audsjcanuck

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxl3AuL3_Qs Heather Ogden from NBoC. Thought some would enjoy this bit.

I was always under the impression that a main driver for students to enter the prix de Lausanne was to gain entry and scholarships to the partner schools. If you are already a student at one of these schools, it would be unlikely that the school would want to lose a student to another school no? I know at my dd's school, it's not an option. And that's with the Artistic Director of her school being former President of the Jury and AD of the PDL. Just a thought.

I happened upon the link just moments before it started and watched all 90 minutes. And how lucky for parents also!

So dd's review.... She was sitting in 5th ring therefore said she could not view well enough to critique Svetlana's performance but said both pieces were well danced and her extensions were awesome. She gave more a critique on the choreography but this thread is about Svetlana. Perhaps we will see her dance in the Nutcracker next month.

My daughter is at tonight's performance (due to end soon). I will get her critique for you!

.... and then there is casting. Oy vey!

When I was looking for dd's first studio when she was 4yo, I was simply looking for an after school activity that she would enjoy and grow from. I knew nothing of the dance world and chose the studio based on the fact that it didn't do competition (too expensive for me!). Within a few short years, my dd's enthusiasm and apparent skill for ballet exceeded the local studio's offerings. The teacher was wonderful to her and fostered a family feel and that was what counted at the time. She was a certified teacher with BA in dance as well as other credentials but had little experience in training a dancer at a professional level so we added associate classes which led to a full time place at vocational school at 11yo. For the first few years at vocational, focus was primarily on technique, technique, technique! But there comes a time where that needs to applied to performance skills and at this point, I am of the opinion that a teacher with professional performance skills is essential. The wealth of personal experience that can be drawn from and shared is invaluable. All the former professional dancers who teach at dd's school have at minimum the 2 year teacher training program. So accrediatation vs professional dance experience? Depends on the childs age/goals/needs.

Those measurements do not apply to summer program. Also, it states on website that ss is not an audition for full- time program.

But I am pretty sure those height weight requirements are not for the summer intensive.

Thank You ladies. It's more then a year away so lots of time to get info and such. DD not concerned about a degree of any sort - just the training! And RBS will be one of many things she will be auditioning for but if its a dream then you have to at least try right?

Well since it's so handy, I have a question or 2. It's regarding RBS. I think I have a handle on the years and how they equate to ours at home(Canada). At 16, my dd would be equivalent to first year of 6th form? She graduates in June of 2015. In their final year, her class will be auditiong for corps (for the very fortunate), apprentices (also fortunate) but most will look for a one year post secondary program or final year program at other schools - usually linked to a company or country they hope to pursue employment in. SOOOO... the question is; How often do students apply for and are accepted into just the 3rd year of RBS upper school? She is aware of the competition and the extreme long shot it would be but she is determined to audition. I am trying to get some background info over the next year so as to be prepared. (And silently I pray she gets an apprenticeship closer to home).

It's been a few years since for us but there were a few occasions dd called to say she missed her mommy in her first year. Every time she called with those words, my heart would ache and I would call first opportunity the next day just to be told "I'm sorry mom, I was too tired... I'm fine now!" If I had a day off, I would take a train in and surprise her with dinner out. We talk daily and have since the beginning of this adventure. My attitude is that she is in a great place and loving life but never ever did I give up my role as parent and primary caregiver therefore I expect to communicate with her on a daily basis. If she or I are busy, sometimes it's just quicky "love you goodnight!" but most often it's a semi detailed run down of our day .... as if we were chatting at the dinner table. If she gets caught up with her friends, I simply remind her that I pay for that fancy phone and if she doesn't use it to call her mother, then there is no point in her having it! Usually not a problem though September was always the hardest for me as she can't wait to get back to school and I have to face another year of empty nest. January was her difficult month the first few years. Post Nutcracker, everything seemed a little gloomy. Now as a teen, there always seems to be something exciting to look forward to.... and I've learnt to enjoy some of the advantages of empty nest

I have pomegranate juice, fresh raspberries and chocolate croissants baking in the oven, ready for when she wakes from the 12 hour sleep. First weekend home since school started! Quality vs quanity

I am kinda screaming inside. Not sure the OP needed this to turn into such a heavy topic. As a parent of a dc who went to vocational school at 11 and is now in her 6th year, I cry foul at what I see as negative commentary. Abandonment? Harsh. abandonment - withdrawing support or help despite allegiance or responsibility. Pretty sure there is not a dance parent out there in this day and age that fits that description or any other definition for abandonment. As a parent it is your responsibility to gauge your childs needs, wants and desires and how best to help aquire them. If I chose to not work with my daughter with hers, yes she would be at home and I could justify that choice in many ways. But the consequences would be detrimental in so many ways. Enough said.

Do all these schools accept DVD auditions? Perhaps the info for the DVD would give you an indication of what they are looking for in an audition.

I have a 16yo dd who is training professionally and has had a bunion since forever. And no one - not the teachers not the GP or her physio's are concerned. Whats important is to prevent it from getting worse. For my dd this means spacers and proper footwear. Speak to a podiatrist to find the best solution. Surgery is horrifically painful and is always a last resort.

Oh I am so glad I am not the only mom to read those books! We aren't in the UK but have our equivalent school here that dd dreamed of getting into and I have to say the books were pretty close to things here too.

When dd went to UK this summer, we couldn't send the jetglue as it's not allowed on flights so asked a balletco mom if she could send some up. She brought superglue as it is the same basic compound as jetglue. Careful though - stuff is abit toxic! Also, are your girls rotating their pointes? DD has 2 or 3 pairs on the go - allowing pairs to dry completely before next wear. It hurt the pocketbook for the initial extra purchase but saves in the long run.

Well if that didn't make me cry!

Yes good luck all... especially the first timers. I should be a pro at this by now as dd is starting her 6th year (started at 11) but I always get the September blues a little bit. Not nearly as bad now and I adjust quicker but today is my day of junk food and wine haha. But I have no regrets, none. I actually think my relationship with my teenage daughter is closer and more open then if she lived at home all year. Strange but true.

There was well over 30 in A1 at Ybss also. And yet dd still felt like the classes were amazing and that she was pushed far more then expected. The ballet classes seemed to be presented more along lines of a company class. So not the place to go if you need individual attention but a great set of teachers if you can accept the class size.

They are moving to York university which is abit farther from downtown core. According To website, over 100 students were turned away this year as popularity increases. As you aren't confirmed a place until May, it would be difficult for them to give you placement info until after that time. Hopefully others can give you a better idea about age/level.

Yes ybss is moving next year and I imagine it will change and hopefully improve the boarding situation. I know the older teens had some late nights but nothing bad came of it. I do think they need to add better evening activities for all ages though. What age is your dancer Karen?

My dd is 16 so I cant give much details on the littler ones but I can share a few generalizations. The classes are large and split based on a combination of age/level. As in there were 14 year olds in the advanced one class but 16 years olds on the level below. DD's class had 14 - 19 yo's but the other class probably had 13- 16 yo olds. The youngest ages were in another class. The teachers are incredible and very motivating and inspiring. The students are treated on a professional level so although they may lack the individual comments they are used to, they gain confidence and knowledge from being treated like professionals. Unique. Food was basic and simple. Lots of pasta and roast beef. Evening activities seemed limited but perhaps for the little ones, there was more. The older students were left to their own devices but seemed to make it work. Under 16 can not leave campus past 5:30. Older students had ballet, pointe and contemporary. Younger students had ballet, character and not sure of the third class. Royal and Elmhurst students seem to favor this program for summer and I believe it is because of the high level of teaching.

... Also, my dd has posted a class pic I took of A1's.