Anon2

Thank you. My dd did these days including the demonstration and workshop but couldn't remember at all.

Trying hard to remember - was it Italian style?

I wouldn't get too big as a tripping hazard, they are like duvets for feet with a smooth but solid sole - don't know how to describe sole but outer is fabric. They wash well and dd is only on her second pair in about 4 years of wearing. Why would you want to wear them outside and in the studio? Surely to maintain studio floors and ballet shoes it is best no outdoor shoes are worn in studio?

I think a 'Katymac' spread sheet is the only way to help reduce the stress of applications! Closing date for applications, audition dates and the list of photos each required. Can't think at moment what else we made a note of but the above makes it sound simple and there definitely was more to consider.

Despite what was said at the ENBS talk my dd wore navy blue as she felt comfortable in the leotard! She wore a red leotard that she was never comfortable with for her lower school audition on the advice of her teacher as really didn't know better. Six years later my dd still comments on how much she hated that leotard!

A couple of years ago on the ENBS audition workshop they advised wearing a coloured leotard that is comfortable but avoid fussy. Ask your dd current teacher if she can help with photos in the studio. They can help with getting the positions perfected but expect to take lots before everyone is happy with them. Aim for a plain background and try not to crop fingers, toes etc, you need to get a long way back especially when they are in arabesque. We always joke we are lucky to live in a digital age where we can instantly look at the photos. If we had to have each set developed it would cost a fortune as dd would find fault in the first 49 before the 50 th was deemed ok to send!

Don't know about Tring at all. First round at RBS a class lasting around 1.30 hours. Think there was a quick talk about trying again if not successful, how few places etc. First round at Elmhurst children have a class again about 1.30 hours. Parents have a talk from principal followed by tour of school. Last 10 minutes of audition class parents invited in to watch.

Lovely news. Congratulations to your dd.

Sorry I don't know anything about Millenium but what a fraught time for you all. I hope you get something sorted quickly and your money back. Good luck.

Even if you are not planning on auditioning at ENBS their audition day is a good experience, with a class, talk and Q&A session. This year it is on 26th Oct. If you can get to experience the day you will know what sort of exercises to expect at the auditions. Central don't have details of their Dance Days yet on the website but no harm in emailing and asking about them.

Does the college have a student support office? Think that is where we got most useful advice about what ds entitled to when doing a part time course. Nothing because of our earnings even though he was an adult as he was living with us!

Do you do classes other than syllabus work? Have you spoken to your teacher about your ambitions? Have you visited any of the schools? If not check their websites for open days or any classes over half term.

It is for those in school years 3,4 and 5 and is a Junior associate experience day. There are some master classes aimed at older children aged up to 16.

The standard part of your question is difficult to answer. I would say the auditionees will be of a level that their current teacher thinks that with further three years worth of intense training they will be ready for jobs within the industry. Some places have pre audition workshops and it might be worth attending some so firstly you know what to expect at an audition and also to see how comfortable you feel with the other potential auditionees. Are you of an age that you are looking for sixth form next year?

It is a list that is for job seekers from outside Europe. There are no restrictions on free movement on workers within Europe be they scientists or dancers. Although I believe anyone from outside UK is soon to have to prove English language competence if working within health care.

Thank you for posting I was just about to search for the document.

JulieW sorry to hear your son has decided to give up.

Like Janet I took it as a throw away remark that ballet dancers and computer games programmers are on the list but not nurses. Would be interesting to see the list or if it is just a rumour doing the rounds of NHS HR departments. And the reality is if your ballet dancer can't speak good English is it a problem? If your application is held up to join the NHS because your English isn't good enough is it a problem?

WL invite the pupils former ballet teachers to the school to watch classes and I expect the application form is the same as or cribbed from the one for associates and full time. My dd enjoyed this day a number of years ago. Parents were allowed to watch and from what I remember there was a ballet class, a chat about what to expect at audition and a question and answer session. There was also a PDD demonstration by a couple of sixth formers who were about to perform in a competition. I was a very new ballet parent then and apart from being amazed by their skill should probably have paid more attention to who I was getting a close up performance from!

The shoes and feet will get sweat if en pointe for hours, the skin will get soft and clammy and then be more prone to rubbing and becoming sore. I would plan to get a spare pair and rotate during the day plus let them air at home between rehearsals.

Anondancer I agree with Taxi you need more than one pair of pointe shoes so they can dry out. I think Grishko recommend no more than 90 minutes in a pair before drying them out. They will last longer if you rotate and dry them. Also check your toe nails are the correct length. You can get big tips for your toes but obviously will need to be refitted for shoes if using different padding. You could try soaking them as suggested then surgical spiriting the skin.

I took my dc when they were too young to be involved when it was on at theatre about hour away, good way to introduce little ones to a full length performance. Then when dd was in it I found myself in audience surrounded by elderly ballet lovers just there to enjoy the performance, one lady said she looked forward to EYB as the joy of the performing children and the audience atmosphere was a real lift.

I was just about to say students are covered on our house insurance policy. Phone your provider and ask. Student accomadation often have basic cover included too as long as they lock doors, close windows etc.

Best of luck to everyone starting at vocational school this time and the returners. Hope everyone settles quickly and enjoys the challenges of the term. Mums, dads and siblings - keep yourselves busy, you will miss your dancer more than they will miss you!