! Thank you so much Tutugirl and your lovely ds for taking him under your wing ! It all starts at 9 ! Dd is confident he'll be fine but I'm not so sure !!!

Ds was 14 in June ! He needs a petite lady for the pas de deux !

Hi, I will be dropping off ds ! First ss ! He probably will be the youngest there ! So excited though ! Can't wait to have a male teacher !

My dd had a pink pinky toe and we bought, sorry can't remember the make, but it is a clear silicone / gel like tube that goes over the toe ! Worked brilliantly ! Comes in big toe versions as well !