Millie3

DD enquired recently - it's just over £2000 per term, plus national diploma and exam fees. Obviously if you don't live locally then there's accommodation on top of that as well. So works out at a similar level to Tring etc (with a DaDa). Good to hear that DDs are settling well into life at sixth forms. Millie

Thank you lisadebs - will look at them now. Millie

Does anyone know where we can view the photos from this year? Did the photographer change from previous years, or is it they just don't put them online for a while? Thanks Millie

Charlie4dancin - don't know Chester - but here's a link to a website we use if we're off camping http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/sites/townlisting.asp?town=Chester&county= Hope you find what you need. Millie

Great news - been waiting to hear the outcome of this one

My dd was very impressed with Ballet West summer school, extremely friendly and welcoming, with all the students accommodated in the main building or near by. DD also loved the food. There were only about 20, split into 2 groups, so lots of personal attention - also the teachers were all from the full time school. The overall standard was varied, but there is no selection process, although some wonderful ballet performed in the demonstration at the end of the week (Swan lake with all the costumes). They also have classes in jazz and stretching/coaching. It really is located in the middle of nowhere - however they walked down to the village shop after class and watched videos. DD loved it, as compared to other summer schools it was just so friendly, without the cliques that sometimes form when children know each other from various vocational schools. Realise it is a long way for people down south to travel to - but they do pick up from the station/airport! Also the scenery is fantastic and well worth the trek for a family holiday.

Thank you everyone for all the information. It's good to hear that the focus will still be very much on dance. Up to dd now if she wants to apply and put herself through the singing and drama audition (don't think it's quite in her comfort zone!) Millie

2dancersmum - our information was also from the website. We were just surprised that vocal was part of the am section (surely this must be a consideration in selecting those who stay for pm), also monologues and more vocal were required in the pm. My question was whether or not this has always been the case or if a student's drama/singing was now more of a deciding factor than in previous years - as the website states that staying for the pm does not mean an offer of a place. Unfortunately we haven't the funds to attend open days - dd is having to read carefully and decide where she wants to apply - hence the original posting. Millie

DD is currently looking at her options for 6th form. It appears that Hammond have changed their course, with all students undertaking a common 1st year consisting of both dance and musical theatre and then specialising in one strand in the second year. The audition asks for 2 prepared musical theatre songs and 2 monologues - has this always been the case or is the musical theatre element now being viewed as more important in the selection process? DD's strength lies in ballet and other forms of dance. As she's trying to short list where she is going to apply, we're wondering if this is one to strike off the list - which would be a shame as initially it was somewhere she had wanted to audition for. Good luck to everyone else trying to decide where to apply to - it's a nightmare -if only we had an unlimited pot of cash and time! (and knew the future of DADAs and funding) Millie

I'm sure all will enjoy the experience. DD performed in Coppelia in Nottingham and loved it and really wanted to audition again this year, but unfortunately the number of rehersals put me off (we were lucky enough to share lifts before). I bribed her with a couple of summer schools instead - which worked . Millie

I remember this too - dancing in pairs in the village hall, the music has also remained etched in my head. Also a dance we did with a basket of eggs - my mum painted beautiful flowers on mine in nailvarnish, I thought they were fantastic. Don't think I thought the same about my ballet class though as gave up soon after.

Thanks Sheila - I've PM back. Millie

thanks tulte - just found the search facility! Millie

I spend a fortune on ballet tights for dd - they never last for long. I restocked last week ready for summer schools and 2 pairs have already laddered - she'll have to make do now as she's off at the weekend. I realise they are not going to be indestructible - but what makes have you found to be durable? They need to be transition and not too pink! Thanks Millie

Just had a quick look at the ofsted inspection - http://www.ofsted.go...vider/ELS/50525 It is just for the 6th form dance course. Asuming the inspection is carried out in the same way as for "normal" schools, they would have only had 2 days notice!

Hello Margot I read the thread you are refering to aswell. I don't have any first hand experience of the teaching of ballet in the main school - so can't help you there I'm afraid. However DD has attended the CBA since it's inception and can't fault the teaching. As another user stated on the original thread it is only a very small percentage of parents/pupils attending these schools who actually contribute to this forum. With all schools, vocational or not, some pupils will have bad experiences, whereas others love it. If you have any concerns I would suggest you 'phone the school. My dd still wants to audition there next year, even after reading the negative experiences expressed in the thread, although forewarned is foerarmed - If she does get a place we'll definitely be asking a lot of questions regarding those allowed onto the classical ballet strand, destination of pupils, also the number of present students who stay on for 6th form to study classical ballet (which I think would be the best benchmark regarding the students experience of the teaching). If we are then not satisfied she will go elsewhere. Millie

So do I - think it's the association with matches, candles and cake! DD uses the suede patches - we stick them on with superglue - haven't had any come loose yet. Millie

I'm afraid I can't answer your question, however well done to your dd on having the drive (and guts) to go abroad for a summer school. When I suggested the same to my dd earlier this year, her look said it all! I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity for her to brush up her french and for us to have a holiday over there - but no. Even when I pointed out that her ballet classes are all in french anyway, that didn't seem to help! Good luck in finding a suitable course. Millie

Thank you - Lottie, All4dancers and gingerbread for your responses. I'm away on a course that week - so will have to see if I can leave early as would love to watch what they have been up to all week. Millie

Thanks for quick replies - think I'll arrange to collect her on the Friday. Didn't see this mentioned on the website - what time does this take place? (lots of questions I know - but trying to get organised!) Millie

DD has received a yes for the second week - not been before, so does anyone know if many children stay until the Saturday morning, or do most go home on the Friday evening? It would be easier to pick her up on the Saturday, but don't want her to be staying in an empty hall of residence for the night. Thanks Millie

Thanks for the post nana lily - very much looking forward to it now - we're off to watch the performance tomorrow. Dd found out about it whilst on the ballet central website last week and when I 'phoned for tickets there were only a few left, so hopefully they'll be performing to a full house! Millie

From my dd's experience auditioning I can definitely say that potential in flexibility is taken into account - she's become a lot more flexible in the past couple of years - when she auditioned she certainly couldn't do the splits etc. Also I very much doubt she did any smiling - she still has a very "serious" expression when performing. Good luck to all auditioning - the oldest class has quite a few year 11's this year, so should be a fair number of places available, as well as year 6's off to full time schools. Millie

Schools can be very accommodating in allowing talented children to leave early for dance/sports activites. Rejigging GSCEs timetables (if they have enough warning) or giving catch up time during lunch/breaks. Speak to your dd's school about next year and what they could do if Thursday pm is not a subject that could be missed. I don't know anything about the performance project at the ENB - however if you live in an area without these opportunities you do have to travel - it's unavoidable if you want your child to have the same opportunities as those who live in and around the larger cities. With regards to auditioning when you are not sure if you'd take the place - my dd is next month for central associates - she knows that she might not be able to go if lucky enough to be accepted - but it's an opportunity for her to experience the teaching at Cental and decide if it's somewhere she wants to audition for full time. I'm sure that you'll reach the decision that's right for you.

The train station is quite a way out of Tring, just under half an hours walk. There is a bus, but I don't know how regularly it runs on a Sunday, Dd has really enjoyed CBA and would recommend it. Millie