Piccolo

I think I've messed up with the planning of this workshop too... I finally decided to be sensible and book super off peak tickets and a family railcard in advance in February. I specifically asked for tickets travelling out on 2nd April and returning on 3rd. Having patted myself on the back for being so organised (big mistake!), I was looking forward to a relaxing trip with dd, on the train, Premier Inn Breakfast! I've just had a closer look at the tickets, and the start date on them is 09 APR! WHY????? It's going to cost a lot of money to sort this out and I don't know how I'm going to keep calm to do it. Admin fees and the new tickets will have gone up in value. I dread to think any further... That's another overtime shift I'll be booking myself onto in work :-/ At least it's a blessing in ballet dancing dd's world (little does she know!) that we always have staff shortages and tons of overtime on offer... I might see if I can get my money's worth out of this train company and 'accidentally' sit in first class. Cheek and charm probably won't work at my age, maybe a friendly discussion instead...

I hope you're ds audition went well Happymum. I'm sure he'll be whisked away for Physio next! I'm sure there'll be an MDS for him and I actually think the 'bruised in action look' is going to work in his favour!

Wow, 10 MDS awards is the most they've had for a while isn't it? I decided not to put dd through the process again this year... she loved it there and it's tough to get a no for Tring because it's so nice there. Good luck all!

The word 'elite' has cropped up in this thread. I get the impression that there are often, not always, elite / notable elements, in terms of training etc, already in place before a child has even set foot into RBS SS, which are included on application forms...

You're not missing anything relevant. It is a measure of a duvets ability to trap warm air ;-)

Well clearly it is possible to raise the funds because I read a newspaper article about the British girl who recently graduated from the Bolshoi ballet academy. The article said that her mother raised £15,000 in three months to pay for her first year of study. Very inspiring and admirable, especially as I think she must have initiated all sorts of money raising events and sought sponsorship by herself. I'd love to here more about this. I think she contributes to this forum sometimes...

Maybe 'they' are just not familiar with the art of multitasking... :-)

I wonder whether this is an admin error... Maybe they sent you the wrong letter. As an extended associate I think you should go by the extended associate advice. Phone them up for a chat ;-) Just don't mention the letter!

There will always be a place for hand gel as far as I'm concerned. For example, I could not complete a supermarket shop and drive off bebore using it, but a hand wash with soap & water is priority after arriving home. It works wonders IMHO! Surprising the amount of people that ruin everything by putting their fingers in their mouths etc. I dread to think what's going in but then I'm probably a bit OTT because of my job...

Probably best not to say when or where, but dd and I once saw a perfect demonstration of why no one should be fooled or intimidated by pre-audition competitive stretching. It is honestly no indication of anything! I felt thoroughly foolish once for taking dd to an audition, when a competitive stretcher parked herself confidently next to dd and embarked on a vigorous and elaborate routine with a thera band. During the last 15 minutes of the audition where parents could watch, it transpired that flexibility is not automatically accompanied by strength, musicality, artistic ability etc... What a revelation that was for the clearly very naive ballet taxi mother!

I would also suggest a pillow between the knees, until you get to see your gp. I think it's important that you have a proper diagnosis so that it can be managed appropriately. :-)

Also sorry to hear about your grandma blossom. This is tricky because I suppose it depends on what she is up to doing, may tire easily, may not feel like eating much, feel overwhelmed. How about some dainty but plain ROH style sandwiches to go with the cupcakes? Reading excerpts from a biography or just listening to ballet music if she'd rather shut her eyes for a bit? How about a bit of a pampering? Maybe a gentle hand/foot massage, manicure/pedicure? I have to say, your post touches a chord because we also had a mother/grandmother in the family who passed on her love more so of classical ballet music and proudly bought her ballet dancing granddaughter her first ballet shoes and uniform. She is definitely with us in spirit now with all things ballet related :-) .

sarahw and balletbean, you're very inspiring. I'll mention what you've said to dd. Plan b is not medical but I know it's a tough world for doctors and I honestly think a ballet background would be advantage... and how great to be able to have a sneaky chaine or pirouette down an empty hospital corridor on the night shift but more likely in ones dreams only!! Good luck dancefanatic, I think we know you from associates. Really lovely to hear your dd's news. Never seen anyone so desperate to get there!

Sarahw, she is in year 9 at the moment. In some ways I think the audition experience would be an advantage, but if in the unlikely event of a 'yes', I'd have reservations over uprooting her when she is flourishing, albeit in another realm. She likes the academics and wants to do triple science so that plan B is still possible. At the moment she doesn't want to give up on either option but at 16 she feels she will be more sure of what she wants.

Well, I have submitted dd's applications, but am thinking about cancelling. Dd has tried every year, had the occasional final, but that's all. So I suppose she must already be disadvantaged in the realm of dance. She's very settled and focused at school locally. Having now invested so much here, she's thinking it might be better to wait and try at 16 so she can keep hold of plan B. I could do with a break from auditions to be honest and I won't have to worry about her financially if she ends up with plan B as a career. Great to be comfortable financially, but not so great if dancing is what would make her happy. We shall have to see re auditions this year. I'm not a lover of rollercoasters... not unless it involves a premiere inn hotel & breakfast at some point anyway!

I agree with you Happymum. It's so easy to catch a National Express coach from Heathrow airport to just about anywhere.

I think the problem by that stage is that all non mds spaces will will have been filled...

Hi Flowerpot, just skimming through this thread. Bit late replying but just wanted to say that I think the feedback from Tring was more a criticism of whoever had been teaching your daughter technique. Must be frustrating for a teacher who knows better to see a child with promise that has been taught the wrong technique. Definitely audition for Tring again now you've addressed that matter and her technique is having a spot of polish. If your dd is as desperate as she sounds to live her life dancing,I think it will be seen by likeminded people who will open doors for her. If she has all the other required attributes, I think she will be successful. Only saying this as I've recently seen a situation that seems just like yours. Good luck!

Yes but primary school is compulsory...

Dd actually gave up ballet when she was in pre primary for a while (much to my delight as a non ballet fan at the time!) because the class was 'too noisy...'

...so no pressure there then, financially..!

Whatever happened to freedom of choice? If it was an academic school it wouldn't be a problem to move a sibling to a different school. Someone should write a handbook that guides parents through the minefield of ballet school etiquette and culture. After quite a few years, I'm still clueless!

From what I remember, there was no pointe work in JA's yr 6. However, I do think JA teachers like to check that what is being bought for pointe work outside of the associate class is suitable. They like to see them too, as well as the local teacher.

Taxi, my father, from your neck of the woods, (I seem to remember you mentioning it recently) visits the area to see his sisters sometimes. He comes back with some incredulous stories, often road related. Isn't this all (well maybe not all) NFN? ;-)

Sorry you were sick, but perfect response! Served him right!