Sharry01

Hi - I've got everything apart from the scarf. Also have tap shoes, jazz shoes and leotards. Please message me if interested.

Hello Tuturus - Have just sent you a message with details on. Regards x

Okay - I'll just check the sizes etc and will pm you. Just check with regard to the MDS as I think this includes all uniform etc and you may need a receipt from a shop to claim this back. Wouldn't want to jeopardise this for you but will message you later on this evening. Regards

Hello - I have most of the Hammond uniform and ballet uniform for sale - I have skirts, sweatshirts, blazer, scarf, ballet leotards, jazz shoes and tap shoes. Please let me know what you need. My dd is a very petite girl who was wearing age 11 sizes. Regards. Sharry

Hello - the leotards are: 2 Wear Moi ones - size XS and 2 blue ones (all as per the Hammond list) in size 2a. Thank you.

We have lots of items of Hammond School uniform for sale which were bought for a small Year 9 girl. These include: blazer / skirt / sweatshirt / tie / socks / tights / scarf / tap shoes / leotards. Please let me know what you require. All items, only worn for a few weeks. Thank you.

Hello - Please let me know if you still need a skirt or any other Hammond uniform - I have most items, which were only worn for 6 weeks. Thank you. Sharry x

Thank you to everyone for all your comments. Think my DD will try at age 16, but the decisions may be out of our hands. She has already attended a vocational school but realised that for her, 13 was a little too young to board. I also realise that finances, luck, talent and hard work can play a very big part. It will be interesting to see how the next few years work out. Who knows if she should have continued at vocational school at 13, or if she will be successful at either 16 or 18. One thing is for sure, it will continue to be a rollercoaster! So, good luck to all others who have just stepped onto the rollercoaster or are keen to get off! x

Thank you for your comments. I did think this may be the case (ie: going at age 16) but was just abit thrown by London Studio Centre's Classical ballet course which starts at 18. I will read any other comments with interest. x

My DD wants to be a professional ballerina. She has been attending classes since age 6, been a Royal Ballet Junior Associate and attended a vocational dance school (when she was 13). Though she couldn't get used to the boarding (and is now back home) she still wants to pursue this path. However not sure to let her try again at 16 or wait until she is 18. ENBS, Central School of Ballet, Rambert, Royal Ballet Upper School all offer vocational training at age 16 and I always thought this was the best path if you wanted to try and get into a professional ballet company. However, I have noticed that London Studio Centre (for example) offer a BA in Classical Ballet (or you can choose musical theatre) which starts at age 18, along with other providers - this course looks fantastic. You would then be aged 21 when you completed this. Surely, if this was too old to then apply to a company, why would they offer this course? Of is it that the majority who do a degree in dance then go onto teach dance rather than perform? Just really wanting to know if you really have to go at 16 or if my DD could wait until 18 and still pursue her dream (and then not be too old to try and join a company)? Thank you for your help.

Thank you.

I have for sale quite a number of items, including uniform for The Hammond school, as follows: 1 Hammond blazer 2 Hammond sweatshirts 2 grey skirts 2 pairs of tights 1 Hammond tracksuit (for the dance course) 2 Hammond ties 1 Hammond scarf (never worn) 1 Hammond coat (never worn) (All these items would suit from age 11-13 years old) 1 pair of size 4 tap shoes (worn for only a few weeks) 1 pair of jazz shoes (size 4 and size 4.5) Please let me know if you are interested in any of these items, would prefer to sell as a bundle, but could sell individually if required. Genuine reason for sale. Thank you.

My DD has Bloch, split sole, canvas - already sewn on elastics x

Fantastic news. I'm sure you'll all be very busy now sorting everything out. What year will she be in?

Hello - You must always do the best for your daughter (or son). If this problem persists, I would refer this mother to the teacher - it is not your or your dd's problem. The majority of ballet classes go on age and ability. My dd took her intermediate foundation when she was 11 and she was the youngest there - the other girls just supported her and the majority of mums just thought she must be quite talented. However, you will always get a few mums who are jealous and can't help making comments, but it is their problem - not yours. You have nothing to feel uncomfortable about - it's a funny thing is talent. I remember when my dd's dance school put on a showcase and my dd was in 7 numbers - another parents' child was in 2. They withdrew their child from the School following the showcase as they felt they had been overlooked by the teacher and that it was unfair. I don't think this was the case, only that the parent over-reacted. So yes, you may be aware of other parents feelings, but never let them hold your dd back. Hope that helps. Regards.

Hello balletqueen - My dd attends this Centre and has really enjoyed it. Next year they are moving to Joseph Rowntree School just outside York. This is much easier to get to and with free parking. She is in the Senior group and has classes in ballet and then either repertoire or contemporary (changes each term). I think this year there were only a few places available in the Senior groups but quite a few got into the Junior groups. Send me a pm if you need to know anything further. The very best of luck.

Hi taxi4ballet. I would just leave it for the moment and let this other Mum get in touch. If you do see her, apologise again and then let her reflect on her behaviour. We all have off days. For the sake of your daughter I would try to keep the friendship going. Time can make you see things differently and put things into perspective x

Hello MandyMc - My dd is also starting in Year 9 in September. Have sent you a pm. Exciting (and stressful) times ahead x

Hello - My DD needs private medical insurance for her vocational dance school - does anyone have any suggestions or preferences? Thank you.

Hello - I have a dd hopefully starting in September in Year 9. If anyone else's dd is starting then, or is already at The Hammond (and will be in Year 9 in September) it would be great to hear from you. Thank you.

Thank you for this Tutugirl - was this for a boarding place? Thank you also for the advice on Hammond. So disappointing when there are so few MDS places available, but a great experience and good to know that if only we had the money, our dd may be talented enough to get in.

Hi - New to this forum, but not new to ballet! My dd is on the reserve list for funding for Tring. However, I think all the beds have now been allocated so you would only get a place last minute if you were a day pupil. Can anyone clarify this? I am assuming this as the date for registration has passed. Love this forum and it really is a lifeline. Also feel that we should have auditioned for Hammond this year, if we'd known how many funded places were available. Thanks to everyone for their support x

Hi - Also, just got the letter from York Scholars, which my daughter is thrilled is a yes. Haven't decided which place to go for yet, as has also been offered Northern Ballet on a Saturday and we are unable to do both. Is York Scholars any better than Northern Ballet?

Sorry to hear that - I do think the standard this year has been very high and the number of people auditioning has increased from previous years.

Hi - Does anyone know which Associate programme is best? is Northern Ballet Intermediates any better or not as good as York Scholars for a 12/13 year old? Thank you.