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I wonder if any of the members can help ? What if any qualifications are required for a professional ballet contract abroad ? Are work permits required and if so does it have to be a dance diploma to qualify for one? As these are awarded at the end of the academic year how will this affect those offered jobs/contracts during the year? Do they have to complete this during the year by distance learning? Thank you in advance

I've heard of a few people accepting places at more than one upper school even though they've already decided which one they'll go to. I can't believe people would do this when there are young people out there waiting to hear if they've been offered a place or not. Rant over !

Absolutely Lisa, I'd be calling the Police too. The NSPCC have no power.

I think current Elmhurst year 11 students have found out in meetings today wether they've been offered upper school. Anyone else heard about places yet ?

I can only agree with the positive comments above. It is a small school and that means there is lots of attention during lessons. The staff are very caring and sensitive to each child's individual needs. Quality of the dance training is excellent and compares well to other much higher profile vocational schools. Many of the children are RBS associates. There are good opportunities to perform and I feel the link with WLSD helps to instill confidence in the vocational students, yet keeps them grounded. There are facilities for a limited number of students from outside London to stay, but if you're local then it's ideal. The only thing to bear in mind is that as it's a small school, its sometimes difficult to judge quality by the destination the dancers take at 16, as that will depend on interest. Some years will have a classical interest while other years more will head towards a musical theatre training and of course some will choose to pursue academic careers. Last year all those who wanted further dance training at 16 gained places at schools such as Laine's, Central, Elmhurst, Rambert and The Royal Swedish Ballet School.

Dancique stock Grishko 2007, 2007 Proflex and triumph. They are able to order in other grishko models as they did that for a friends dd. they also have Freed , Bloch and Gaynor Minden.

Yesterday was the end of the three day summer school for Midland Theatre Ballet and the parents were treated to a showcase of work not only by the children but also by two guest stars from The Royal Ballet company - stunning and so inspirational for the children. An added bonus to the amazing faculty including dancers from BRB, The Royal Ballet and Olivia Pickford (former LCB) I'm still reeling by what the children achieved in just 3 days, the performance was spectacular - unlike any summer school my children have ever done. They also performed in full costume and with props they had made themselves so they truly had a full theatre experience. This was MTBs first Summer school but I have no doubt it will be the first of many - we certainly will be signing up again for next year. Thanks to everyone involved.

So sorry for the late reply spannerandpony - I'm not affiliated, only a parent of a child who's been involved with MTB

I hear there are still places available on the Midland Theatre Ballet summer school. Although its non-residential there are plenty of cheap hotel options locally. Excellent faculty and amazing facilities. Email info@midlandtheatreballet.co.uk for further details.