Anon2

Interesting about the sizing of Mirella might get dd to have a look at them. Bloch petite bit big for my dd in length and across chest but at 16 does want to wear more grown up styles. Degas 14A fit her perfectly. 

 Snail mail is aways much appreciated. I try to put something in the post at least once a week even if it is just a postcard and the only news I have is about the weather or pets, really helps to break up her day if she comes back to house to find something. 

Reading back through through this thread what strikes me is that it is irrelevant what age your dc is when they leave home be it for vocational school, uni of first jobs they will at some point suffer from homesickness, maybe not in the first few weeks but inevitably at some point when it all feels overwhelming for them. And as parents we will struggle to deal with their and our emotions.

My dd has at various points through her time at vocational school suffered with homesickness. We have in the past had some very distressing journeys back to school but when we talked to her about leaving she was determined she would give it another few weeks or term, she always knew we would support her whatever decision she made. She looks back on those times now and says that she knew it was hard and upsetting for all of us but she is so pleased she stuck it out. At the moment she is settled but I know that a few days, weeks or months down the road she could suffer again but we have all learnt strategies to cope. DDs is knowing that they are normal feelings and will pass eventually, ours are trying to make conversation with her about anything and everything as long as it doesn't involve school plus I have a stash of postcards/goodies (socks,sweets,stickers) that can easily be put in the post at short notice to give her a boost. 

Billyelliot you will work out what works best for you and your ds but do hold on to the fact he is coping well at the moment and he will not be alone in his feelings or you yours. Chat to the house and medical centre staff they will let you know if they think he is really struggling more than they would expect - I have had my share of these calls - and will be alert to helping him deal with his feelings. 

Suzyszoo, the info is still on the Elmhurst site for this year if you wanted some idea of parental contributions. 

I think maybe I misunderstood about post grad course. I am talking about those that have completed the third year of sixth form then returning to the school the following academic year for lessons whilst they try to get a contract. These are the positions that are now being restricted to three places which the students have to apply for formally.

http://www.elmhurstdance.co.uk/parents/Fees2011-12.pdf

Can only see the fees for 2011-12, hope the link works. Might be worth contacting bursar or finance office to see if info has been updated.

Hairbelles, to my knowledge in previous years the graduates without contracts have always been welcome to take part in the sixth form classes whilst they searched for jobs. This year there seems to have been a change and they advertised just two positions, with the graduates having to take administration/pastoral roles within the school in exchange for the lessons. As the two positions were advertised on the website I assume they were open to graduates from any school.

There s a link from the Elmhurst home page to a sample of the Advanced launch. Interesting to watch the exercises develop through the grades.  

Must have a big eye though to thread the string through before tackling the satin! 

I have always used the Freed thread doubled. One ball seems to last forever unlike the shoes.

DD had a number of pairs from wardrobe, one shoe had been darned around the edge with string as you say S&P. Always wondered how they managed that as we struggle to get the crochet thread through the fabric. 

Clara,

Do keep an eye on local theatres too - Ballet Theatre UK bringing Nutcracker to Bury St Edmunds in November. Only a small theatre but have seen a number of dance performances here over the years and the view and atmosphere is always good.  

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-23362856

I would be taking Janet's advice and looking at other routes in!

Elmhurst Summer school - the years my dd has done this a number of the Elmhurst pupils have worn their school uniform leotards, shades of bright blue/green. Don't think it will be frowned on to wear any leotard during the week, I'm sure my dd took some photos last year before some classes and there is a rainbow of colours. Everyone was in black for the presentation on last day. 

Pas de Chat, why not suggest she wears her wearmoi leotard but has a spare one in her bag incase teacher says something?

On a different note anyone travelling from the M6 to Elmhurst be aware that the tunnels on the Ashton Express Way are closed all summer. All traffic will have to go above ground and around all the roundabouts, might add a bit to your journey. 

John

On the Elmhurst home page under the dance bit there is a link to graduate employment - lists for the last two years.

It always used to be covered by one of the nurses - foot care and hygiene in the first day or two of term. 

Soft blocks now gone, tap shoes still available.

Thank you Spannerandpony, might get dd to have a look at them next time in London. 

Spannerandpony

Wondered if your dd had started wearing her new Capezio soft blocks yet and if so how she was finding them

Jane

Dancingfeet

 If you pm me your details we can sort out the shoes.

Jane

I have a pair of Freed soft blocks size 3X never used as misfitted by school outfitters. If anyone takes this size they are welcome to them for the price of postage.

Girls Bloch jazz taps full sole (S0301) size 6, ?UK size 3 for sale - £12. 

I just feel for the daughter not only has she been named, it must be hard enough growing up with parents in the public eye. For whatever reason she wasn't enjoying her ballet classes and felt unable to talk to her parents about it even though she was sending out strong signals. Time for them to be building relationships not spending their time blaming ballet.

Your dd teacher must think she has potential if she put her forward for the JA audition. She might be giving her more corrections than her classmates for the reasons dramascientist states. Speak to the teacher and explain your dd sometimes feels dejected after some classes - my dd teacher never praised my dd in class as 'didn't want to upset the others' but once she realised how it made dd feel she would occasionally and explained her reasons privately for not doing so. 

Be open with the teacher about your dd wanting to try other forms of dance and see if she recommends anyone, if not ask if she minds you looking around for classes. You don't want to damage the relationship with either teacher until you have settled what is best for your dd.

As some one else mentioned OU modules - 120 credits gives you a Certificate of Higher Education. 

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/qualification/t09.htm

OU courses a lot of work especially with real life going on around you. Remember if you go to uni as a mature student the entrance requirements are different to school leavers.

Regarding exam centres that take private candidates CCSS do and used to charge around £100/subject. We mostly used a couple of private schools with minimal fees as they often offer this as a service to help maintain their charitable status. The state school I work at has a number of private candidates but it is at the discretion of the exam officer. I never heard of or found a college that would take private candidates. 

Congratulations Taxi's dd. 

We used to have a ginger neutered tom who would spend hour upon hour laying next to mole hills much to our amusement, his patience paid off and although we never saw him catch one we often found them deposited on the back doorstep. He was an under duvet sleeper too! Hot body next to me but paws kneading my husbands back.

Our current cat's favoured prey is weasels/stouts, I was horrified by his first one but as we took him in as an adult stray he had obviously honed his hunting skills to survive the past few bad winters. Wood pigeons are another favourite so this years veg garden might be more productive! Funnily enough he ignores the small garden birds allowing them to feed just feet away.