JulieW

And universities usually have dance societies - some better than others.

You might find however that you either won't have time due to being on such a busy course (and with placements) or that you find a different society you'd like to try instead - one of the great things about going to uni - the chance to try new things.

My (now 3rd year) vet student daughter was doing Advanced 2 ballet, tap and modern, plus contemporary classes before she went to uni. The dance society on her campus wasn't great so she thought she'd have a go at rugby! She's has just been voted "players' player" for this year, and will be vice captain and vice president next year - so you never know what lies ahead!

I would definitely give feedback - about the teacher's comment rather than the language!

There are lots of opportunities for good quality classes, associate programmes and performance opportunities without going to full time vocational school these days. Especially accessible if you'll be in London.

We felt the same Regattah. It wasn't high on my son's list of preferences, but we really liked it when we visited (was 5 or 6 years ago now - can't believe that!)

Aside from the dancing, along the lines of Kate's message to choose whichever course suits her best, or which university she felt more at home at, is to also consider that it's more expensive to study in London - accommodation mainly being the issue. A higher loan amount is available but of course that's also more student debt.

Poor tramp...

Am also sitting here giggling - thanks Helen - I needed that after reading through loads of comments on various threads trying to be a sensible moderator ;-)

I've started looking into this Konmari thing - need to get the book by Marie Kondo and have a proper read but I've already starting clearing things out before I start on her way of doing things.

I really feel for you all.  My "Timehop" thingy on Facebook is really funny at the moment because for the last few days I've been seeing what I was writing 7 years ago when my son was auditioning for upper school places, and most days it consists of one word postings along the lines of "Aaaaaaggggggggghhhhhhhhh" with someone commenting underneath with "Nothing in the post again today then!".

I have no words of advice - there's no point me saying to relax and take it in your stride - I obviously didn't         But you can do nothing to change the outcome and all you can do is wait, so get practising meditation and remember that it will all be over soon.

You used to be able to ask to have a current year assessment done rather than basing it on a previous year's income, although perhaps that was for the MDS. As others have said, contact the school and see what they say.

My eldest son started because his sister (16 months younger) had been going since she was tiny and then he saw the children in Nutcracker at the ROH and thought he'd like a go at that so he joined her class. Little did we know at that point that he would be one of those children in Nutcracker on the ROH stage just a few years later :-)

My youngest son went just because the other 2 went so it seemed like a natural thing to do. He did keep up ballet until he was about 12 but lost interest eventually.

My (now 22 year old) son always used to say that ballet made him fitter, stronger, faster, could jump higher and meant he got to meet lots of "fit" girls.  But he went to full time vocational school at 11 so didn't have to hide it then - he was one of only 2 boys in the local dance school but went to RBS JAs where he met more ballet boys.  My younger son danced until he was about 13 - didn't actively hide it from friends, but didn't make a big thing of it, but we sought out some boys' classes for him at Tring - that was great - a couple of classes each half term with a full room of boys and a male teacher.  He's now 19 and not really the physical type, more into his studies (and gaming!)

Oh yes, and the eldest is still obsessed about his hair.

Son and I watched the Darcey programme tonight. I'm not a fan of her live presenting but I really enjoyed the programme (and caught a glimpse of ds on screen in an unexpected manner much to our amusement). He said at the end that it was good to watch a programme about male ballet dancers and also that the ending showed that she doesn't take herself too seriously.

It's lovely to hear news but can I please ask that we keep this thread for questions relating to auditions - it was pinned so it's easy for people to find information.

If you'd like to discuss the auditions please start a new thread. Thanks everyone (and good luck)

I see your thinking! I'm not actually a Kiwi but know quite a few ;-)

Doesn't answer your question in any way, but just wanted to say that the house manager came up to me and my friend in the first interval of a production at our side standing seats and took us round to the Royal Box - you might miss one side of the stage, but they were lovely  

Cara - just for my own curiosity (and for clarity I suppose of those reading the forum) - my understanding is that the Associate programme is for slightly older students - are you talking about the "Scholars" programme?

Wonderful news - congratulations - I know it's been a tricky time!

Another vote here for the Lebanese place :-)

You might have some luck with our local school in Farnborough, right on the Surrey/Hampshire border. Message me if you'd like more info

It's a good idea to visit a dance festival if you can (for those interested in what others are talking about when discussing festivals). If you visit the All England Dance website you'll find links to what's happening. And let us know roughly where you live and I'm sure someone can suggest good local festivals :-)

Sorry I'm hopeless at ideas but as someone who helps at festivals in a variety of roles I have a plea to do something uplifting - all those depressing, serious character dances get a bit wearing imho (and I've heard many an adjudicator say similar backstage - not that they're disadvantaged by it - just that they'd rather see something "happy"!)

Do you still need this? I was clearing out my DVDs yesterday and found a copy I must've recorded off the TV. Send me a pm if you do as I don't look on this bit of the forum much :-)

I'm locking this thread - we're straying too far from the original question.

All of the above :-D

For about the last 13 years!!!!

I agree with Lottie - ask the teacher what she would suggest. This actually makes me really cross. My daughter did manage her advanced 1 exam wearing a Bratek leotard but she wouldn't have got away with it for long classes not wearing a bra underneath a leotard. Luckily our teacher didn't mind what the seniors wore for class but they would often forget to take her into consideration when choosing costumes! Why should these girls feel excluded due to something out of their control? And in my daughter's case, being unlucky and inheriting my genes!!

Sorry, rant over