mola

I think it comes in handy to have someone really interested in you, someone who understand your situation and is extremely well connected who may call a school Director anytime for a private audition.

This doesn't describe the teachers I know, at least not the ones in my country. Most of them have their own agenda and really not interested my DD development.

I've just come back from a SS in Europe where a group of Japanese came with an agent. She selected the children in international competitions based on their potential and did several things for them...

The Russian group also had an agent.

Both agents were cleary very well known and in extremely good relationships with by all teachers, etc

Maybe not a common practice in UK

I understand that agents are professionally qualified and highly connected. So they can see a dancer's problem and may recommend the school which may accept her and get an extra audition if necessary. Also he/she may arrange for training with the most suitable teacher for her 'problem'. I say problem since the human body is not designed for ballet and each dancer comes with her born features. And some dancers get some "schooling" problems.

It is true that each school have its own auditions but... It's always good to get an extra auditon or to get a teacher tell you more about what you need to improve, or else

Anyone knows more?

Do you need an agent at an early age, say 14?

Many say they can recommend you the most suitable teachers and schools.

Do you know how one may get in touch with them, except for when enting big international contests such as YAGP?

B1 in French is an intermediate level, it's not that difficult. I'll have to think over the hosting families.

We have a couple of friend there already. Good luck to you!

My DD went to YBSS 2 years ago and I went there to see some of the classes, their event and their showcase. If you want more details, just drop a line.

Hi, my DD is 14 now, so boarding school would have been ideal for her. Don't know how host families work, I will try to find out and think more about this possibility. I will also try to find out more about French schooling system to see how she may fit in. Thanks everybody for your comment, this is something that you never find out straightforward.

Thanks Afab, this is really very useful. I saw you mentioned on an earlier post that boarding facilities close for the weekend. What do you mean? What happens with the abroad students?

Hi Afab, I read everything you wrote, it is very useful. However someone mentioned to me earlier than you need to prepare 2-3 variations for audition. This is definitely something one can't prepare just 1 month before so I am wondering if the person was right or not. Also if coming from abroad, one might need an auditioning DVD with a ballet class - this is again something useful to know in advance.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

Thanks for answering. However, I would like to know the conditions at least. Should I send an email? I just want to know what are their requirements for 14-15s.

Maybe someone here has been through the process or knows more...

Hello, if anyone knows, I would like to find out how to apply, not for Junior Dance, but at 14-15 years. I searched the website, but unfortunately haven't found anything, except that one must apply for a file in order to get more information. Or maybe is not the time of the year when they post this information. Anyway, I wold like to know in advance, as this may be one of our options.