primrose

Thankyou

Thankyou

Thankyou x

Karen could you please sign Oliver’s petition please https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/221033

Thankyou so much for your understanding. As a family we are going through Hell but I am doing a lot of work with the NHS, Mencap and different organisations who are all using Oliver’s awful story to educate others. Oliver’s was the kindest most giving affectionate boy that it’s only fitting that we as a family keep giving back to others in his name. To those that have already signed Oliver’s petition you are helping Oliver to have his voice heard and I am so grateful. Thankyou xxhttps://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/221033

We I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone of you who have signed Oliver’s petition, I am so grateful. As a family we are in deep shock that Oliver’s life was taken through sheer ignorance of his very mild autism. Oliver was so full of life. He was a registered athlete training to be a Paralympian and played for England development football squad. Our lives will never be the same again. Oliver spent most of his life part of the ballet world. He was the little brother getting dragged around the ballet classes, competitions, auditions and finally seeing his sister at the Bolshoi. Ballet was just normal for him which is why I’m so grateful to all of you for signing his petition https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/221033

We Can I ask everybody to check they have received their mails to verify signatures as they often go into junk mail

Thankyou that would be amazing. I have been doing this by myself and I’m becoming exhausted. There are so many investigations going on. Any help to get those signatures coming in would be appreciated x

Thankyou Fiz

Thankyou so much my ballet family. We are always there when we need each other. Can I ask if you have all received your emails to verify signatures. It often goes into your junk mail

Thankyou I knew I could rely on the members in this group. Can I ask you all to check your email to verify your signature it often goes in the junk mail Please. This is what happened to my beautiful son https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/full-story-day-oliver-mcgowan-1474471.amp

I have not been on this site for over a year now. Many members will remember my daughter Heather McGowan and her ballet journey at the Bolshoi in Russia. Some will also remember my youngest son Oliver who had mild additional needs as a result of meningitis. Sadly Oliver lost his life horrifically last year because doctors didn’t understand autism and how to make reasonable adjustments. I have launched a parliamentary petition and I hope admin don’t mind me asking members to sign. I have been a member of this group for 17 years and need your help. Please take just 30 seconds to sign Oliver’s petition please https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/221033

Having had a child train at vocational school, I would say it's the absolute quality of training that is essential and certainly not the examination board they follow. You mention your son wants to dance as a career. So you need to ask a few questions, does your current school get children into vocational schools for year 7 is it even a known thing. Does your current school encourage associate auditions particularly Royal Ballet. Look at dance festivals competitions how do other school compare in quality of dance and placements with the adjudications. Can we ask where you live as people may be able to help. If your son is already 10 now is certainly the time for some serious quality training.

I am certain Yury was at the Bolshoi and Chika Vaganova.

Bristol Russian ballet school is taught by ex professional dancers who were principle dancers with the Bolshoi and Vaganova companies. It is an outstanding school.

Sorry no. I have modern, character and tap costumes left. One is a three piece cowgirl type thing. Checked shirt skirt and waistcoat.

The best way to find a decent school is to go on their website. Look to see if they have got students into vocational schools. These are usually listed. Also look to see if they are sucessful at getting children into Royal associates ect.

Always remember it's the quality of the ballet training that is important and not the syllabus. A ballet exam will not get you into any vocational school. Never allow a ballet teacher to hold you back. A good teacher will help you to make progress and they will support you in finding good tuition elsewhere if need be. Do you have the correct pysique for ballet as thus is clearly very important. Northern ballet in Leeds do excellent associate classes. My daughter trained vocationally then at the Bolshoi in Moscow. Along the journey she had several ballet teachers try to hold her back. So I know what I'm talking about.

I have a red fringed costume. If you message me via Paula.mcgowan@live.com I can send you a photograph.

Sorry not ready to sell those yet.

Sorry no I don't x

I have some beautiful festival costumes for sale. Aged from 8 to 10 years of age. Several would do for character.

Both are excellent schools however I would choose Elmhurst simply because come 6th form dancers from YDA aspire to go to Elmhurst alongside WL and ENBS. It's a no brainer in that your dd will already be there when it comes to auditioning for upper schools and if good enough will stay there. I would look closely at Elmhurst graduation destinations.

Exciting news. So which will he choose?

It would be nice to keep the posts positive as children and parents don't need to be stressed about WL before the journey has even started. It's such a huge achievement that these children have been given a place in what is seen as one of the top ballet schools in the world.