BellaF

Not sure where you are moving to in midlands but I can fully recommend Graham Fletcher based in Leicestershire, especially as he is so brilliant with boys! He does weekly classes through his school Dance Activate as well as a monthly associate class. 

My DD is also audtioning for CBA and BB (new Stoke branch - an hour or so up the M1 from us) though in the unlikely event of getting into both, will have to choose one (probably Tring as she hopes to try for a place from year 7). 

It's our first year on the audition round this year and finding it so hard given that some happened just before lockdown, others are by video and JAs and Tring aren't til the autumn term 😫 We've just turned down one scheme so real chance we might not end up with anything next year! So feel your pain!

Just to add, we use the mat over a short pile carpet and it's absolutely fine.

I can second the Lemark floor - we have the 2m x 3m mat and my DD says it has made all the difference.  She even shouted up to me (hiding upstairs) in excitement during her first zoom class after it arrived as she was so pleased, not realising she wasn't on mute 😂

What level / age are the classes suitable for? Thanks 

Everything crossed that we’re out of this by then. Managed to change audition centre to the one closest rather a 3 hours away which is a small silver lining. 

54 minutes ago, Peanut68 said:

Contact them.... explain perhaps all the extra online home schooling making internet a problem & but a bit of time! I’m sure they will extend based on current situation....

Agree - there’s no hope of the auditions running to the original timetable so I’m sure they’ll extend. 
 

I'm hoping that some of the streamed classes are available after the event - a couple have said they'll try for this anyway.

1 hour ago, RHowarth said:

I am doing mine tomorrow and being filmed!

 

I'm not sure the camera will be kind to me, nor how it will feel to be in an exam without the adrenalin of an examiner - but I'm so very relieved that it's happening!

 

Ps been trying to like posts on this thread but my likes always disappear once I leave the page.

So glad you have a solution! Best of luck!

Tanya Pearson also streaming classes (from Australia so times need adjusting) 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B90ept8gajY/?igshid=19bzdzi9xa2o2

Still continuing for now and current line is it will close as soon as schools do. We have one exam session a year (June) which is likely to be cancelled - fingers crossed everyone can still move to the next grade rather another 12 months of the same stuff...

9 hours ago, margarite said:

DD has the app for Intermediate and she’s found it a great help and much better than having the DVD version. 

What's the difference between the app and DVD? We have the DVD but foresee lots of home practice coming up...

Such a sad situation for so many people. Understandable but still. 
 

Personally we have auditions for JAs, Elmhurst YD and Tring CBA coming up as well as MTB performance, exams and Malvern all of which DD has worked really hard for and was looking forward to.
 

Much worse for those who still have finals to come - hope they can find some sort of solution for anyone in that situation 🙁

3 hours ago, Millicent said:

I really hope they don't cancel JA auditions, my DD has been looking forward to them for 2 years since her teacher told her she should do them! I wonder if they would consider other selection methods rather than group auditions e.g. video? It's harder in younger ones though as I think a lot of the selection process is seeing how they respond to what they are asked to do, rather than looking at technical ability. 

I notice RBS promoting JA auditions on their insta page today so looks like they’re going ahead for the moment. Fingers crossed anyway as my DD would be so sad not to have a go. 

Our teacher sorted DD's photos but as I understand they are more for identification purposes than anything else so I wouldn't worry too much.

Can second REC in Hinckley. 

My 9 DD is going to Malvern Ballet Seminars for the first time this year - super communication so far from the lovely Olivia Pickford and from the info we've had/feedback on here it sounds a wonderful course. Plenty to explore in the area too.

Does anyone know what sort of thing DC are expected to do in the CBA audition? I imagine my DD will be auditioning for Group 1. Had a look through previous threads but haven't turned much up...

Thank you!

Thanks - that's really helpful. Newcastle under under Lyme is just about doable for us so might add it to the audition list!

36 minutes ago, Picturesinthefirelight said:

Facebook tells me that Ballet Boost are starting a Newcastle under Lyme Associates branch. 

Anyone know who the teacher will be? Thanks 

36 minutes ago, HowMuch! said:

Anyone doing Leeds auditions? We’re not sure yet, the insight day was lovely but it would make our saturdays really hectic. 

We're auditioning in Leeds for a year 5 Birmingham place. 

Quick Malvern Easter question...

Does anyone know if DC arrive on the morning of the first day (Tuesday 14th) or the evening before? Thanks.

Signed and shared on Facebook.

A high profile 'no pain no gain' school has recently publicised 3 of its (undoubtedly talented) students through to finals for a Big School... Makes it even harder to discourage impressionable younger children away from working towards the ultra flexibility they also often post on social media. My own 9 year old DD for one is influenced which is a worry (have her booked in with a respected dance physio at the end of the month in attempt to ward this off!).

51 minutes ago, Spamcat said:

My DD is going for a place in Birmingham and we would like to audition in Totnes because Birmingham has two dates, one of which is difficult for us and I don't think you can choose. Does anyone know if it makes any difference to your chances if you chose a different centre to audition?

We're in exactly the same position. I spoke to someone in the office and no you can't choose between the dates but if you are a young year 3 or an old year 5 you are pretty much guaranteed to be on a particular day (I did write down what age on what day for Birmingham somewhere, just not sure where!).

Unfortunately my DD birthday falls pretty much in the middle of the JA age range so could be either hence we'll probably go for Leeds.

23 minutes ago, valentina said:

It makes no difference which center you audition at. However there will be a difference in which center you are applying to attend classes at. London is by far the most over subscribed and difficult to get into,

so if it is possible to attend another location then that might be an idea. 
It’s tricky, because when they’re little you don’t want to be driving all day!!

Someone on this forum did an analysis based on the numbers auditioning versus acceptance for each center. I can’t remember the result but as an example - the best scenario if you’re  a boy applying for Leeds as opposed to a girl applying for London. Probably still here on the forum but will have all changed with the introduction of Dundee.

How interesting! Might have a dig around and see if I can find...

We're booked on in May so all good to hear 🙂

Seriously considering a dance residential in the summer as well.

Age 9 - hence the confusion!

Thank you MrsMoo 🙂 

Has anyone come across RBS seeing people outside of the official audition process for JAs? We came across a 9 year who auditioned today (apparently...).