Millie3

Contemporary ballet schools accept 18 year olds eg Rambert, Northern School of Contemporary Dance. Another option is the London Studio Centre - which has a classical ballet option as part of their BA(Hons).

From what I remember - unfortunately you can't get additional funding for a second degree, although as you state you can "top-up" an HND to a BA/BSc - Some degrees do receive funding, those related to some NHS careers - but not dance! The info is on the student finance website - good luck if you try to ring them - I've never got through! Millie

It's easily done. On my first parent's evening at my current school I spoke to a parent for 5 minutes about her enthusiastic, bright son (she was delighted). Only when she asked me a question did I realise there was no way this was the same child. She had come to the wrong classroom and by coincidence her son had the same name as the next child on my list! Sent her next door and apologised to the actual child's parents who were waiting patiently for their appointment! Always write both names on my board now - just in case.

Does anyone's dd/s dance at a class with un-sprung floors? DD has just come home after 3 lessons of ballet (she has a couple of exams coming up) complaining of pain in her knees. When she mentioned it to her teacher she told her just to mark it out (might be the incorrect terminology!). However the principle of the school was there and asked her how on earth she was going to manage when she goes away full time next year - which has really upset dd. She's never had this knee problem elsewhere, it only occurs after dancing at this school.

DD didn't attend final auditions at the Dada institutions she successfully auditioned for - there was absolutely no way we could afford it. She was fortunate in being offered places on a couple of courses with student finance available - one wasn't for her, the other she loved and can' t wait to start. DD thankfully chose a range of courses, with regard to funding, when deciding where to apply - which gave her this option. I know this wasn't the case for all. edited to add - this was for classical ballet courses.

You'll discover the sights of different towns and cities whilst dc dance. You'll have enough time to study for a part-time degree whilst sitting in the car/waiting rooms/cafes. You finally realise how determined your dc is to fulfil their dream and the sacrifices they are willing to make. You actually enjoy watching ballet.

Jane - dd got a place last year having not attended before- she was 15.

Janice and Ellen - have sent you a pm

Unfortunately it's gross KAT09.

There will be a lot of movement in the forthcoming weeks. I have followed and contributed to this thread - my heart really went out to your dd encouraged and was thrilled when you posted she'd been accepted at Central. However I don't feel that RBS associates "deserve" a sixth form place more than the other youngsters whose enthusiasm and dedication have earned them one - it doesn't matter where they have trained previously - there's a lot of competition out there from a huge pool of talented dancers. Yes lots will be disappointed, from all training backgrounds, who'll now have to look at plan B. It's a hard road to travel! I'm glad it's over. Good luck to those families embarking on this journey in September - have fun

Fantastic news encouraged! All that torture is now over and our very best wishes to your dd - I expect she's still floating around on the ceiling. Quite understand your concerns about her living in London (especially if you live out in the sticks, like us), although I'm sure she'll soon settle. Millie

Off the top of my head: Sussex Summer school, Yorkshire Assembly, Ballet West, Yorkshire Seminars, Ballet Cymru, Ballet Theatre UK - all worth looking at websites. I'm sure there are more...

There are currently only a handful of girls in group 6, Swanprincess, and some of them will be leaving for vocational schools at the end of term. The majority auditioning are younger and places are therefore limited within this age group. I should think there will be places available in the older classes for suitable candidates. Like all of these things - if they like what they see they'll accommodate.

Hello Tutle - Hardings is in Nottingham (0115 941 8767) - they definitely used to stock Grishkos.

Oh dear Balletmum1 - you've obviously had a bad experience with them. Have to disagree - dd thinks Easter course is one of the best she has attended in terms of teaching/technique/expectations etc. Also know a number of CAT and associates whose dancing has improved greatly since commencing training there - now having gone or recently gained places at sixth forms - so they must being doing something right. I hope you have found a school that is more suited to your dd/ds.

Disouraged My dd is nowhere near the 20 hour of classes a week- it would be physically impossible given our location and access to decent training. On her 4 hours (6 on associate weeks) she's gained final places and is off to study full time in September. We personally know a number of non-vocational students who now have places at various schools - so don't give up just yet, they wouldn't have recalled her if they weren't interested. Good luck for central final.

Sorry to hear this tutuesque - I do hope your dd is OK. It's so harsh, especially when it comes down to finances.

DD coming up to her exam and would like the DVD if anyone has an unwanted one they are willing to sell. Thanks Millie

They could be waiting for candidates to accept at other institutions first, so to be able to offer to those who are likely to actually attend the school. I know in the past Tring had a long waiting list for dadas places, with some of those who finally took up the places being quite a way down the list, as others decided to take up offers at other schools. Tring's final was very early this year - I expect a decision made before the new nightmare dada scheme was announced - they'll now be carefully making sure the books are balanced. Hope there's good news for all waiting to hear & also positive thoughts to those attending Elmhurst final today.

Just a thought, but as it states that applicants can be from the age of 18 - could this be seen as an alternative to the final year of training at a traditional ballet school? In which case it would actually be cheaper for many than a Dada course. It will be interesting to see the ages of those accepted onto the programme.

It would be the type worn for normal ballet lessons/exams. The children at easter school always wear a variety of styles - I expect they just don't want children to only take sparkley ott ones. Your dd will love it - so don't worry - she'll soon make friends and have a great few days - then sleep in the car all the way home!

Congrats to your dd discouraged.

Ribbons: " It appears that the paltry sums on offer will not help anybody and I really wonder what the take-up of DaDA places will look like come September. Either people will put themselves in real financial difficulty to support their children (remember the family who sold their house to fund an Elmhurst non-MDS place?) or the intake will be very skewed just towards those who can afford it" I'd be very interested to know how many decide not to attend the finals at the Dada schools in the next few weeks- we've already informed the school dd had a final for that she won't be attending as there is no way we can finance it and received a lovely e-mail in response. However I'm sure these schools must be looking closely at the financial forms that have been submitted in order to determine who would benifit from a dada and those who could prehaps receive some sort of scholarship/bursary instead. Somehow feel that the finals at Central/RBS/Rambert might be a little more pressured than in previous years - as they will be some applicants only option. Must add good luck to all those attending finals soon and that a way is found for all those chosen by the schools to attend.

DD has attended the Easter course and would definitley recommend, assume Summer one is similar. Only downside is that it's non-residential, also if your dd is non-vocational or not attending an associate course they need to audition - which must be coming up soon. It's ran as part of their ballet CAT scheme, so standard is high - dd found it challenging, but really enjoyed it. Fantastic studios too.

Spax- have sent you a pm.