Pas de Quatre

Don't know the Associate programme, but my dd and friends have been to the summer schools several times. The people at Ballet Cymru are wonderful, the standard of teaching is high but with a caring friendly atmosphere. I imagine the Associate programme will be excellent too.

http://www.frontsplitsfast.com/can-neural-tension-cause-shin-pain

By coincidence this was sent to me from the Ballet Blog - perhaps it will help (I mean the question and answer - not the Front Splits Fast programme which I don't know anything about).

I would agree with most of the suggestions above. However what strikes me is how many of them don't need to be at ROH and may look even better on a smaller stage. Really wishful thinking now, but why can't RB have small touring groups like BRB? They could show some amazing triple bills and give some dancers opportunities to try more roles. With well known repertoire I am sure they would have full houses. Last time they tried touring with a small group it was unsuccessful because they did it with new untested choreography - the results were pretty awful and so the audience stayed away in droves!

Summer schools (and Easter Courses) are really a good idea, both for Vocational students and those not yet at a Vocational school but intending to apply later (or again). Meadowblythe has summed up the different reasons very well.

Sadly the opinions passed on in Rowan's post are very true. Just look at the candidates for Prix de Lausanne. ENBS have 3 girls entered, not one British. Only one male candidate is British, he's from Central School of Ballet.

Just to confirm what others have said above. The only places that you are obliged to apply at 16 are RBS, ENB, Elmhurst, Tring, Hammond & Legat. (Also possibly Dance School of Scotland, I don't have much information about them). Some with foundation degree/degree courses you can apply from 16 upwards (17, 18 19 etc), which include Central, Rambert, Royal Scottish Conservatoire in Glagow, Ballet West, Northern Ballet School plus Laines and Birds for a more Jazz orientated course. Other degree courses such as London Studio Centre, London Contemporary Dance School and Laban you must apply after 18, however these are entry by audition although the latter two also require 2 A-levels. This is not an exhaustive list, just a general guide, other people may be able to add more.

Edited to add name

In our household my dd always asked me to open her letters and then text her what it said.

I am a great believer in non syllabus classes - no matter how good a syllabus it can't cover everything, and it is better preparation for auditions and courses. So Vocational students will have free work classes as well as their syllabus class. Other pupils who are not planning to take the Vocational exams also attend these free work classes. I don't teach Grades 6,7 & 8.

As a teacher I am always interested to hear how others do it - after which Grade exam did your dks start on the Vocational classes? Usually I move pupils across after Grade 5, but with the new syllabii I wonder if that should change.

My pupil who auditioned on 13th said she had been told 10 working days - that takes us up to next weekend.

Good luck to everyone auditioning - it's great hear of some success stories already. Let's hope there are more to come.

Totally agree - what would we have done without you. Happy Christmas and a splendid 2012! xxx Edited for typ

Sad to hear this is her last performance, but she has an interesting project in Morocco with Dar Danse. She and her family are building a Dance centre there - check out the Wells Ballet courses for photos and information. There is also an article in January's Dancing Times.