Peach3

Ah Happymum only you can decide how to handle things. Bear in mind she may come into contact with other kids who may or may not tell her they have had results. It's so hard when you just want to protect them. Been in your position more than I care to remember x

Celine Gittens and Tyrone Singleton were on fire!

We have used a few in the past. Dance Direct or Planet Dance Direct have both been good. By far the quickest service (not to mention beautifully packaged) would be Just Ballet. I am not saying this because she is a member of this forum as I don't know her personally. Just know we have always been impressed with the speed of delivery and the rapid response to any emailed enquiries.

Well said Cotes du rhone! I personally think Elmhurst are lucky to have their Flamenco faculty and experience the authentic style. The musicians are on stage with the kids and it would be easy to imagine oneself on a hot summer evening in Spain as the sun goes down. It is a richer school for it. Yes sophika9899 there was a mixture but the sixth form mostly did classical and the current year 11 going into 6.1 next year are outstanding so no need to worry. I hope the grads don't read this forum as I imagine they are fighting tooth and nail for contracts right now ( those who haven't already secured one). It has only been days since they graduated and they all have a fight ahead of them whether they have contracts or not this is the reality of the world they have chosen and good luck to them, I wish them all the best.

Great importance is placed on choreographic classes at vocational school. It is a regular part of their weekly training and will usually culminate in an annual competition. Some DD and DS outside of these institutions may be lucky enough to go to a local school that also has a choregraphic competition others may not. So a workshop like this one may be of great interest to a DC who want to learn more about such things.

Which other British vocational schools enter competitors?

Relevant to this thread. http://balletnews.co.uk/elmhurst-school-for-dance-report-highlights-access-to-excellence/

Celine Gittens and Max Westwell or Matthias Dingman

I use the crochet yarn doubled up and in a chain stitch x

Aww, Billyelliott. Hugs. You are not alone x

In my opinion and I have seen both, Birmingham Royal Ballet's is better. But either would be a wonderful Christmassy treat.

I should hope the rigorous selection process for the year 7 intake into the classical ballet schools would give the teachers some idea of not only readiness, but also that these girls have the physical attributes for going en pointe.

Hi Drdance you may have already specified somewhere but what is the lower age limit for the MIDAS summer school? Thanks.

Don't want to get into a big disscussion about race but I remember reading Ballet Black had been set up not just to give dancers of black, asian and mixed heritage employment but also to inspire and encourage the next generation of dancers and in turn the next and the next. I read in an interview that the founder hoped in x amount of years there would be no need for such a company. As it turns out they are utterly brilliant and it would be a shame if they disbanded because they felt they were no longer needed. Best of all they seem to be accomplishing the job they were set up to do. It is easy to under estimate what it means to a small child (black or white) to see someone on the stage who looks like them achieving their dreams. There just weren't and probably still aren't enough black, asian or mixed heritage ballerinas but hopefully Ballet Black are helping little boys and girls realise that anything is possible if you work hard enough.

Actually the AD was at prelims and finals last year so was already putting his stamp on the school before he officially started the job in September. But Jane is right it may take a while for a pattern to emerge or not! If you don't try Swanprincess you won't know. I know it is hard to put yourself out there in line for possible rejection but if you can manage to do it and take it in your stride and not let it put you off trying again then you are half way there (more than half way probably) x

Sansha tutu split sole come in smaller sizes x

Thanks Janet.

Elmhurst has started it's own youtube channel.I will attempt to post a link! http://www.youtube.com/ElmhurstDance Don't know if it works x

Last year RBS JA's Birmingham were on Saturday afternoons and Elmhurst JA's Birmingham were Saturday mornings. I can't remember the exact times sorry.They may be different this year. Best of luck to you and DD. It will be very exciting auditioning, try to keep positive and help her enjoy it as much as possible.x

Hold on in there Ballet4life it is nearly over now. Well the waiting for results bit anyway. You are not alone and the way you feel is completely normal x

Best of luck to all the little ones and mums, dads and teachers who are supporting.x

Last year for the girls they had a pink and purple group. These were sorted in a simple way, it was age or alphabetically I think, I can't remember now. As C4D says above they will all be there for fulltime places. There were a lot on the panel but would have to ask DD who they were but definitely the senior artistic team and quite a few others. Try to enjoy it, it is a special time and gone so quickly. Stay positive with your dc tell them to smile and enjoy. Best of luck to you all at all the finals and funding auditions over the next few weeks.

Just noticed on the website that Elmhurst will be running two summer schools this year. It's usual one for 14-18 year olds and a new one for 11-13 year olds. Thought it might be of interest to people on the forum.

When thinking of 6th form places at Elm or WL one must also remember that at the moment Elm's 6th form is funded by DADA but WL is MDS which works out alot cheaper for many folks. Although at a event at Elm I have heard Robert Parker aknowledge this problem and say that they are hoping to do something about it. Whether they will manage that in the current financial climate remains to be seen.

I have to agree with you wholeheartedly Janet. This was the first time I had attended such an evening and I could have wept with delight and/or jumped up and down like an excited two year old several times throughout the performance.