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Degas are by far the most flattering leotards for my DD.  Whilst there are some other lovely leos out there at the moment Degas are perfect for assessments/auditions as they provide a clean line with no fuss.

Good luck to all the boys and girls tomorrow in particular one lovely ballerina! Fingers crossed for you!

A school of excellence that is designed for all talented children no matter what their parents earn should be supported by the Government.  6m sounds like a lot but if you got 600,000 giving a tenner each you would soon achieve it! 

It is amazing how their boarding fees are 5,000/class fees 1800 euros a year.  How can that be - are they state subsidised?  Why are we so different in this country?

Thank you Billyelliott and Harwel.

I do say that they are looking for potential not for perfection but he stopped believing that after Tring audition. Just one more gymnastic and ballet lesson tomorrow and then rest till Thursday (knowing him there will be stretching and feet exercises). I wish it's all over now. And to think that I expected it to be easier this time as I went through it once already. And I hate it when people say that it's a boy so it will be easy for him to get a place!

Keep going Happymum I'm sure whatever happens he will get something.  We wanted Tring but DD went to Hammond and it was an amazing school, great teachers and lovely people.  Two years later DD is now at her dream school, happy memories of Hammond but now closer to home.  We have many many ups and downs but those little highs are so much better when you have to fight for them.

The tap is fantastic, DD went with no tap experience and within two years managed to catch up with most of the girls.  The Celtic tap production was outstanding and uplifting!  Seniors tap is West End standard.

The MDS system has never been fair, I could write a whole essay on it!

I would agree with the above comments.  You would think it was one of the most important days of the year for a school director.  I would worry that someone who was my taste was being missed.   The last few years they always virtually the same people on the panel and then yet so many don't make it to US or even through to Year 10.  I don't have the figures for last year but it wasn't many in the previous years.

How big are the classes in OPES? Is it just the 4 teachers for the whole week for all 3 groups?

To DC get lots of personal corrections?

Also - what time on Sunday DC need to be there? I understand lesson start on Monday morning.

They also have young professional dancers who are currently working in companies and are on summer break assisting in class.  DD always receives plenty of corrections and the harder you work the more the children get out of it. 

For the lower school students the main dance genres are Classical and Jazz, DD also did a little tap routine on the performance day.  Four girls took their tap shoes and OPES fitted in a lovely routine for them. 

Upper School students it is mainly Classical, PDD & Contemporary.

The standard is very high but it is a very fun week for them.  Once my DD is there I rarely hear from her!!

I'm sure we have students in the UK currently training who are good enough to compete?!

DD is off to Malvern Ballet Seminars this year.  Loved it last year, the teaching standard of ballet was very high and worth every penny!  They are very lucky to have Fiona Brockway and Matt Skoag this year as guest teachers and also the pianists are amazing.  Last year one of the pianists did a Queen rendition - it was stunning to listen to!

http://www.malvernballetseminars.co.uk

We have also been to Tring for many years when DD was younger.  It is more generic and covers all dance genres but always great fun.

Dance Forward also worth a look at if you are London based but it isn't residential so the cost of staying overnight can get very pricey.  Stephen Beagley was exceptional!

Do we have any candidates this year from the UK?

Just seen Midland Theatre Ballet have released their auditions for their next production, Beauty and The Beast, how exciting!! My DD did it a few years ago and loved every minute, I would highly recommend it if anyone lives in the Midlands.

It was a great show, such talent in all genres and in all years.  I think those embarking on auditions should come and see what the schools have to offer and what level the children are dancing at even after a year or two at the school.  Two years at Hammond and my DD has soared.  So when those letters come in from RB or Elmhurst with 'not yet' take heart that other schools are out there that can provide a similar platform to shine and develop.

Favourite was Flight for US and Rhapsody LS!

Has this gone yet?

DD is doing weeks 2 and 3, it is a great summer school!  Last year the young ones stole the show with the carousel dance, so beautiful!

Becky is very nice and always goes out of her way to help.  I think you also get a discount if you are at the Hammond for those not on MDS.

I'd like to think we are all well meaning parents!

I always found it very easy to get in touch with DD both before school and after.  They do have a very busy life which is a good thing as they can get home sickness when they have nothing to do.  The house parents for us have always been very lovely, my DD has always suffered from home sickness so often comes home after Saturday class and we take her home Sunday night.  She is unusual though as most of the other children are very settled.

The most important thing is Hammond is a very good school, the teaching is excellent (both academic and dance) and your children will be well looked after. 

Does any one have any Hammond year 9

She will need size 3 leotards and I'm not sure how the other uniform is sized

 

My DD has a 30 inch chest 27 inch waist and 32 inch hips if that helps

We have a heap of things you could have let me know what you need.

Don't give up we had our news at the end of May two years ago 

I'd be perfectly happy for my DD to do less GCSEs and have less pressure.  For her to do the subjects she finds interesting so she can thrive and at the same time build her confidence and pride in herself which is such a huge life/work skill.  Really wish she could have done GCSE dance as she would have secured a very good grade in it.

My dd is very upset too and questioning herself a lot!! But we have always had a rule in our house and it's that your allowed a day to be upset and feel sorry for yourself and work through those emotions but then you brush yourself off, pick yourself up and move forward!! I think she, like me, is wondering how to move forward from this and what area she needs to improve on. That's the only trouble with the no feedback, it leaves it wide open for these youngsters to attack themselves over every little thing it could possibly be!! I think that a little feedback or guidance would be a positive thing especially from finals when there aren't the same numbers as in prelims.

 

My thoughts and virtual hugs are going out to all those with a "not for now" and I wish you all the best for the future, wherever that is and whatever you are doing!!

 

And huge massive congratulations to those with a yes, it's a real achievement and I hope your dc are very happy and successful in their new schools very exciting times ahead for you all (and very nerve wrecking for you dancing moms and dads no doubt!!)

 

I myself am now just looking forward to having a bit of breathing room and not worrying about results for a while lol

Yes we are always at the pickfords! Were you at Malvern?

We must know you too!  DD was at Malvern and OPES week 1!