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I remember reading about abfab’s daughters journeys several years ago, and am delighted to hear the start of another dance chapter is beginning for DD1 and DD2 is still in training and DD3 about to embark on drama auditions. My DD graduated from Tring a couple of years ago. She danced from the age of 6 and went to Tring on a DADA in sixth form staying for the full 3 years. DD now dances as a freelance professional having shy’d away from ballet and cruises. It takes time to get established as a freelancer but she now has a fascinating life, with varied opportunities. She has done films, comedy dance shows, music videos, choreographed music videos, Bollywood productions and Bollywood films to name just a few projects.She has met many new friends and old friends on the way. There is generally always a connection with another dancing friend. She is happy which after all is the most important thing. She has come to realise that it is contacts,contacts and contacts,and also just getting to the right classes that helps the most. abfab, good luck to your DD’s they will have great stories to tell and a fascinating life however it requires bravery and tenacity. Best of luck to them.

Sending love and positive wishes x

Every good wish for your daughters recovery. My thoughts are also with you, the stress you are coping with is enormous but I am certain your positive attitude will serve you well. Good luck xx

Went to the Choreography Cups yesterday. The variety of the pieces was wonderful. The eventual winner was not only great choreography but a stunning performance as well. Congrats. Stayed to see the 6th Form Choreography Show. In my opinion this is significantly better than their end of year show. It is made all the more impressive by the fact that it is entirely student produced and run. The talent on display was wonderful to see. they should be proud.

Some 6.2 live off site but are still classed as boarders as they are in school owned properties and go into school for all meals. They have House Parents looking after them as well and are paid at the usual boarding rates. 6.3's generally rent privately with their friends somewhere in Tring as day pupils. As a day pupil lunch and afternoon tea are included but there is the option to pay for dinner as required and this is added to your bill at the end of the term . If a host family is chosen they usually provide the meals not provided by school ie breakfast and dinner. Hope this helps, good luck x

When DD auditioned 2 years ago there was the option to accept a place prior to the funding audition. We waited for the funding audition. DD was offered a DADA but as a day pupil. Our home is relatively close to Tring. However others were offered DADA s with boarding. I think it varies from year to year how many accept prior to funding finals and so is difficult to predict. It is easier to work around this in 6th form as you are able to live out with a host family, as many do. This often works out much cheaper than boarding. I do know some DCs who choose to live out for this very reason and are very happy doing so. Some even have their own flats and this is still a cheaper option.

We must never forget it is our DC's journey and we are just along as spectators and bankers for the ride. We live with their triumphs,disappointments,heartaches and joy. However if they choose to move on to pastures new,have disappointments, change emphasis or keep on going then we must respect their wishes whatever comes. We are their cheerleaders, punchbags and their greatest supporters. It is a job for which we are not paid but do willingly. We all hope they will glide through effortlessly but this is rarely the case. I for one am just glad she has tried. Your DD will learn something from the whole experience and hopefully it will inform her and empower her in the future. If not then as quoted earlier "what is for you will not pass you by" ( roughly!) It is natural to try and protect our DC's from harsh realities but will it help them in the long run? All we can do is love and support them and hope they find the strength within themselves to keep going. I am sure in the short term she will be upset/disappointed but it is how she deals with it in the longer term which is more important. With such a caring mother she is more than half way there. X

Mae989. Your DD has had one yes and is a JA. She has done fabulously well hold on to the positives. She is still young and if the desire to dance is still there whatever the outcome whether she goes to vocational school at year7 or not she can still be successful. My own DD did not start ballet until she was 10 and was in an associate scheme by 11 and is now training vocationally in 6th form with funding. When she auditioned we got some yeses and some nos. Each school looks for something different, some girls DD knows were rejected by schools that said yes to DD and accepted by schools that said no to DD- it's a mystery to me! However it is a hard process and keeping positive is difficult. However the audition process is just the start, as much fun and rewarding as vocational school is it is hard work and requires tenacity, toughness and a streak of bl**dy mindedness at times. Who knows if she will even get a job thereafter. She has had so many wonderful experiences through dance that she would not otherwise have had, she has met some fabulous friends and has a passion in life. That for me is a success. Good luck to your DD and you on your journey. X

Dd is at voc school post 16 and never did festivals as it was the opinion of her teacher that festivals can focus more on "showyness" rather than technique. As DD has never been to a festival I could not say whether this is a general feeling or just the personal view of DD's teacher at the time! I am sure they could be useful and fun for some whilst others may find it stressful. Some DC's are more natural performers than others and some more technical than others and some lucky ones have both! I would agree with both Pups Mum and Jazzpaws, take the advice of your teacher and maybe also consider associate schemes. The most important thing is for your DD to enjoys dancing. Good luck with your decision.

Dd wears the special order super hard Grishko pointes. She finds they last her for ages when previously it was a matter of a few lessons. They are her preferred shoe now.

Sounds like either is acceptable. Dtadmin hope your DD loves Tring as much as mine. First exeat weekend ! Enjoy x

As I recall DD's photos had ballet shoes on not bare feet. Good luck fingers crossed x

Just a thought but have you looked at http://www.danceagain.org ? They may be able to help/advise? Good luck

We were in the same boat 2 years ago. Every child is different. However what this situation taught my DD was the art of time management. This has stood her in great sted ever since. It is an invaluable skill at vocational school particularly as she is also doing 3 A levels as well as the dancing. There is a time for everything,however, like most teenage girls, if she is not self motivated to do the academic work it will be hard work to persuade her otherwise. Good luck for the auditions and exams to your DD and I wish you endless patience. X

Haha I was wondering what sort of a man is classified as Men C! On the ball as usual. I've now worked it out - Meningitis C ! Thanks for the info though

http://www.pointemagazine.com/blogs/dancers-versus-athletes Hope I've posted the link correctly. Thought you may be interested. I always suspected that dancers were superfit but this brief summary of a recent study confirms it

You can do a maximum of 4. If you have a DADA you are also required to study for a diploma called IPS (integrated Professional Studies) not sure what level this is but it is comprehensive and time consuming. Dd is taking 3 a levels and IPS. I would suggest that this is quite a heavy workload when added to the demands for time required by dancing. However, if you are committed 4 is possible but there is little scope for much else. Some dancers at Tring do not take any A Levels and some do the full 4, and then there is every combination in between! So I would say there is no "usual". Some start off taking a combination of subjects and then don't always continue with them. My advice is to ask your child what they want to do and if they are academic hard working and committed 4 is possible but if they find academic work challenging they have a choice. If you do not do academic studies then you are expected to do more dance classes. Hope this helps

Dd is now at Tring and has finally found a school that inspires and challenges her not only dance wise but academically as well. She finally has friends who understand her passion for dance. I agree with Guesty, it is like a family and that is how DD describes it. I've not seen the dance show yet and can't wait to see them all perform. Good luck to your DS, I am certain he will love it there.

My Dd is doing 3 A levels and the IPS. It is very hard work and long hours. It is not for everyone. The juggling required is difficult particularly when they are preparing for a dance show and have late night rehersals. The dance course have I understand the most full timetable and extra hours. It's a matter of personal choice how many you do, some do none at all.However it is my understanding that if you do one A level you are still eligible for child benefit but not if you just do the IPS. However much hard work and long hours she does she absolutely loves being at Tring.

Katymac, Good for you. People can be so judgemental. Your daughter has to live her life as she wishes and not as other people wish her to. I'm certain all avenues have been considered by you and her and much thought has gone into your decisions. My DD is academic but dance is her life. She has had so much grief about choosing the vocational route rather than a more conventional academic path.To be happy in life is what matters and dance is what makes her happy. I am bored of the "it's such a shame" or "it's such a waste" comments. It's her life so go for it ! As Hfbrew said in an earlier thread her capacity to learn will be there after her capacity to endure full time dance has gone. I agree with thequays more sage advice

Scholars is every Saturday in term time roughly. As far as I remember. http://www.cecchetti.co.uk/youngdancers/Scholars/ Link here to more info.

Hi Anaballerina DD has the practice tutu from Just Ballet. It is fabulous and just as she has described. It doesn't flop and has a great shape to it.

Dd was sent for a physio check last year and we were awarded a Dada. However she has friends at the school who weren't given a physio who also got DaDas! Who knows how these things work??!

Anaballerina sorry to hear your news. Never give up trying x

Anaballerina, good for you! You'll never know unless you try. Fingers crossed for you. Whatever the result enjoying an audition/class is so important. DD was not in vocational school when she was selected to dance with them so it's not a pre-requisite. Good luck.