MAK

Just asked DD1 who had her IF today and she said: "oh he made a couple of mistakes, especially Adage". I thought she was going to say "it was fine"! Don't think it was too serious though 😂

Legoland Windsor, despite the name, is closer to Ascot so a good ten to fifteen minutes closer to Fleet than Windsor itself is ?? Either way, a good dance shop in Fleet is worth knowing about!

In case it matters, Fleet is a good 45 mins from Windsor by car unless you get really lucky (I live in one and worked for 14 years just down the road from the other). Hope you don't mind me saying this Pixiewoo, as it may not matter at all to the OP but just in case...

The new Dancia in Datchet opens on 29th July and is already taking bookings for Pointe Shoe fittings. Also there is Janet's in Englefield Green.

2018 application forms and rehearsal/performance schedule are now on the website (I noticed today).

Great to see so many people getting places off SWL today ??

@Emma northmore runs Ballet Boost and is probably best placed to respond. There is a great deal of information on the website including term dates for next year (from Sept). It is twice a month but not necessarily every fortnight if you see what I mean. I think there have been a couple of auditions this year plus the occasional in class assessment. Both DD1 and DD2 have been attending since January along with a number of their class mates from their regular dance school and we are looking forward to watching them all in a couple of weeks ?

Not local to you but Ballet Boost Associates takes place at the Rambert School between Twickenham and Richmond so the right side of London if you are coming from Southampton and there is plenty of free (street) parking.

Bluebird22 that is really helpful perspective ?

How odd they wouldn't send all the results on the same day. I have heard of a Yr 5 SWL (girl). Haven't heard any yeses for girls yet so maybe it will indeed be worth the wait. V strange though.

So sorry to hear this. We felt something of the same disappointment when we got a Yr 5 no then a Yr 6 SWL then a Mids No. I hope your dd is ok.

That is brilliant, congratulations to your dd!!

So exciting for him ???

Congratulations! Interesting that you have been given SWL for London before people auditioning in London have had their results! Hope a place comes available for your dd!

Just wonderful. Huge congratulations!

Just wow!!! Thank you for all of the background information too, really interesting. Just wonderful ?

She will stick with her Sunday Associates as is v happy there. Well done to your DD Auntie Nora, so glad she can continue her training there ?

Straight no for us after SWL for JAs last year. Not going in the right direction it seems ?. DD not worried luckily.

Fantastic news tired dance mummy!

That's still amazing though and you never know. Well done to your DD ?

Fantastic news Happymum ????

If you like shopping it's an easy walk to the King's Road ????

We never tried in the end but this was a summary of the guidance that came out in 2015 and I guess would still stand: "The criteria is very strict and if you do not fit it then you will not be called in. Please do not expect a response for general enquiries or if you are too old or tall for the roles. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY We prioritise oldest girls for role of Matilda and not all eight year olds will necessarily be seen BUT will be kept on file for future. We prioritise dance ability and proximity to London for ensemble boys and girls. They also need to be VERY strong singers too. Height restrictions are non-negotiable as is age restriction. We also prioritise seeing new children. If you have auditioned for us in the past then you will probably not been seen again UNLESS we have specifically said we will call you back in. A reminder of the criteria – If your child is not a Matilda possible (under 4ft 3 and a strong singer/actress) or a Bruce possible (under 5ft and amazing singer and good dancer with bags of character) then they will be auditioning for the ensemble roles and will have to be a strong dancer, singer and actor, under 4ft10 and aged 8 - 13, living within the M25. The audition routine is HARD so do not send your child to do this ‘for the experience or for fun’. It is not fun for them in these auditions if they do not have the skills required. The audition will include being taken through one of the routines from the show, they will also need to bring a song to perform acapella (one verse and chorus) and a short poem or monologue to perform. May I draw your attention to the following; All children must be available for the entire rehearsal and performance period, and no holidays will be allowed during the contracted period. Parents must be able to bring their child into all rehearsals and performances so do check trains and your travel route to ensure you would certainly be able to do so. We would consider helping MATILDA'S or BRUCE'S depending on circumstances. We anticipate a cast change every 6 months so there will be on-going opportunity for the younger children. Anyone over the age of 13 will not be considered for these roles and you will probably not get a response – we are too busy!"

Wow Hopeful that is just incredible. I was thinking you were one of the few posters we hadn't yet heard from! Huge congratulations to your dd. Also Mummysboy I was really sorry to read about your ds' experience over so many years and so happy that he can now dedicate himself to what he loves amongst others who value the same things ????

Huge congratulations to your dd Southerndancemum ????