Billyelliott

The young one ? He looks so fine dancing pixie!

I think our final audition for year 7 started at around 10am - there was about a 2 hour class during which we were asked to drop them off and go off until 12 pm and then come back for a guided tour . Then followed a physio assessment that took ages because there were so many of them ! We didn't leave till 4 pm It may well be shorter if there are fewer candidates . There was a later group of candidates that were for older years. All in all it was a whole day affair ! It would be worth sending an email to Briget Creaton - the administrator - she is very helpful ! Briget.Creaton@elmhurstdance.co.uk Hope that helps

Thanks everyone ! It seems that as I feared there is no one stop shop easy answer out there - but I have never tried planet dance or just ballet so there are now 2 more places for me to look ! Capezio told us they were getting a men's section , but after returning 3 times they only had boys blue RAD tights! So I gave up . Will look again next time I'm up there !

Yes - just had a look ! It looks splendid . Should be easy to find as well!

No - Shaw Theatre Novotel London, St Pancras, 100-110 Euston road London NW1 2AJ

It's on Sunday 9th June

Congratulations to your DD! Hope to see you there ! We are planning to stay all day so we can watch the seniors this time !

I have looked around pretty hard over the last few years with no success . I still find it hard to believe that there is no specialist shop nor even a website that specialises in boys and men's dance things ! Is that not a business opportunity ...... I really struggle to find suitable presents eg posters , bags , duvet covers , that are male and not boring nor pink - but dance related ! Anyone found anywhere ?

They usually tell you in the letter not to arrive earlier than about 30 mins before the registration time as they have limited space- there's an M&S coffee bar just around the corner and a lovely Costa in Shelton street if you get there too early ! (You can easily do the hair there .) Most arrive with hair up already and "underchanged " ie leotard under the outdoor clothes as there are only a couple of toilets to change in ! The audition is very relaxed and is an enjoyable class - they all come out with big smiles afterward ! We come up by train to class every Saturday - iif you get to either Victoria or Charing cross rail stations you can easily catch the No 11 bus , get off at Southampton street and turn left and walk up through the market to floral street passing the Royal Opera House on the way !

Thanks folks , blazer sorted !

Don't pannic they are more interested in musicality , natural dance skills and potential ! That's my experience anyway .....

We had a lovely day at the Janet Cram southern regionals today! There were 4 other Boys in the junior section 2 of which were very good. Although there rather a few dancers who were more gymnasts than dancers -( something the adjudicators also commented on ! ) - the standard was high and most were a pleasure to watch ! So 13 juniors were put through to the finals including my DS Nd one of his best friends . We could not stay till the end of the seniors as we had a rehearsal to attend . So exhausted but happy !!!! Back to normal life school tommorow - but at least the year6. SATS are over . Next is the All England Finals where we will spend all of our half term !!!

Do hear 7 boys need character shoes at Elmhurst ? If so what kind are they ?

Yes year 7! And I saw some photos of boys in class in shorts! That's what worried me !

PHEW! Grey leotards by the sound if it !

Aw! run out of "likes" to stirrups comment -- yes to be expected! But I think they will have a hard time keeping him from improvising all around the corridors and any empty space he can find !

Suzyzoo I sent u a PM !

By the way do the Year 7s at Elmhurst wear shorts to dance ?! Am I going to have to re-visit that particular tantrum again?

Thanks for that - I shall tell him then to give it his best shot and make it one to remember !

Yes all the best to everyone ! It's our first time for this and we are off on an adventure to find the Magna Carta Arts Centre tommorow for the southern regionals ... Wondering how many junior boys there will be ...... Does anyone know if Elmhurst allow students to take part ? My DS loves modern even more than ballet , so it is going to be a sacrifice for him to give that up ! Hoping the jazz / contemporary / tap content of the curriculum will help to compensate !

That you could do with 2 washing machines and a magic spray not yet invented to remove the sweat and grime from once white socks and leotards - WHY do they choose white for Boys ?! That you must persuade a boy of nearly 11 that he must wear skin tight shorts like knickers for JA's though his ballet teacher says he is old enough for tights on her class! That there are times when keeping still and not dancing around the supermarket is less embarrassing for DM's

As cotes du Rhone says not nessesarily 50/50 but rooms are for 2 and there ar only 9 so a few students had to be squashed in other places here a d there ( not far from the rest of the normal rooms ) !

I too have enjoyed reading the personal stories in this thread and wonder about what is in store for us ! Having spent the last 3 years on trains to London and driving long distances to JA's as well as all the festivals , rehearsals , shows etc , we can't help thinking that sending our DS of to Elmhurst will give us back our lives ! But is it actually out of the frying pan and into the fire ?! Have just gathered that the school closes every3rd weekend , so now instead of London it's Birmingham we have to treck to ! Having said that DS has a mind of his own and will most probably find a traveling companion to catch the train with and Mummy will not be needed for much longer ! He will certainly be sacrificing his love of competitions and festivals , but I also just know he will find a way to be on a stage somewhere !! So glad also that continuing to play his violin will be encouraged and not sacrificed . In fact all in all - apart from a bedtime cuddle I probably not be missed , as much as his friends from the dance school and his daytime school . Still unsure as to how his only Brother will take it ......at least he will have my full attention , even if we are too broke to do anything much ..... So very grateful to everyone for the insight of what the future may hold emotionally - thank you !

I was told on finals day for the boys that there was funding for most of the places and only 18 beds with 1 extra in the medical centre at a push - for year 7s