follycat

My dc was at Elmhurst from year 7 until year 14 and was fortunate enough to have many performance opportunities during her time there, both within school, external competitions and with Birmingham Royal Ballet. The summer shows after about year 8 included classical pieces as well as modern/contemporary and flamenco. I would just like to say that contracts are few and far between but it isn't all doom and gloom as dc is now working with BRB having started age 8 as a JA . My dc certainly wasn't a wonder child with perfect feet or amazing extensions and flexibility. Neither were they a genee winner or prix de lausanne contestant. It can happen...keep going you just never know!

George Nightingale Barbara Geoghan. Most promising, Rosanna Ely. Runners up for Geoghan, Padua Eaton.Runners up Fewster, Boys from Elmhurst. sorry not sure of others.

Hi...is this still available? How much do you think postage might be? is it 2m in length?

Just enquiring whether anyone can recommend some companies that offer annual travel insurance to cover auditions, competitions etc. Having tremendous problems finding anything as all say too hazardous but they will cover jet skiing holidays. Any advise welcome as it is doing my head in. Thank you

Having looked at a number of options regarding distance learning companies etc, we decided just to buy the textbooks, revision guides and past exam papers ourselves and so far proving to be ok. They do have to be focused but they are used to that and she is managing to find time to study, in fact she quite enjoys it as something different to ballet- keeps her grounded. Obviously depends on subjec, science a bit more tricky as needs practical work but I believe a company in Birmingham can provide this at a cost.

Does anyone have a portable ballet barre for sale? If so how much, how long etc

Size 3 year 10 leotards in good condition. £5 each. PM if interested

I have x1 Elmhurst polo shirts age 9/10 and x2 age 11/12. Also a sweatshirt 11/12 and a fleece. PM if interested in any.

I have some year 8, 9, and 10 Elmhurst leotards for sale in very good condition. Please PM me if interested

Does anyone have any of the intuition studio series ballet cds that I could buy? I already have volumes 1 4 and 3 but could do with any of the others. Thanks

do you still want pointe shoes? I have quite a few

My daughter decided to stay with Elmhurst instead of ENB but it was a very hard decision at the time and I guess you will never know whether you made the right decision unless you experience both schools! She is thriving at Elmhurst and the links with BRB are great, providing opportunities second to none. they all seemed to love Mr Parker and he certainly seems to be further develop the established links with BRB. Yes the ratio of girls to boys is not ideal when it comes to pas de deux but they seem to manage. She wants to be a classical dancer but the diversity offered at Elmhurst (contemporary, flamenco, tap, jazz etc) can only in my mind be a good thing. The option of A levels was very important to her as she is all to aware that an injury or something else could prevent her from a career in classical dance. Yes it is hard work to balance academics with dance training but for some, like my daughter, it keeps their hand in and provides another string to their bow. Every child is different. Although my daughter has been boarding since 11 and is very independent, the ability to stay in a boarding house overseen by the school was important as it provided a stepping stone to doing it alone- remember some students are only just 16. If you find yourself in the fortunate position of being able to choose schools, there are many things to way up including the above but maybe things such as distance from home, (possibly important if they want to come home due to illness etc). Generally I do feel you have to go with 'gut' feeling remembering that if they are good enough they will flourish at both Elmhurst, ENB etc. There is no perfect school but once you have made your decision, don't waste time saying what if or analysing how it might have been somewhere else. You can always audition for another school another year, particularly the graduate year.

I have some regulation elmhurst leotards (various years) together with the formal uniform jacket and skirt (they cost a fortune new). Please contact if interested in buying.

Thanks for all the advice. It has helped us to (I think) make a final decision of Elmhurst. She is quite academic and A levels is a draw- hopefully make her a grounded dancer with something else in her life to fall back on. Thanks juliew for your email, it really helped. All the best to all parents advising their offspring at this time. Now I have discovered the forum I will use again. Now for some wine (and chocolate)

First time I have posted anything and I wish I had found this site earlier. My daughter is same situation and doesn't know what to do. Her heart says Elmhurst but she is aware of the kudos of ENB and worries she would be foolish if she turns it down. Any suggestions?