amanda-w

This will be our first time doing NYB so I couldn't answer your questions Flora. All I know is Dd's in 'Cinderella' 'Four Seasons' and cover for 'Trotters'. Trotters sounds interesting, I have images of pigs doing ballet :-)

Good news for us, DD got a MC part :-) we had a letter in the post today

I'm amazed it's only taken DD 3 weeks to settle at Vocational school. She's just had her first exeat weekend and couldn't wait to return. Initially her plan was not to even speak on the phone at first as she felt it would make her homesick but by the end of the week she was fine and we now skype every other night, it's great to see their faces and as dtadmin said in an earlier post you can see they're happy :-) Out first exeat has been like a whirlwind of shopping and visitors so myself and 'dad ' are actually looking forward to 4 weeks of a peaceful life before she comes home again :-) it's GREAT!!!!

Tracey, I would email them if I were you and ask them to send you the details. I emailed them a year ago on the off chance they had something for my 13 year old and they invited her to assess her straight away and she joined the RAD Saturday program the following Week and had a great year. So don't miss out as the program started this Saturday. Just email them as they may not have updated their website yet.

My daughter did this class last year too, it's good to see they've extended it and are now advertising it as an associate course.

I think it's good that they don't get their phones until after supper time, at least we can relax a bit in the day and not keep checking our phones every 2 minutes for messages :-)

Ah bless her and that must be so hard for you dtadmin :-(

We've just arrived home too from dropping off DD .. After seeing how upset she got yesterday at a little leaving gathering we had I was very concerned about today but there were no tears at all from any of us, it was far too exciting for tears :-) I really hope she settles well, makes some great friends and makes the most of this opportunity. I can't wait to hear all about it in 3 weeks when we get to bring her home for the first weekend.

Just set off ... Seriously emotional but happy :-)

Oh no she is on the top floor as well :-( I will take a few bags of spinach in my back pocket sparkledust :-) Good luck for Sunday Harwel and any other new starters :-)

Harwel, what year is your child going into? If I cry my daughter will kill me :-( and if dad crys ...I'll kill him. We're going to be a nightmare but will try not to stress and enjoy it :-) got a little leaving party to deal with first.

Sorry just another quick question, Is it normal for boarders to take 2 cases plus all their bedding. I'm wondering if we have too much luggage or is this normal ?

Thanks everyone for the support and pm's I really appreciate it.

Lovely post Julie, glad I'm not the only one feeling sick and jittery :-( never been one for panic attacks but I think I've been having one long one for the last few weeks :-(

Ah that would be lovely I'm so glad they made contact with each other it's been really good for K :-)

Thankyou we'll have the blazer to hand but she'll be very pleased to know she can wear her cardigan :-) She's boarding and getting really anxious about meeting everyone and not being up to their ballet standard. I hope she's going to be ok .. Getting emotional just thinking about it now :-( I wish next weekend would hurry up and come so we can get all these anxieties over with.. Mine and hers :-)

I can't believe it's almost time to pack DD off to Tring. I've read through all the handbook and letters etc and I understand they have to wear school uniform on Sunday when they arrive. Does this have to be the formal blazer or can DD wear her cardigan or jumper? Also are there any other new 3rd form starters on here? DD is anxious she'll be the only newbie :-(

Dancermum, I've just completed a MDS application for my DD who starts vocational school in sept and we also have out own company. We provided info based on the 2013-2014 tax year, total income from salaries paid to is by our company with proof being P60 and payslips. Also dividends paid to us by our company and proof of this was required by self assessment so we had our accountant produce them early. Our contribution for this year has been based on last years earning although I think if you are going to be earning significantly less you can specify this and the reason for this and will probably require some kind of proof. We will have to do the same again next year but providing the same info to calculate the following years contribution. I hope his helps :-)

We have to try and hide everything from 'Dad' he would have a heart attack if he knew what we spend on dance :-) DD will be going to Tring, she's so happy about it :-)

This is an interesting thread :-) I'm hoping that by DD starting vocational school in September its going to save me money. When I take into account what I've spent in the last few years on normal dance classes, private lessons, pilates lessons, festivals (costumes, travelling and accommodation), ballet shoes and tights :-( 2 associate programs so literally every weekend sometimes Saturdays and Sundays travelling across the country...billions of visits to costa coffee on the motorway, associate uniforms, audition cost and hotel expenses .....normal school uniform, dinner money, pocket money...cinema money....I'm going to be rich next year ha ha ....even with the parent contribution ..I hope :-)

I have 3 gorgeous handmade pancake tutus for sale, all new. I have an approximate age 6, 8 & 10 all different individual designs. Please message me with your email address if your interested and I'll forward some pictures and the price. The tutus are here in swindon, wiltshire and I'm also happy for anyone to come and try them on. Amanda

Ah ok thanks that's useful to know

I wonder if they'll have an induction day for the older newbies too ? I'm assuming we take all their bits in cases, unpack them and bring the cases home with us. Does anyone know ?

Congrats Harwel, my DD will be a new starter (dance course) for September too, although a year younger, she'll be in year 9. It's very exciting isn't it. We have the uniform sorted, washed and hung up already ...we're that excited :-)

Oh no, is it this Sunday, I have it in my calendar as the following week :-( we have plans this Sunday. Is it definitely the 29th???