Seagazer

My DS has done YBSS since he was 10, and I think only missed last year. The groups used to be A,B, and C, he spent many years in C group, and one year a few pupils from each group were chosen to do a master class with Wayne Sleep. He was fortunate to be chosen although he was non vocational. A couple of years down the line watching a master class given by Mr Haigen with his pupils from Hamburg, my DS was so inspired and knew from that moment that he wanted to dance ( bang went my hope of him getting a sensible job). Without having had attended YBSS as a non vocational pupil I doubt very much he would have been accepted to vocational school mid way through a term ( and I was his ballet teacher). He has watched the selected few A students do the master classes for 7 years and it has been a real eye opener for him. He was humbled and privileged to have been chosen this year for the masterclass.

I don't know hair colour as I wasn't there, but I could give you initials as he sent me a pic of the casting list! Perhaps they'll do a bit of it in the demo tomorrow?

Seems my son had the pleasure of partnering your amazing DD audsjcanuck! I couldn't be there either but on my way there now!

A couple of my pupils were accepted by Ballet West at 18, one of whom went on to gain a contract in Italy, and in the UK.

I can also recommend the Britannia in the city centre, they have great offers on ( I stayed last week for less than the ibis budget was charging) en suite bath with shower, and right in the middle of the pedestrian area, next to Primark. Its a little dated, but in a nice way! Clean, comfortable and very central. We had 3 single rooms, my self, my mother and my son, all next to each other. this link might lead you straight to the half price deals they have every Friday http://www.agoda.co.uk/HPFdeals?cklg=1 if not, sign up with Agoda and they will come straight to your inbox every Friday.

Still have various items of Elmhurst uniform (tops, formal wear etc) for sale. DS has just cleared his cupboards. Lots of barely used tap and flamenco shoes too...he has had a tremendous growth spurt!

The only D I ever got on a school report was for sport. Coincidentally it was the term I had been given permission to miss sport to go to a weekly afternoon private lesson at my local ballet school. I was excused Sport from yr 10 onwards. My teenage logic questioned the D, which for me implied poor - surely if I was poor she would have known who I was? I think I was more indignant about being given a D without attending the class than the fact I been graded for a class Id never attended!

Ahh Linn, I'm with you there. O level German at 16, then nothing whilst at central for three years, and then a contract with a German ballet company in the Ruhrgebiet at 19. Picked up plenty and was dreaming in German after 8 weeks. A few years later I was working as a choreographer in Bamberg ( in Franken),not only did I struggle with the dialect but also the colloquialisms. It was as I I'd moved to a totally new country. I remember going into a shop, buying something, and as I left the lady said 'Adé' , I went back into the shop and had to ask what she had meant, didn't cross my mind it was the Fränkische version of Tschuss, which in O level German was 'auf wiedersehen' ! You live and learn.

Aww this sounds so lovely, quite sad my DS missed it by joining further up the school. I hope you all have a fabulous time tomorrow, look forward to hearing all about it. Enjoy!

Such sad news and a massive loss, thoughts and prayers go out to his family all those who knew him personally. How wonderful that through his teaching and coaching he has left a legacy for future generations. RIP.

I have a friend, who after having done the often soul destroying 'Europe Audition backpack tour" we all did in the 80's (youth hostels,inter-rail card, map of Europe, a list of ballet companies and a bag of change for telephone calls), decided on a change of career. She got on a post graduate management course at one of London's largest stores on the strength of good O levels and 3 years at Ballet School. They said her training made her the ideal candidate.

So thrilled to hear this news Encouraged, I hope your DD will be very happy at Central.

I have about half a dozen Elmhurst polo shirts sizes from about age 12-16. All in v.g.c.

Toi toi toi to all who have got through to the finals at Central, I hope today goes well for you....I remember my Central audition 31 years ago... I tripped over the base of a portable metal barre as I walked in, stubbed my toe horrendously, did my best not to hobble. I guess adrenaline kicked in, as I managed to get through class and pointe work, and my first ever contemporary class. Remember it like it was yesterday. You are onthe most incredible and multifaceted journey imaginable, enjoy making memories.

And here's me wishing that the 6:1's could stay to perform, it's the only way I could've got to see my DS doimg it-problem is house is closed over half term, so nowhere for the 6:1's to stay. My DS will have a full week of sleeping, eating and stretching planned- all done to unimaginable extremes! That's half term... Easter will hopefully bring some opportunity of classes, it seems too long to go without.

Thank you for this, I have downloaded the lite version to 'play' with over the Christmas break. We don't have a pianist as our studio's aren't exclusively ours, but also used for Ju Jitsu and Fencing (in the past also Football and Gymnastics), so we don't have a piano. I have a massive collections of class CD's though, some on mini disc, some on CD. In the past 12 months I have gone over to mainly using my Ipad for class. There is also a great teachers app on there (free), called TeacherKit, for registration, grading and sending group emails...it has revolutionised the amount of paper I carry around with me!

I'm just so thrilled he got through, and that I'm able (thanks to you), to go! For once the timing is such that I can just drop everything and support him I have no idea what any of the boys are wearing, but did hear of one girl who had borrowed a tutu for the prelims. Thank you !

Thank you both again, delighted to report I am sorted with a ticket and am now a 'friend', and have managed to book both train and hotel for a comparatively modest sum! Isn't it great when things work out!

Thank you both so much - I'm pursuing it. but cannot reach anyone who can tell me what time the performance starts! 9Important as I may need to book a hotel, and train ticket prices vary incredibly depending on the time of travel. Can either of you hazard a guess from past experience? There is nothing on the calendar, and I only got the answering machine when I rang up...

Does anyone know whether parents/family are amongst the invited audience for the finals? Thank you

I can only reiterate what the others have said, it is different views and opinions that make this forum such a balanced, thought provoking and informative place to visit. I am often fascinated by other peoples view points on here, as they are so far removed from my own- it gives me a lot to ponder on, doesn't always change my opinion, but gives me real insight. Your contributions are valued, and I hope you will reconsider. A big thank you at this point to the Mods and Committee who have kept this wonderful site running - it is such a font of knowledge and real haven, how I would have floundered without it....

We're like buses- a long wait and then three in a row!

Fast reply for now re Elmhurst- pretty sure it was 5 academic sessions and 5 vocational sessions each day for DS in yr 11, plus RAD on Saturdays... Not sure enough on details to expand until I've checked with DS. I'll be back !

Last year all year 11's were given the chance to attend the finals, some had already made the decision not to continue with dance.

Wow, great news, how exciting - toi toi toi for March!