BankruptMum

Sorry a little off topic but I just wondered if Vocational school actively encouraged students to continue to take part in festivals - I know some festivals have rules against it but wondered how the schools stood on the matter? Have you had good support? I know finalists of last years All England were at Vocational schools. Edited to add - sorry Billyelliott - just realised you explained in a post above :-( good your Son is still able to have this opportunity!

When thinking about costs of vocational school, also factor in - money for entertainment, shopping trips at the weekend are lovely but they arent going to be happy wandering around shopping centres without money in their pocket. My DD never had time for shopping when she was home (dance does have its uses) - opened up a whole new can of worms ;-). Trips to the theatre, theme parks, wildlife parks which are put on by the houseparents - all lovely but need to be funded. It never stops!! Petrol/train costs for weekend tips home. Its also great to visit and take them out for the day but that ends up with 'treating them and lunch out'. Its not a cheap business. Plus there is usually a 'house fund' payment per term (think that was around £60).

Lol at my DD's open day they had a feast, never to be seen again!!

It was lovely to see a programmw centered around ballet on C4, light hearted viewing. Lovely to see so many fulfilling dreams.

There are so many hidden costs, good luck x

Yes we struggled to have a telephone conversation to gleam further information - they could do so much more.

When I have seen adjudicators use iPads, they still have a scribe who writes up the reports.

Chris Hocking does this aswell - makes a huge difference when they are speedy with their adjudication.

It does help when you DD's feet have stopped growing and can keep a pair of shoes for this purpose. Black shoes can look very clumpy and heavy - something to think about when choosing a costume.

Thanks everyone, sounds like we are in for a treat!

The adjudicator at our next festival is Geoff Lucas, he seems to be very MT based so not anticipating great results - still it will be enjoyed regardless.

If they are off dance often pupils are observed in class once they return to dance.

Playground games arent the same anymore though are they - they stand in huddles chatting rather than skipping, singing, ball games etc., gosh makes me sound as if I am 70+ - it wasnt that long ago honest! Health and Safety has a lot to blame - I remember French (elastics) Skipping being banned in the primary school as "somebody may trip over the elastic"! - Seriously?

My DD was put off of auditioning for dance colleges as although they advertised being able to take 3 A levels some had to include Dance, Drama and one other. Not a wide choice of subjects.

Also with the older age groups they are often looking for what the dancer can bring to the performance rather than just repeating what she has been taught. It does baffle me how some award more difficulty to those enpointe and other adjudicators say it doesnt matter just so long as they use the appropriate techniques. As has been mentioned a dancer can often win all day at one festival and yet not place at another - a lot has to do with personal preference.

It's a combination if everything I believe. Just droends on their background and personal preferences as to which takes priority. I have rarely heard an adjudicator award greater difficulty if the execution isn't perfect. Better to perform a single with poise and perfection than try a double and loose the performance and technique. Take each one as at comes!

Surly age upon graduation is of little importance, - auditions will be mixed in ages and experience levels wouldnt they? Its not like applying for a further course where there are age restrictions.

Thank you both (and your Teacher!) That's really helpful xx

It would be good to have another opinion Billyelliott if you dont mind asking but dont go out of your way. Its not a problem to reuse a dance after placing first at a regular festival - some dancers would need a new one each time! I thought it was only an issue if you had performed a solo at the finals whether or not you had placed. I will also ask our teacher and compare notes! :-)

Thank you Billyelliott - my DD qualified dances at Regionals but didnt apply to compete them at finals - does this still count do you think? Given she didnt compete at finals I would have thought she was ok to reuse them this year if needs be.

My foggy old brain I seem to remember being told that if a dance had reach the finals previously, regardless of whether or not it placed at finals, it couldnt be used again at future finals? Is this correct or am I having a senior moment?! Many thanks for your thoughts.

Wow seems hefty to ask for such a deposit when you dont even know if you will secure funding! How on earth are you going to way up that decision? Good luck!

Its worth doing a 'search' of the forum to find related discussions on MDS - there has been a lot of detailed information given previously which may be of help to you. Although the scale is the same across all schools, there are additional things covered at some schools which make it more beneficial.

Lovely your DD has had positive news, lets hope it continues xxx

I think an email response is the worst - at least you know when Mr Postie has gone there will be no news that day. An email can arrive at any time, wonder what the average number of times inboxes are checked