Ellie

It's probably a 'good thing' if DH doesn't get too involved (or else you'd all be going mad !!!) I can completely understand that it's all very, very nerve wracking, but just remember, your daughter will get a place at whichever school is right for her. X

Is it not possible for her to join a daily class at the school and be auditioned that way ? (Imagine if you were overseas and had booked and paid for flights / hotels etc ??!!!) :0 xxx

Personally to me this (skipping a grade) doesn't make sense (although I am not familiar with ISTD syllabus). However if he does want to audition for vocational schools I wouldn't worry too much, as grades achieved at the time of audition are not taken into consideration.

I would agree. Children tend to use 'physical play' less and less in these days of TV and Computers.They seem very aware of themselves, but not so much of others. I notice it in my students.

I agree. I think the main aim is to showcase the school, or gain entry to an Upper School/ Trainee Company that could potentially offer better employment outcomes.

I've had very little time to post over the last few days, but I just came across this post on facebook and thought it might be relevant to the conversation (Keeping up with 'the times'. bums on seats etc. Apologies if it has been posted already. http://www.roh.org.uk/news/when-ballet-meets-pop-music

I agree with all of the above comments, (and although I prefer artistry, finesse and story telling over pure physicality, I can appreciate both) However in todays climate where it seems that almost everything has to be sexualised or objectified by business and the media, and consequently, us the consumers are conditioned to 'accept it', is it any surprise that the same practice is being used in ballet ? Choreographers have always pushed boundaries, this is simply a new one...( Love both Macmilan and Wheeldon btw )

What a beautiful young lady ! All the very best for the auditions, I hope she enjoys them. x

I was surprised too...

Maybe this is a bit off topic, but the few times that I have seen documentaries about Russian dancers (I think the last clip I saw was from 'The Prodigy') they seem sad...All the incredible hard work and dedication, their beautiful dancing and even the eventual success of being in a Company doesn't seem to bring any joy. Of course dancers are rarely (if ever) satisfied with themselves and always strive for more, but the dancers from RB / NYCB, seem rather different in their outlook. It could be that I'm losing something in translation, or that the Western dancers are more media savvy....

Stick to the pony tail / bun, leave the leotard business up to her and...relax !. x

Katymac, I have no experience of styling afro hair....but would it be possible to braid and put in a bun, and then take the bun out for the non ballet auditions - or no braids and just a bun and then pony tail ? x

Article from the moscow news website http://themoscownews.com/arts/20131113/192046409/Young-American-ballet-dancer-accuses-Bolshoi-of-extortion-.html

Thank you for the info about Northern Julie ! I'll pass it on. Marcelino, I believe was offered his place at RBS through the Prix de Lausanne, A number of other students from Portugal have also gained places in International Upper Schools and/or companies through the Prix, YAGP etc...

I agree that it is (probably) highly unusual that foreign graduates immediately gain employment in UK Companies (at least the 'high profile' ones) They would usually, as has been mentioned, spend their last few years of training at a UK Upper School, either through audition, or being 'spotted' at competitions and would then, through the school, be invited to audition/join a company by a visiting AD. Do RBS, ENB or Northern even hold open auditions ? (I may be wrong, but I don't think so)