FlexyNexy

My DD had her's as hand luggage at start, but after while she did not want to carry it to the plane and added it under cargo. Always arrived well to the destination and with 2 exchanging flights 🙂 
I have seen many tutu bags on carousel in States too 🙂

My DD always used ones from Sport Direct or Decathlon...all strenghts. No need for dance branded stuff which is just overpriced.

We live about 25 mins with direct bus (# 1 or # 172) or 10 mins drive from Covent Garden and I used to host young dancers for summer. The question will be if my daughter will be at home as it's her room we used to let out while she was overseas. I would not know until uncomfortably late for you I guess. 
Look out maybe for home stay's, my DD used to travel and stay with local families all over the world. 
We are both DBS checked (hubby teacher) for peace of mind.

My DD left the house at 15 to live 4,000 miles away from UK and it only strengthen our already close bond. We could only make calls once a week due to the local Wi-Fi situation and seen each other only for Christmas or Summer. 
Not only our bonding that has strengthen, but it was HER who changed the most. She has grown into one independent, street wise young lady that I could rely on anything. Comparing her with her group of friends, she is way ahead of being grown up, earning her own money, and traveling the world with an ease. 
Our relationship since she was small was close and we have very open communication all the time. She seen me in my low and high and we draw support from each other. 

I will not lie. It was hard when she had low days or if something gone wrong and I was not being able to be there even for a cuddle. Having my face call un-answered when I know she was in tears was the hardest for me!

But she handled a lot on her own and big help was my jumper that she took and smelled of me 🙂she often hugged for sleep. So, she said.
I often packed extra surprise or letter in her suitcase, or even easter egg in a parcel with "do not open until April" made her closer to home. She wrote a diary which she is planning to publish one day which helped her to cope with new culture, friends, language and being away. When she had low days, we used to make plans where we would travel or meet half way and this made her think forward a little. 
Be prepared for calls or messages during middle of the night. Just being little upset when she had too much on her mind. 

My mobile became my extension to my body to be honest. I slept with my mobile next to my bed just in case. I hated those times, but I would do it again. And still do, even when she is away now at 20! I miss her now a lot. Even the annoying things like bowl from cereals left in the sink in the morning. 

When she is back I love when she crawls to my bed in the morning to wake me up. 

My DD has EU passport (inherited from me) and never had issue when working in EU countries? As a EU national you are entitled to work in any EU country without needing a work permit. Some EU countries require for you to register yourself with local authority (town hall very likely) and they issue you residency card. But nothing like visas.

Just now, Hanmah67 said:

But doesn’t everyone get funding ?

my DC didn't receive funding. Not even discount and I have sent my P60 in.

First, congratulations.

If I am to consider my DC accepting place at lower school that would cost me 43k p/annum, I would be researching what is the success rate that the leavers will be joining their Upper School.

Same as you would watch the success rate of graduates leaving Upper Schools.

At the current rate, my money would be better spent somewhere else where the training is much of a higher standard.

If I am to repeat our ballet journey with my DC, the main focus would remain unchanged and that is to give my DC the best possible quality training outside of vocational school during the primary school years so the child is well equipped to stand out at Upper School auditions which are end of the day much more important in dancers life.

Save your money for when they are older, as the current trend is to continue to finance the training and post graduate programs way beyond graduation even for the most talented children.

16 hours ago, OnTheMove said:

This sounds fantastic but a dream financially for my family. 
 

I could send my dc to one next year maybe. 
 

I’ve never heard of Ellison. I will look into it. I’m veering towards EBS. 
 

What did you find the benefit of going to the USA was in particular? 

With regards to finances, I had second job for almost 5 years to support all this ballet madness. Straight from finishing my 9 - 5pm I took a bus and 6pm started my evening job till 9pm. All that for 5 years and glad is all gone behind me. 
She did not fly 1st class or direct by Virgin Atlantic...she took 2 stop overs to get to NY, home stay is considerably much cheaper option where airport pick up, 3 meals and private room costed me for 1-month USD700. Metro card was I think USD 20 per week. I made sure I find homestay close to the metro station.

As for benefits, the SI in States are much more intense, all on pointe, partnering classes and great variety of extra classes such as Broadway jazz and very little breaks. She did walk out from ENB (both spring and summer intensives) same as RB (Covent Garden) as being boring. She compared them to a day dance camp. Traveling overseas for SI opened her eyes where she stands in the ballet competition. There are few cheaper options in Europe, one I have mentioned was Portugal.

So, by me working all those hours so she can pursue her dream, I made dam sure I don’t pay someone just for the fancy summer school T shirt and name.

One another I would recommend but not sure that is now, post covid, happening is SI in Cuba with Carlos Acosta and his Acosta Danza It was cheaper last cost was USD 1,200 for 4 weeks including accommodation in close by hotel. https://acostadanzasummerschool.com/

The only regret while traveling to USA was not to try for The Rockette SI. It was on her list.

22 hours ago, NotadanceMa said:

Does Ellison have accommodation that they provide for SI students do you know?

My DD did not want to stay in the accomodation and opted to stay with homestay in Queens. She commuted daily (40 mins) by metro. She had both worlds...ballet during the day and evenings exploring NY, she went to NY Yankees game, Capezio and Yumiko stores 🙂 Liberty Island, Carlos Bakery for cakes...you name it. The blend with locals was best option for her. The family was lovely, they treated her as one of their own, the mum cooked meals, evenings under the stars in the garden watching cinema screen. Sge had best time of her life in NY.

My DD never liked UK summer schools except Malvern during Easter in her primary age.

As a senior student, she loved Ellison, Alvin Ailey, Prague, ABT, Chicago and San Diego. Ellison being the most challenging and so worth it.
Portugal - in Leiria - Annarella Sanchez is worth it too (only the summer not the year program).

On 13/03/2023 at 09:27, dancefanatic said:

My DD is in her grad year now and it is heart breaking to see how even those european companies that aren't specifying EU citizens are definitely seeming to be discriminating against UK dancers because of the whole visa issue.  And what upsets us more than anything is that the UK is not doing the same in return to non-GB dancers.  Personally, I hate all forms of discrimination, whatever it's based on.  Brexit was always a dirty word to me right back when they were even discussing having a referendum and is continually proving what a shockingly poor move it was and still is.  One of my DD's friends has been offered a US contract but the cost of the visa compared to her earnings has meant turning it down.  My own DD has has UK companies interested in her but unable to help with the Visa so ended up being non-starters.  The world has gone mad, not that this helps our lovely young DDs follow the dream they have spent so many years working towards.

reading your comment brought back exact same experience my DD had from couple of years back. Graduated as soon as covid hit and despite having multiple passports in hand including EU passport, the only companies she was offered contracts were from USA.
Sadly, US embassy was not co-operating, closed their doors and would not offer her expedite appointment to process her visa and all it has spiralled from there. EU offered experience based contracts (non paid and financed by bank of mum & dad).....UK - never was interested in her when it came for jobs only during upper school auditions.

Sadly what we have experienced when in Europe…some companies did not even advertised vacancies, yet some no named directors would fly with selected few dancers in and out and managed to get the lucky ones in. So, in my opinion and from my DD experience you need more than passport to get that dreamed job.

On 12/03/2023 at 18:01, Lucalisbon said:

Dear Flexy

my son is meant to start the junior artist professional course in new york at AJkun. They gave him a full grant. I was trying to gather information about the company and I found your post. Could you please let me have more information? 

they gave him full grant? Wow, they must be desperate.
They tried to offer the same when my DD declined her contract.

My DD made her own research when she contacted all dancers that they used to be with the said "company". It is easy to find them as they have been requested to promote the organisation on social media. 
They all had negative experiences while in NY ranging from dangerous training, studio hopping (they do not have their own and rent studios all over NY), the International tours never happen, the requirement to work for the school from admin to costume department, teaching kids on weekends.

They will not help with visa's so if you are thinking to go ahead, do book your US embassy appoinment asap.

There is a lot of negative posts on Facebook on Audition forums when they advertise for auditions. I would not allow my DD to join.

On 25/02/2023 at 15:23, Mummy twinkle toes said:

Thanks Jan and FlexyNexy. Interesting reading

my DD made an extensive search on them after receiving Junior Artist contract almost immediately after posting her audition materials.  She has contacted last season dancers from US and Australia and two British dancers. She had telephone conversations with them sadly only confirming our suspicion about this "company". 

If you are prepared to pay for her experience, jeoperdise her body, let her be used and bullied to promote the organisation, go for it.

This is extract of the "offer" my DD received and we would be expected to pay 😄 

 

I have written on this company in previous feed under Ajkun. Happy to answer any of your questions. 

There is few of us here with same feedback 😀 

It is scary and as a mother of now adult ex ballet dancer I strongly encourage every parent to give their child as much "normal time" as possible away from ballet. This is to prepare them also for the shock of “not making it” into dreamed company.

We had unwritten rule when after ballet class we never talked ballet at home, she never socialised in her free time with her ballet peers, and we did had normal holidays and I am proud to say that we do not have any summer photo in arabesque by the pool!

I hated when her ballet teacher used to say that if you have Plan B, you have already given up! It took me so much effort not to get my daughter brainwashed and yet when the ballet career went down the drain, not because she did not have offers, but she was proud dancer who refused to dance for free or tiny money that did not cover even her travel card she struggled to find her identity.  

This was the hardest part of her life! And this should be taught in schools too. Schools should be also publishing success stories of children that went to work on a cruise, theatre lightning managers, costume designers, make-up artists, accountants, chef…. It feels like they are ashamed of them.

I follow so many parents run accounts on social media just because I used to be in the ballet mum world and I fear for the little ones. Even the competitions turned the Art of Ballet into a kind of sports (but without sportswear). Who turns more, who jumps more, who lifts his leg more, who stays in balance longer, who invents a new trick and the spirit of dance disappeared. Sad.

My DD used Capezio Hanami as her prefered soft shoes and I washed them regularly on 40 and they never shrunk or had unwanted changes to the inner soles. She had always few pairs on the go so they just dried hanged naturally.

She even washed her Gaynors in the machine 🙂 and came out without issues. 

New Flexistretcher 2 in blue Price includes postage cost within UK.
Never used.
£38

Used 1x for performance, custom made tutu with stunning detail and presence on stage. Fits 16 - 19 years old. It has a lovely sparkle finish, you only need to add complimenting tiara and a dancer.
Measurements: Adult S as all her leotards are Adult S
Waist: 67 cm Bust: 82 cm Hips: 83 cm Girth: 147 cm Price £80 + postage or can negotiate

Like new, worn once Size S £5 each

Chameleon Activewear leotard Size S Worn 2x and sadly my DD has grown out of it! What a shame. Would pass it on for £45 plus postage

P.S. Same as Yumiko, Lucky Leo and similar, Chameleon Activewear holds their price so if you look after it, you can re-sell.

My DD did their Easter when she was smaller and loved it so much. The highlight I think was the boarding which had swiming pool 🙂 she loved to share room and the grounds. She has only good memories from that week. 

My DD did their classes and trully enjoed it. Good level of training and got to know Prague.

On 01/01/2023 at 00:49, cotes du rhone ! said:

A reflection by my daughter on her two years post ballet.
 

Since this year marks two years since I hung up the pointe shoes, I feel it's fitting to post a ballet photo & share a reflection of the last two years.

The ballet world isn't as open as people hope it would be.

Having lived & breathed it vocationally from age eleven, I have had my fair share of trauma, which most people will be in denial about, myself included. You sacrifice a lot for the art form, some of which you will never heal from. As much as it is rewarding, it is as equally harmful in many respects. However this isn't a post to degrade the art, it is merely a shared reflection of how I have grown & flourished since moving on from what people associated me with & for those battling the choice to step away.

I have built friendships & relationships with incredible people who have comforted me when I felt low, carried me to bed after drunken nights & laughed so hard I didn't realise it was possible.

1 have healed mentally & physically after suffering with hypothalamic amenorrhea & I am proud of how far I have come.

A saying that has stuck with me goes 'you cannot truly heal within the environment that made you sick' & I feel every word of that.

I now understand what it means to genuinely feel happy & be optimistic about the future which for dancers is a daunting prospect whether they be in a school or professional company.

I returned back to the ballet world however in a different role which was liberating. Empowering & supporting dancers by sharing new knowledge combined with my experience, listening & engaging. Now with an outsiders perspective, I see on both social media & in person the negativity & unhealthy behaviours which are normalised & accepted within the ballet world which need addressing. I like to think that as a ballet community we are progressing however sadly this progress is slow & not quick enough.

1am proud to be one of many girls & guys who grew up within the ballet world who has stepped away to embrace a bright & exciting future beyond the stage, despite the fear of judgment having given 100% commitment for 8 years.

Let's hope 2023 enables us all to step in the right direction, encourage & be happy for everyone's successes.

I applaud your daughter! We have been on very similar journey, and I wish my daughter would never chose career in ballet. It is horrible world! She had it all and travelled the world with her ballet and earlier musical theatre. Sailed through auditions, won school prizes and prix and with no contacts….she is just another dancer that had a chance to make it.
Since graduation only job offer, she received was to work for free in exchange for exposure. Whether it was US or Europe all was unpaid! UK only offered post graduate program which I followed for a while and so far only gave false hope to many dancers. She has given the unpaid role a go for a year and only came across bullying nature from directors and choreographers. It's all about who you know. We have seen it and live through it so no one needs to paint me another picture.
We have family friends who could fast track her to ballet companies, and she NEVER wanted to take that advantage. She wanted to achieve it in her own accord. I admire her for the young woman she is.
Ballet is great money-making scheme, very nice when you have little ballerina and you only worry about leotards and how to do their hair. But the reality hits you in the final years at upper school. 
Her peers from her class year gave up all together and the wealthier are paying their way through for the sake of saying I am a ballet artist.

My DD has been writing a journal ever since I can remember, and I am encouraging her to publish it. It would be a proper eye opener and reality check for many young wannabee dancers and parents and maybe will cause a scandal on what is really going on with establishments she has been involved with. I think few teachers would really have to be worried if their name is mentioned. What shocked me the most when she is constantly approached by her ex teachers desperate to know where she is so they can publish the success on their social media, they are not happy that she has shown cold shoulder to unpaid work. Hanging her shoes (me binning them same day in large black sacks) was the best decision she has made.
She is so content now, retrained and earning twice the salary of an young artist. She can finally be independent and free for the ballet culture and nastiness. She is like changed person. Full of life!

It is not what it used to be. We've been going with my DD since she was toddler in musical theatre and her first dance with ENB school (now grown up young adult). Shame is just cheap tack, hair braiding and commercial dance. Great for musical theatre students.